Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 v's Fingers. Which is better? CONCLUSION.
- Thread starter Dmanlamius
- Start date
Honestly, I don't think most people really care which one you use.
There's also a huge sticky on this subject in this forum already.
There's also a huge sticky on this subject in this forum already.
rockstarbassist
Inactive
You'd need a steel pick soldered to your fingers for a DB. Hehe.
Anyway, yeah, unless you're strictly in one genre and you know exactly the sound you want, I think you need to learn both pick and finger style. Just saying, I know a lot of people like to slap, but I think people are better off learning picking as their 2nd style, not slapping.
Anyway, yeah, unless you're strictly in one genre and you know exactly the sound you want, I think you need to learn both pick and finger style. Just saying, I know a lot of people like to slap, but I think people are better off learning picking as their 2nd style, not slapping.
Sincerest apologies. Didn't mean to offend!
The videos I have on Youtube that are about picks/mention picks reach over two hundred and fifty thousand views. Maybe more. Over there, people like nothing more than to argue about this topic, hence my latest video.
Obviously a more mature approach from the Talkbassers, which is refreshing.
For the record, I play with fingers. As mentioned, I understand the use of the plectrum, though.
Just saved your site to favs, will go back and check them all out later. good stuff, DMAN BTW, I play finger stylie exclusively (never could get used to a plectrum) but see how it is useful in the right setting/genre etc. (I should really learn to be proficient at it some time).
BTW, I play finger stylie exclusively (never could get used to a plectrum) but see how it is useful in the right setting/genre etc. (I should really learn to be proficient at it some time).
Which is better is subjetive. Not trying to criticise the pick, but all professional/session (not rockstars) bassists play with fingers..., so i assume if you want to be a pro you should be able to play with fingers.
neither one is better but their are distinct tones that each can generate that the other can't. in the perfect world one would be equally competent at both.
its funny how people think too much about "which one is better" - if you focus on making music, eventually you'll pick up the technique that you need to do such music. make sense?
Yea, I can think of a couple more as well.
I wasn't going to say, though. Can't be bothered to net argue!
I wasn't going to say, though. Can't be bothered to net argue!
I started out on pick. And it's still my bread and butter because of the clear tone and sound you can get with it. But that's just personal. I also luv the feeling of hammering out metal or punk lines with your fingers. Or slap popping harmonics. But iv heard one too many flea or claypool fan boys say " real bassists only finger pick/ slap". Honestly. It wouldn't matter if you play with your balls! As long as it sounds good.
Uhm. Flea has been known to use a pick from time to time. Why ? To achieve a special sound... I use both, but I mostly play metal these days, so the pick sees more time than my fingertips to.
It's all about the tone necessary for the tune. With my band, I'd say I play about 70%/30% pick/fingers. For our EP I played half with a pick and half with fingers. Sometimes I'll switch back and forth, especially when playing live. It all just depends.
That said - I think everyone should start on fingers to get a feel for the instrument, but I also think everyone (who plays rock, solo bass, or even church tunes) should be proficient with a pick. Picking isn't a hard technique to pick up. The basics are pretty simple.
I used to be completely anti-pick. I thought it was for bassists who didn't know how to play and were trying to mimic guitars. My thoughts changed (drastically) when I met a guy who could do more with a pick than most bass players can do with any other technique.
That said - I think everyone should start on fingers to get a feel for the instrument, but I also think everyone (who plays rock, solo bass, or even church tunes) should be proficient with a pick. Picking isn't a hard technique to pick up. The basics are pretty simple.
I used to be completely anti-pick. I thought it was for bassists who didn't know how to play and were trying to mimic guitars. My thoughts changed (drastically) when I met a guy who could do more with a pick than most bass players can do with any other technique.
Another "if you think that, tell that to _ _ _ _ (a great bass player)" response....
That responses dont mean nothing because always is one in a millon...
Im talking in general...
Or Carol Kaye. This is a silly thread. kinda reminds me of the German vs. French bow threads in the doublebass forums. Just another excuse not to be practicing...lol.
You can find great players who use both, and a few like Sting or Chuck Rainey that make some really nice sounds with their thumbs. And I don't mean just slap here either.
Conclusion? - it all works and it all sounds different.
