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Famous bassists who use picks

#122
Tin Cadillac said:
Haven't seen a thread on this yet. I have often heard that real bass players use their fingers and NEVER use a pick (shudder) but I have learned that a good number of famous bassists actually use picks and that a pick is a part of their signature sound.

I started out using a pick (because I am a guitar player, after all) but weaned myself off because I wanted to become a "Real" bass player!

Here are some iconic bass players who use a plectrum (Pick).:

Chris Squire - Yes (Not just that "Rick" giving that signature sound)

Mel Schacher - GFR

John Lodge - Moody Blues

Tommy Shannon - SRV and Double Trouble

Roger Waters - Pink Floyd

Paul McCartney - The Beatles



I do not know about anyone else here but I will not be telling these guys they are not bass players because they use a pick!
Click to expand...
I use a pick.
 
#123
Tin Cadillac said:
Haven't seen a thread on this yet. I have often heard that real bass players use their fingers and NEVER use a pick (shudder) but I have learned that a good number of famous bassists actually use picks and that a pick is a part of their signature sound.

I started out using a pick (because I am a guitar player, after all) but weaned myself off because I wanted to become a "Real" bass player!

Here are some iconic bass players who use a plectrum (Pick).:

Chris Squire - Yes (Not just that "Rick" giving that signature sound)

Mel Schacher - GFR

John Lodge - Moody Blues

Tommy Shannon - SRV and Double Trouble

Roger Waters - Pink Floyd

Paul McCartney - The Beatles



I do not know about anyone else here but I will not be telling these guys they are not bass players because they use a pick!
Click to expand...
 
#124
I use a pick. I play a P Bass and an Ibanez with active electronics (preamp) in a classic rock trio. I am heard better and am able to fill in the rhythm parts better, so that we don't miss the second guitarist. I use at least a 2mm thick pick. That's if you care.
 
#136
sorry if it was mentioned
Jean jacques Burnell...The Stranglers

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#138
T Bassman said:
In my experience, the bassists who make silly statements about 'real' bass players not using picks, usually have no game with a pick, or are scared to try and work on their pick playing as it may prove challenging. I think it can only make you a better bassist, being able to play with your fingers and I pick.

I regularly use a pick on sessions with my P bass strung with flats, and always get complimented on my tone, and how the note sits against the kick drum. Plus its just kinda fun to be able switch between pick/fingers live to change it up and explore ways to control both. And yeah, you dont have to look very far to garner a pretty big list of famous/pro players who use plectrums as part of their tone;)
Click to expand...

Old post but P bass, flatwounds and a pick are one of the prettiest bass sounds going, think Carol Kaye with the Beach Boys. I'm not that great with a pick as I discarded it years ago when I realized that real bass players only played with their fingers:roflmao: but since I put Labellas on my P bass I've been using a pick quite a bit and it has inspired me to get better.

Example: although there is an upright playing along with the electric and a 6 string bass.

 
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