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Pick or Fingers for Live Playing.
- Thread starter FunkyFever
- Start date
I play so fast and aggressively that finger plucking just ain't an option. I also use overdrive and distortion a lot, and to be honest, it sounds unpleasant when using these effects and playing with fingers (especially for distortion, softer overdrive works good for fingers tho), Fuzz effects are infinitely more suitable for finger play IMO.
Not that I never play using fingers, occasionally I do when I feel like playing some ballad. But otherwise no.
But that is a bit OT, main question was whether picks or fingers for live play. Well one thing is for certain - pick played bass cuts through the mix easier and is generally easier to set up.
Not that I never play using fingers, occasionally I do when I feel like playing some ballad. But otherwise no.
But that is a bit OT, main question was whether picks or fingers for live play. Well one thing is for certain - pick played bass cuts through the mix easier and is generally easier to set up.
It’s mostly a TalkBass made up issue. I had never even heard that it was an issue before I joined TalkBass.
Many things which are being discussed here on TB are not an issue in the "wild"..
You’ve got that right. 49 years I’ve never heard a problem about using picks, no one ever got their panties in a knot over relics, music stands, hats, sunglasses, or shorts.
There are a lot of great things about TalkBass, but there is also a loud, obnoxious minority that looks to find ways to divide the community.
I wish it was more about encouraging people to push the envelope, try new ideas, do your own thing. I’m a dreamer.
I go back & forth depending on the acoustics of the room & what the song calls for.
In rooms with lousy acoustics a pick really helps give the bass definition.
If I play roundwound strings I tend to use my fingers.If I use flat wounds I tend to use a pick.That's not a rule I follow all the time though.
Green Dunlop Tortex .88's for me.
In rooms with lousy acoustics a pick really helps give the bass definition.
If I play roundwound strings I tend to use my fingers.If I use flat wounds I tend to use a pick.That's not a rule I follow all the time though.
Green Dunlop Tortex .88's for me.
Don't take it seriously, buddy. After all, it's only internet...
Regarding the ''Pick vs. Fingers is an issue only on TB'': I expected TB to be full of ''picks suck, fingers only'' people but I find it quite the opposite.
On the other hand, sites and forums for bass players in my country are full of snobs who consider you a lesser being for using a pick, and if you are a finger player that is not enough because you absolutely must know how to slap, and if you do not join you suck just as much as pick players. The other things those guys will berate you for are also the following:
- Using a four string bass, because you absolutely need to have a five or more stringed one
- Using a P-bass/another split coil bass. Because only humbuckers or two single coils matter
- Not using amp from the following brands: Markbass, Ampeg, GK, Genz Benz, Aguilar, Mesa or something boutique-made
-Not playing any jazz-fusion genre
Of course not all of those guys on these sites are like that, but plenty of the most prominent members are.
On the other hand, sites and forums for bass players in my country are full of snobs who consider you a lesser being for using a pick, and if you are a finger player that is not enough because you absolutely must know how to slap, and if you do not join you suck just as much as pick players. The other things those guys will berate you for are also the following:
- Using a four string bass, because you absolutely need to have a five or more stringed one
- Using a P-bass/another split coil bass. Because only humbuckers or two single coils matter
- Not using amp from the following brands: Markbass, Ampeg, GK, Genz Benz, Aguilar, Mesa or something boutique-made
-Not playing any jazz-fusion genre
Of course not all of those guys on these sites are like that, but plenty of the most prominent members are.
Same here. I use the Dunlop Ultex thumbpicks. I play finger style the overwhelming majority of the time, but I keep a thumbpick on all night as I can switch to it whenever I want (even mid-song) and it does not interfere with finger style.
In 35 years of playing, I can't ever remember doing a gig with a pick, which is funny, because some of my faves (Squire, Macca, Lesh) are pretty big pick players. I think the only way I'd use one is if I was playing an old Fender with flats on something that called for it. Even though I started on guitar, playing pick bass never felt right to me, and I also found it way too easy to overplay when using one. I tend to go for a modern tone, and I also find playing with a pick sounds too trebly. So, 100 percent finger guy, here.
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It depends on the style I'm playing but mostly pick, all kinds of picks. I use them like quick and dirty EQ for different songs. I love the attack, especially in a live mix.
I like fingers tho. Been working 3 finger style and its great for fast metal stuff that would make my picking hand cramp up.
Funk is all pick tho. I am a member of the church of Bobby Vega!
I like fingers tho. Been working 3 finger style and its great for fast metal stuff that would make my picking hand cramp up.
Funk is all pick tho. I am a member of the church of Bobby Vega!
