drummer wants me to use a pick

[TuneSalad666]

This could open up a whole new can of worm in regards to what "traditional or un-traditional finger style" even is. There are a lot of players like Geddy or Steve Harris who have a lot of attack and punch (I can't think of a pick player who has more) who would possibly be considered more "traditional" than Entwistle.

Possibly.

Still doesn't change the fact that to me Steve Harris still sounds like he is finger picking and not using a pick.

As does Geddy and even John Entwistle, with his quite unusual approach to it.

Pick playing just contribute a specific distinguish tone that I would claim it is impossible to achieve by using your fingers alone.

You might be able to get as much attack and punch using some alternative finger picking styles, but it will not be the same kind of attack and punch.

 

[Sixgunn]

Possibly.

Still doesn't change the fact that Steve Harris sounds like he is finger picking and not using a pick.

As does Geddy and even John Entwistle, with his quite unusual approach to it.

Pick playing just contribute a specific distinguished tone that I would claim it is impossible to achieve by using your fingers alone.

You might be able to get as much attack and punch using some alternative finger picking styles, but it will not be the same kind of attack and punch.

I am not disagreeing with and have not disagreed with any of this. Still unclear of what constitutes an alternative finger style.

 

[fingerbun]

Read what I actually said, not what you want to think I said.

If everyone did that, the internet as we know it would end....

 

[Giffro]

If everyone did that, the internet as we know it would end....

Darn...and I thought it was just my router dropping out

 

[fingerbun]

A side comment, is that just as there are different fingerstyles, there are different ways to use a pick, and different grades of pick. All of this affects your sound.

So if you choose to experiment with pick, persist and try a few different types.

 

[rodv66]

I never used a pick and started to about two years ago. Used fingers for 30 years, so still better with them, but the pick does cut through. Nothing wrong with learning to use one, but still your choice

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

So our drummer keeps pushing me to use a pick. Implying I'll be better if I use a pick. I keep telling him it has nothing to do with skill level and I always preferred using fingers... His reasoning is when he plays bass he uses a pick and he "sounds better than me" so I should use a pick.... Any way I can dumb it down for him?

Tell him he would sound better with brushes.

 

[BigBatch]

Tell him he should use brushes on his drums.

 

[ProgressiveDoom]

This scenario brings me to a boil. Im extremely chill in any case but this.......would have me in a rage.

 

[otp57]

So our drummer keeps pushing me to use a pick. Implying I'll be better if I use a pick. I keep telling him it has nothing to do with skill level and I always preferred using fingers... His reasoning is when he plays bass he uses a pick and he "sounds better than me" so I should use a pick.... Any way I can dumb it down for him?

I would just tell him to play BASS it is that simple.

 

[braud357]

I mainly use fingers, but if someone asked to try a pick, I wouldn't hesitate.

I wouldn't hesitate telling him to "pound sand" !!

 

[pasco jacorius]

"Just say no !"

 

[diegom]

start telling him what variety of drumsticks to use and see how he appreciates that.

Remember we're talking about a drummer. The subtlety might get lost!
Tell him to play your hardest rocking song with.... brushes!!! That might get the message across!

 

[DrayMiles]

You are into the whole area of artistic control here. My experience is I don’t always have complete artistic control.

I’m presuming your band is a democracy? Hmm... If you’re the bass player then you’ve been chosen to hopefully be the expert in the band regarding all things bass. You’re right though, if I’m being paid, that person has input. Other than that, I’m the expert.

 

[phangtonpower]

I wouldn't hesitate telling him to "pound sand" !!

ok

 

[fingerbun]

I’m presuming your band is a democracy? Hmm... If you’re the bass player then you’ve been chosen to hopefully be the expert in the band regarding all things bass. You’re right though, if I’m being paid, that person has input. Other than that, I’m the expert.

I’ve been hired because they need a bass player live. More than once I’ve worked in bands where there was another pro bass player, but he/she was playing something else in that lineup. Think about being Taylor Hawkins on drums for example.

A band is a team effort. You serve the song.

 

[Davesdamnbass]

It's really up to you. I use a brass pick, a felt pick and a heavy Dunlop pick. I don't use them that often. Depends on what the song calls for. If you don't feel like playing with a pick dont. Do you record your practices?

 

[juancaminos]

And another thing...I do have a pet peeve in this regard...kind of: When any one in the band tries to tell the bass player that he is not playing the bass part exactly right. Or, worse yet, tries to show the bass player how it goes. REALLY? How many guitarists, drummers, vocalists nail thier parts perfectly. 5%?

 

[Kubicki Fan]

A side comment, is that just as there are different fingerstyles, there are different ways to use a pick, and different grades of pick. All of this affects your sound.

So if you choose to experiment with pick, persist and try a few different types.

Bobby Vega and His Super-Funky Plectrum

 

[Whousedtoplay]

So our drummer keeps pushing me to use a pick. Implying I'll be better if I use a pick. I keep telling him it has nothing to do with skill level and I always preferred using fingers... His reasoning is when he plays bass he uses a pick and he "sounds better than me" so I should use a pick.... Any way I can dumb it down for him?

I think the reason your "strange" drummer is complaining is this:
The drummer's kick has too much LOW End that (the regular amateur drummer's deal).
The drummer's lame EQ approach is messing out with your bass EQ; therefore, the drummer wants you to use a pick and obtain that drum kick drum "punch" with your bass sound(?).
Tell your drummer to change that selfish amateur "me, me, me" attitude and become a band member/team player.