• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Pick Rant!!

#62
Honestly, who cares what anyone else thinks? People get way too hung up on this. I use numerous styles for playing and I'm sure some are not ideal for others but they are for me, so I'm obviously going to do what works for me.

I rarely use a pick anymore but that's because I am not currently playing anything that I desire that sound for. I use a pick on my guitar though.

Keep true to yourself.
 
#63
jmon said:
It’s all about the style. I’m in a cover band. I’m not going go play Green Day with my fingers. Could I? Sure. But it will sound closer to the track with a pick. So I play with a pick. Could I play Sublime with a pick? Sure. But it will sound closer to the track with my fingers. This argument is so simple I don’t know why it keeps coming up. Go with what the song leads you too. Thumb, Fingers, Pick, playing card, tongue, feet, elbow, beer bottle. Who cares? Just my opinion.
Click to expand...
What's the best beer bottle for metal? :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: jmon
#64
I think the prejudice is real, though fortunately rare. I have encountered people that say it in the real world - the worst is when someone isn't even a musician but really believes that "real bassists don't use picks." To me it is evidence of ignorance, and unfortunately ignorance breeds contempt.
 
#66
I have seen a lot of those types of comments mostly on YouTube. Just remember:
BBA0946B-6EDB-4E87-B7AD-9B5F8ABC4AE5.jpeg
 
#68
JimmyM said:
Are you kidding? The effects forum had to institute a rule about arrogant douchebag bassists constantly going into threads there and whining about people using pedals!

However, I do agree that people who whine about pick players are every bit the douchebags.


I have. A guy in the audience once came up to me and said, "Man, I thought you were a really good bassist at first, but then I saw you pull out a pick and ruin it."

I replied, "Here, let me walk you to the exit door."
Click to expand...

Usually my bass buddies in town mocked on me because I use a pick most of the times..then somebody shared Cody Wright video in our whatsapp chat ..I know a couple of guys who started to lear to play with a pick after that...
 
  • Like
Reactions: JimmyM
#70
iriegnome said:
Why.. WHY on earth is there such stupidity about the whole pick/finger thing?? Why. You play with a pick. Good for you it works. You play finger style, cool. You can play both (I do). Rarely do I pick up a pick, but I always have them with me. Weather, hand sweat, and a thousand other reasons to grab a pick. WHO CARES!!! We don't go on and on about bassists using pedals. Or Flats. UGH!!! Why this same argument. 38 years having to listen to narrow minded people tell me I am wrong for using a pick!! Poop to that right there. If I want to use a pick, I will. Play 32 string bass, then I will..
Sorry for the rant. I hate it when I am goaded into this stupid argument for no reason other than to taunt...
Click to expand...

Which pick do you use? I’m sure I can find fault with your selection of picks. And, BTW, their actual name is a plectrum. But I’m just trolling you, so...
 
  • Like
Reactions: diegom and iriegnome
#75
iriegnome said:
Why.. WHY on earth is there such stupidity about the whole pick/finger thing?? Why. You play with a pick. Good for you it works. You play finger style, cool. You can play both (I do). Rarely do I pick up a pick, but I always have them with me. Weather, hand sweat, and a thousand other reasons to grab a pick. WHO CARES!!! We don't go on and on about bassists using pedals. Or Flats. UGH!!! Why this same argument. 38 years having to listen to narrow minded people tell me I am wrong for using a pick!! Poop to that right there. If I want to use a pick, I will. Play 32 string bass, then I will..
Sorry for the rant. I hate it when I am goaded into this stupid argument for no reason other than to taunt...
Click to expand...
Some songs just need to be played with a pick. I use my fingers probably 90% of the time but I use a pick on songs like "Ain't Talikn' Bout Love", "China Grove" (sometimes), a couple of Montrose songs that require a lot of lengthy, sixteenth note notes, "Simple Man" (for that extra punch during the chorus), "Goin' Down" (JB Group), "Lido Shuffle", etc. And who cares if I used a pick on everything I played! People that like to criticize pick users are immature and most-likely, jealous because they can't use one effectively. I prefer using my fingers but I have discovered that a pick can be my friend sometimes.
 
#76
I've played with my fingers thru the heavy metal explosion of the 80's when every single bassist I came across used a pick. (I guess for a cleaner attack) but I always felt a little weird as I was constantly being asked to use a pick...."What is all that noise coming from your bass??" Sound guys hated the use of fingers. But I sucked with a pick, couldn't play for my life with one but tore it up with my fingers. Now I'm main-lining on a Hofner v63 and a Club bass that I find almost demands a pick.and am finding that a pick brings out the sustain and is, "in my opinion" a must for such a delicate bass. I still suck with one but through tons of prac and commitment am getting better and am digging the clean, quick response as well as the overall tone I'm getting. Now I feel like I'm not being "true" to the instrument.....go figure huh?
 
#77
DownhillWillie said:
I've played with my fingers thru the heavy metal explosion of the 80's when every single bassist I came across used a pick. (I guess for a cleaner attack) but I always felt a little weird as I was constantly being asked to use a pick...."What is all that noise coming from your bass??" Sound guys hated the use of fingers. But I sucked with a pick, couldn't play for my life with one but tore it up with my fingers. Now I'm main-lining on a Hofner v63 and a Club bass that I find almost demands a pick.and am finding that a pick brings out the sustain and is, "in my opinion" a must for such a delicate bass. I still suck with one but through tons of prac and commitment am getting better and am digging the clean, quick response as well as the overall tone I'm getting. Now I feel like I'm not being "true" to the instrument.....go figure huh?
Click to expand...
That's exactly how I felt when I started playing the bass. I thought, "using a pick is not acceptable"! Goes to show how ignorant I was about using (or not using) a pick. I have no problem whatsoever using one now.
 
#78
One of my absolute favorite bass players uses a pick from time to time.... The Pioneer of the Contrabass, Anthony Jackson. Listen to Eyewitness or Casa Loco. Such a great bass tone. Such a masterful player. Wait, what are we talking about? I forgot....
 
#79
jmon said:
It’s all about the style. I’m in a cover band. I’m not going go play Green Day with my fingers. Could I? Sure. But it will sound closer to the track with a pick. So I play with a pick. Could I play Sublime with a pick? Sure. But it will sound closer to the track with my fingers. This argument is so simple I don’t know why it keeps coming up. Go with what the song leads you too. Thumb, Fingers, Pick, playing card, tongue, feet, elbow, beer bottle. Who cares? Just my opinion.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more with this pick. As with most things in music, use what applies to the situation. It's funny for a profession/hobby where the mantra is 'there are no rules', there sure are a lot of rules! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: jmon and br1qbat

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back