Pick or Fingered?

[Anarkhia]

For me having switched over from playing guitar a number of years to bass, it was natural for me to use a pick. But after a couple of months i threw aside my picks in order to get the fingering technique. I generally play different styles of metal songs in my bands, so i was forcing myself to master the 3 finger technique from early on.

After a little while of doing that i find there's no need to switch back to using a pick. Now I can pluck consistently faster than i can pick consistently, while i also feel greater control when playing between the strings and in getting exactly the correct amount of notes needed when playing very fast sets together.

The only thing i disliked when using my fingers was that i couldn't get the attack i liked from when using a pick, which i solved by letting my nails grow a little bit. So now in my opinion i'm getting the best of both worlds

 

[spade2you]

Fingers almost exclusively. I still practice playing with a pick every once in a great while, but I've never been in a situation where I've used it with a band or in the studio.

 

[stepswork4me]

Both... Was exclusively a pick player for a long time, got into tapping, and found my self using my fingers more and more. It just depends on the feel of the tune.

 

[AuntieBeeb]

This.

I used to think bassists should only play fingerstyle, but I have come around to appreciating, and using, a pick for certain songs.

And this again. I think bassists are the sort of people who, in the early stages, are quite likely to either go down the pick or finger route exclusively and look down on anybody who chooses the opposite path. Eventually you shed your prejudices and realise that either way can sound good if it's done well.

Personally I'm more comfortable with my fingers, though I have noticed that my P-bass sounds quite nice if I take a pick to it. Not something I do often though.

 

[erigod23]

I play with both. I prefer a pick. And yes, I play Iron Maiden songs with a pick, and no, I don't care what you think.

 

[soundman502]

I've been playing for over ten years and I've always been a finger and thumb player. I've tried the pick but like others I found that by using things like my nails or an attack closer to the neck gives me the same effect I needed. Not that I don't like the tone but the style just isn't for me.

 

[PaulMacCnj]

Finger-style is my favorite to play and to hear. But there are songs that do sound better with the fast attack and snap of pick-style.

 

[chokeslam512]

The answer is yes.

 

[T-Bird]

Both.

Why limit the styles intentionally when our ablities in general limit the material we are able to play.

Just my 0.02€
Sam

 

[itchy]

Both.
The poll needs a "both" box.

 

[Rockingbird]

Fingers only. My girl won't let me play any other way.

 

[SirGrotius]

Well, I prefer to play with my fingers, since it's more natural and easier, but to be frank, playing with a pick sounds better especially for alternative and hard rock.

 

[tylerwylie]

I started playing a lot of Tool but now I like using fingers more. 3 finger technique is something that's hard to master but damn if it doesn't start to pay off.

 

[gtaus]

Mostly pick (80%). Sometimes fingers. Depends on the song, but most of our songs work better with a pick. I practice both ways and go with what works better for the song.

 

[Barron]

Hard to play the upright with a pick, but not impossible.

 

[Faderoktopus]

I play with both. I prefer a pick. And yes, I play Iron Maiden songs with a pick, and no, I don't care what you think.

I like that attitude! The fact of the matter is that no cover version will ever sound exactly like the original, and it would be boring if it did. Besides, I'm pretty sure that I've seen Steve rocking a pick on some early stuff.

 

[Bozendoka]

What about bowed? Or Funk-fingered?

Personally, I prefer the feeling of fingers on my instrument...

 

[EagleMoon]

I use both, but with the band I'm in now I use probably 95% pick. Just can't get the attack with fingers that I need.

 

[FunkyMcNasty]

Teeth only!

 

[Pollinator95]

I always play fingerstyle except with my band, where it´s about 70% pick, 20% fingers, and 10% silence.