Is it blasphemous to play Nirvana with fingers?

[organworthyplayer337]

I'm helping a friend for a show coming up next month. We're playing a few songs by Nirvana....

I way more comfortable with fingers but am not sure if it's a "thing" in the Nirvana fan community...

You'd be surprised.

I understand the average listener can't tell the difference but want to do right by the fans

***if you are a stick in the mud, no need to respond ***

 

[GastonD]

I have never experienced any problems in that regard...and I also hang my bass much higher than Krist Novoselic

 

[dtripoli]

It's music, there are no hard and fast rules unless you are a professional bassist in a commercial setting.
Even in that setting, except playing in a classical orchestra, it's changeable.

 

[bigboy_78]

For true authenticity the singer should have a big hole where his head used to be, so if that isn’t happening using your fingers should be OK.

Playing with a pick feels way more ROCK though. Give it a go.

 

[BassAndReeds]

I'd personally play it with a pick. I like the attack for the style. Not sure what the fans would think.

Dunlop sells medium/heavy variety packs. Maybe you just haven't found the right pick for you.

I personally use .88 nylon maxgrips.

 

[Dean N]

Play your way. Sans pick. If it was a Nirvana tribute band, then it'd be debatable. I sure wouldn't learn how to use a pick for one fill-in gig, for a few songs. Especially if the BL never even brought it up.

As someone who pays attention to that kind of detail, I'd be more inclined to think "that guy can play!" Rather than "No pick? Boo" ..but that's just me.

 

[catcauphonic]

Play your way. Sans pick. If it was a Nirvana tribute band, then it'd be debatable. I sure wouldn't learn how to use a pick for one fill-in gig, for a few songs. Especially if the BL never even brought it up.

Echo echo echo

 

[garyd70]

Represent yourself, stay true to your interpretation and play however "you" like. It's not a tribute band so I don't see the need for you to play with a pick anymore than you going out and getting the same basses Novoselic played. A few people will always pick apart a performance, but the majority of them will just enjoy it.

 

[JMacBass65]

Let me think about this a bit.........












No, no it's not.

 

[electracoyote]

Blasphemous? Hardly.

Sheesh, it's Nirvana. Not even the musicians in the room will know or care if you play with your fingers, let alone the other 99.9% of the audience who wouldn't even understand what we're talking about right now.

 

[Alfonso Alba]

How did the show go? I'm starting to play some Nirvana and Beastie Boys songs (real easy stuff) but I'm no good with a pick.

 

[organworthyplayer337]

How did the show go? I'm starting to play some Nirvana and Beastie Boys songs (real easy stuff) but I'm no good with a pick.

It was dope! Nobody cared; I'm the bassist

 

[Killed_by_Death]

If you're just doing a few Nirvana songs, play them how you like.
If you're in a Nirvana tribute band, then you might want to try and look and play like Krist, but that might mean buying some heels or stilts.
because that dude is TALL!

 

[pacojas]

It was dope! Nobody cared; I'm the bassist

you seem like a super cool person! charisma much?

 

[organworthyplayer337]

you seem like a super cool person! charisma much?

Thank you!