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Finger, Pick, THUMB?

#21
Why refuse to play with a pick? If it's just your personal preference then fine but other than that, there's no real basis to that logic other than "that's how they did it in the 60's". The argument of "REAL bass players don't use a pick" has long since been laid to rest. :D
 
#22
Knowing how to use a pick is a good skill, i play almost everything with a pick. Alot of newer bands use picks so its vital if you play on covering songs from alot of genres.

That said i rarely play finger style just aint my thing i feel dorky haha

. I use my thumb to slap thats it. there really is no wrong hand technique its whats comfortable to you. Just play with your hand not your arm its all in the wrist:)
 
#24
NKUSigEp said:
Why refuse to play with a pick? If it's just your personal preference then fine but other than that, there's no real basis to that logic other than "that's how they did it in the 60's". The argument of "REAL bass players don't use a pick" has long since been laid to rest. :D
Click to expand...

I was kidding with the whole "Real bassists don't pick", though I know some feel it goes against tradition (hey I prefer "Bitches Brew" to "Kind Of Blue" so screw tradition!!!). I just like the feel of the strings under my fingers when I play and prefer the warmer tone. (and when I do use a pick for guitar I use the fattest gauge pick I can find!) :)
 
#26
man i say do what works for you.



James Jamerson...one finger, his whole life! some of the worlds favorite bass lines came out of one finger...he was only limited by how much work he wanted to make that finger do and let me tell you he worked it to death. it may be the harder way to do it some peoples eyes but it felt right to him and thats all that mattered
 
#28
I mostly play with the index and middle finger, but definitely include both the thumb and the pick in the game plan. Some songs where you need to invoke 3 strings in short order, you need the thumb. Just be careful to try to get the same tone and volume from the thumb that you do from your fingers (not always easy to do that). And the pick is another story - with some rock stuff, it just makes a lot of sense to use a pick plus you can rest your right hand a little during a gig.
 
#30
its nice to learn different techniques for different situations....i started fingerstyle...the tone wasnt there at first, but came with practice. then a palm muted thumb technique...for me, felt totally unnatural, but now i use it a LOT! still learning with a pick
 
#31
I started with a pick many years ago because my friends all played guitar and showed me my first bass lines. Since all they knew was pick, that's what they taught me with. Now I play mostly with my fingers and thumb. I use the thumb quite often to give the fingers a rest after intense sections in longer songs. I also like the different sounds I can get between my fingers and thumb and switch back and forth in songs depending on the feel and tone I want.
 
#32
Relayer71 said:
Anyway, I REFUSE to use a pick...

...poor form amongst bassists? As bad as playing with a pick?
Click to expand...

Please: Get this bit of bass bigotry out of your head - ASAP. It is one of the stubbornly pervasive myths in existence in the bass world, and simply serves no constructive purpose whatsoever.

Since you're concerned about avoiding bad habits, you can start with this one: Make a point of avoiding all such simple-minded, divisive and toxic idiocy from now on... :eyebrow:

MM

Edit: I just now read your follow-up re: "just kidding" about the pick remarks. I take you at your word. Nevertheless, I'm leaving my initial comments intact - for the record.

You'd be amazed at how often the "real bassists don't use picks" nonsense comes up - even here on TalkBass, among bassists themselves - who should know better! When we start accepting the ignorant musical judgments of others - particularly those who may have an ulterior agenda that doesn't include the best interests of the music itself - it's all downhill from there... :eyebrow:
 
#33
Just an update: been playing with my fingers more and they're "loosening up" :)

In other words been practicing a lot and I'm getting more comfortable with it, playing with a lot more accuracy and dexterity. Once in a while I'm playing and then realize I switched to thumb without even knowing it though so guess old habits Bruce Willis.

And MM: I did mean that remark sort of half joking. I say "half" because I was joking but also asking the opinion of all you long time and experienced bassists regarding that particular stance.

But the reason I stay away from the pick is because I have no difficulty in playing with one after 19 years of playing guitar with one. I also did play bass for 2 years early on (14 years ago) and it was all with pick. Also played guitar with my thumb so it felt natural on bass.

But using my other fingers I felt like a cripple trying to play, lol. But like I said, starting to feel good now and I'm thrilled :D

Thanks again all for all the replies.
 

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