Green Day tribute - pick or fingers?

[zephyr_words]

We're planning a roughly hour-long set, with one "encore" tune, and one of the big, key points of this band is that we're going to put a lot of energy into the show - only doing the faster GD songs, ideally rolling from one song to the next so fast that people don't have time to fit a request in before the count in to the next tune. We'll also be playing with a split bill - it'll be us and a couple of other bands - so hopefully that'll cut down the "do you play anything else" trend.

I actually love playing the newer, American Idiot stuff much more than the older stuff - the bass isn't as complex, but the songwriting is SO much better, IMO - but really I love it all. My current "I'm so over it" song is She, but that's balanced out by four tracks from AI - Holiday, AI, Jesus of Suburbia (what an awesome prog song!) and St. Jimmy. I'm also currently digging the heck out of Minority.

As a side note, I'm slinging the bass low - not super-duper Mike Dirnt low, but just below my waist - and I'm having a really hard time getting the palm muting for some songs - Holiday comes to mind, and one other (whose name I can't quite remember at the moment) - any tips on that?

The good part about the new songs is even though they are simple it makes them a lot easier to just listen, lock in and sing along while having some fun. We still do a cover of their cover of My Generation and that always goes over really well.
If you're ever in the MD area I'll check you out.

The bass low thing is probably just more practicing. If you've always played high you're having adjust a lot of your ergonomics.

 

[crijan]

One thing I forgot about the switch to a pick, make sure to try a bunch of different types of picks to find one you're comfortable with.

I had written off picks years ago because they would always slip or slide out of my hand, but once I was forced into it for the tribute band I ended up finding the perfect non-slip pick for me (Dunlop Tortex 0.73 if you're interested).

 

[neurotictim]

I've spent the last couple of days working on relaxing my picking hand, and that's helped - a LOT.

I'm finding that medium picks are working best for me, if I can train myself to strike the string evenly (without the "scraping" sound) - but I think that's a matter of practicing the proper techinque. I haven't had a problem keeping hold of them, but as I learn to keep my grip relaxed that may become a problem...

I haven't decided if I like the tone better nearer the bridge or neck, but the most comfortable spot (and most "playable") is right in the middle, over the pup. I don't like the sound, though, and I may have to considerably lower the pickup if I'm going to continue playing there, to avoid banging the strings into the magnets. (I find digging in on the attack gives me a better "Dirnt" tone)

 

[Ripley]

I've always played with a pick and have played several GD songs over the years. Frankly, I don't think anyone will care how you play their stuff - it's Green Day, man, play comfortable. A slightly heavier pick and wearing your bass closer to level will help avoid the scraping sound.

Like Jimmy said (and others will tell you), if your hand is cramping, you're doing it wrong. I use Tortex 1.14's, play with a pretty heavy right hand and mute strings when necessary, and cramping has never been an issue for me.

Good luck and rock hard!

 

[jaywa]

JMO but if I went to watch a Green Day tribute band and the bassist was playing fingerstyle it would hit me wrong.

As a guy who started on pick, then went to fingerstyle and has never gone back, I can relate to the physical challenges of using a pick. Especially when a lot of string-crossing is involved. But it's really the essence of Mike Dirnt's sound so I think to be legit in this scenario you have to suck it up and do the best you can.... with a pick.

 

[neurotictim]

It's beginning to look like raising the bass is going to be the only way I can manage a good pick sound, with good left hand technique and without straining.

Just for kicks I tried playing though my tentative set list with the bass almost a foot higher - directly in front of my stomach, as opposed to just below the belt - and it was MUCH easier to play cleanly.

Now, if you guys happened across a Green Day tribute band, would it strike you as odd if the bassist had the bass hiked up higher than any self-respecting "punk" would?

 

[superdick2112]

When I'm playing covers, I always try & use the technique(s) used by the bassist who recorded the song. When I'm writing basslines for originals, I subscribe to the same philosophy several others here do - whatever best fits the song.
As for the issue of pick use causing you pain, I would suggest using a thin pick, & working up to a medium or heavy after a month or so. Imho, thin picks are easier on the wrist for first-time pickers, but they don't offer as much control or dynamics as heavier picks do.

 

[ZolkoW]

I play in a GD cover band too, and don't really care
I play about 40% with pick, the other 60% fingerstyle.. I'm better with fingers, so I think of playing with pick as a chance to develop another useful technique. I don't think I would ever play 100% of their songs with pick. whatever sounds and feels better to ME.

 

[CTEagle91]

Love this thread, even though it is a bit old! Thanks for everyone's opinions. You all have inspired me to "dare" to learn, get comfortable with, and eventually play our band's GD covers (She, WICA, Basket Case, and Brain Stew) with a pick. I do them all now with fingers, and haven't been too happy with the tone. But pick is hard!! I'm going for it, though - thanks again!
PS - Is there a different thread that discusses on When I Come Around what are the best fingers to use for the first part of the riff on the frets? People have mentioned how hard it is to jump multiple strings with the right/pick hand... WELL... I'm struggling with my left hand too. I think I'm just not using the best fingers for each note, and I'm curious what people who can really play it use. Thanks again!

 

[stigbeve]

Pick. The more you practice/perform with it the less your hand will cramp.