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Finger or pick

#41
I used to think real bass players don't use a pick. Then I learned how to play with a pick.

All it takes is these three things: practice, practice and more practice. Once learned, it does not seem to get unlearned. These days I play a load of songs with a pick - including a lot of songs that were likely recorded fingerstyle.

Heck, just yesterday I bought a small pick cos it's a different material than what I usually play and I found the sound I got to be fuller and deeper so I may end up using it as my main pick in the band.

Why limit yourself?
 
#44
stefancaunter said:
Pick is often better in hard rock. It punches out a defined P bass sound and works great with the kick in a mix. The nice big fender heavy pick and a P bass is the industry standard.
That said I use fingers 95% of the time, it's my sound and it's less effort.
Ignore people who complain something has been posted. They probably come from Wikipedia. Forums are for discussion.
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<The nice big fender heavy pick and a P bass is the industry standard.>

I have found that using too light a pick tires out my right hand much, much faster than the heavier picks. The Fender heavy gauge has always seemed to work well for me. As already mentioned, you really don't have to pick the strings very hard, you know. Let your amp do the heavy lifting. But whatever material the pick is made from, I simply can not use a flimsy pick on bass strings. For me, anyway, even medium gauge picks don't work as well as heavy gauge, and they tire my hand out faster.

JimmyM has posted some very useful comments here on TalkBass regarding Carol Kaye's method of using the pick. Carol's method is designed to avoid injury to the hand and wrist. There's information on her website on this subject. Well worth the time to check out. I've got some Carol Kaye picks. They're a little smaller than I'm used to, but they work fine.
 
#47
I always read about "pick is great" but year after year the number of finger players still grows. I still think that "pick is great" it is easier to achieve a good tone and really cuts through.

That said, I am a finger player :D.
 
#48
Kro said:
It's great to be proficient with both. You can never have too many tools at your disposal when it comes to expressing yourself.

I say this as a bassist who never learned to slap very well (shame on me)! Maybe one day... :p
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^^^ This. And like you, I don't play slap well. I can play it when required, but it doesn't sound as polished as someone who is more proficient.
 
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#51
I was a pick player for the first 20 years of playing. Then, I had an opportunity to audition for a blues band and remembered reading an article which stated most blues guitarists prefer bass players to use fingers. I learned the band's entire cd with fingers over the course of one weekend and got the gig. I ended up touring, recording and still do music for television as a result of joining that band. Now, I primarily use fingers but will use a pick if the song calls for it.
 
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#53
Mike Barrow said:
I have plates in my neck and rods in my back. I had an accident at work in 1985 that ruptured a disc in my neck. Then in1999 I was rear ended in a car and ruptured another disc in my neck. I have nerve damage in both arms. My hands go to sleep al the time. But I play on. I will never stop .
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it sounds like your injury is the base of your problem. I have arthritis and can no longer do any pick work for an extended period of time without great pain. Neck size and shape has become a problem on certain basses and I no longer play Upright. Im sure other older players have similar issues.
 
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#54
I thought for 20 years I had carpal tunnel but it ended up being a nerve in my upper back a herniated disc. After physical therapy it's much better. That kept me from using a pick because of the stress I felt in my shoulder. Where would you anchor your arm?
 
#55
Mike Marshall said:
it sounds like your injury is the base of your problem. I have arthritis and can no longer do any pick work for an extended period of time without great pain. Neck size and shape has become a problem on certain basses and I no longer play Upright. Im sure other older players have similar issues.
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I am getting arthritic too. It hurts to play sometimes it hurts so bad but I push through and the pain stops sometimes. It seems that if I move the joint that's hurting it helps with the pain. That's way I play so long trying to stop the pain in my fingers my hand my wrist and my arm. Playing helps the pain.
 
#56
I'd say I play at least 95% fingers-and the rest would involve thumb &/or pick or hybrid.

But I can play with a pick--sometimes a rhythm is easier for me to play with fingers or with a pick--or the difference in sound can affect that as well.

But I prefer using my fingers--sometimes just my index finger-and I pick up & down with it.
Mostly my first two fingers--sometimes adding in my ring finger

but as others have mentioned--it is good to be able to use either, even if you mostly use one.
 
#57
EddiePlaysBass said:
I used to think real bass players don't use a pick. Then I learned how to play with a pick.

All it takes is these three things: practice, practice and more practice. Once learned, it does not seem to get unlearned. These days I play a load of songs with a pick - including a lot of songs that were likely recorded fingerstyle.

Heck, just yesterday I bought a small pick cos it's a different material than what I usually play and I found the sound I got to be fuller and deeper so I may end up using it as my main pick in the band.

Why limit yourself?
Click to expand...
 
#58
I saw a new kind of guitar pick on face book the other day. It has a tail and you slip it over your finger. The pick can't be dropped. I have got to get my some of them. I quit using a pick because I always drop the thing. My hand goes to sleep holding the pick and I just stared using my fingers. I play guitar too but same thing with pick. This new pick could be the answer.
 
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#59
Mike Barrow said:
I quit using a pick because I always drop the thing.
Click to expand...

My drummer used to laugh every time I wod take a pick, cos he knew that about 3 bars in, I would inevitably drop it.

At some point that band folded, and I joined a pop band. BL wanted to learn Golden Earring's Radar Love, and you really need a pick to do it justice. Practicing that song helped immensely in my picking ability, and I have not looked back since.
 

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