Novice Question

[jackajesusfreak]

I'm 55 years old and have been playing 6 string acc and/or electric since I was 11 years old. About a month ago the praise band leader at our church asked me if I could play bass for the new band we started at our new campus. I accepted the challenge. Now, I've used a pick for 44 years and now I'm trying to learn how to play without one. My question is, does anyone use a pick to play bass, and if so, do they make a special pick for a bass? Sorry for the ignorance, but I'll never know if I don't ask. Thanks.
Jack

 

[kcolyar]

Yes, lots of players use picks. Did you do a search in the techniques forum? There might be a post or two about it. I used picks at when I first started, simply because I had played guitar. Now I only use fingers for my sound. Its a personal preference thing. I hope this helps.

 

[jackajesusfreak]

Thanks it helps more than you know

 

[dmrogers]

As kcolyar stated, many people use a pick. I played guitar for years, but when I switched to bass, I started using my fingers. Lucky for me, I was able to practice the bass before actually getting the call to play live.

I suggest that you practice playing with your fingers and see how you like the tone that your fingers produce. I wouldn't switch to finger style just because someone else does. I like the tone better and I also feel it gives me more control.

You can use a regular pick. I have used, in the past, a felt pick made for bass. I haven't seen one in a while but I saw on a post the other day that they are still being made. They don't last too long especially with roundwounds.


Try the fingers and see how it works. You might like it!
Good luck!