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Picks: yes or no poll
- Thread starter Rib 13
- Start date
A bassist could have a preference, ore be more skilled on one or the other, but should be able to use pick or fingers according to the requirement of the song.
I love picks and the sound/playing styles they impart. I love fingers as well for the same reason.
I never saw a point in trying to mimic one by using the other. I think of them both as a different timbre and a different approach.
Either can be a valid option towards fulfilling the role of the instrument and, sound engineering-wise, easily fit in a sensible part of the spectrum for the register of the instrument.
I never saw a point in trying to mimic one by using the other. I think of them both as a different timbre and a different approach.
Either can be a valid option towards fulfilling the role of the instrument and, sound engineering-wise, easily fit in a sensible part of the spectrum for the register of the instrument.
Hmmm…maybe you missed something or you’re not quite doing it like her, or perhaps you have some sort of complicating factor? I was having horrible pains with a pick once I turned 40, and 22 years later I can play all day with a pick with zero pain. Hard to tell without seeing you, but if you have a vid, maybe I could help troubleshoot.
I use picks for ecrtain licks or songs only when the picked sound adds extra. 99% I am fingering.
Note: I am primarily a lead guitarist and a hobbyist basser, but love the rounding low notes from my basses.
Note: I am primarily a lead guitarist and a hobbyist basser, but love the rounding low notes from my basses.
Picks, fingers, pluck, slap, tap, slam it on the ground ... every method has a purpose and a place. Whatever it takes to get the right sound or make it thru the gig.
Cool that you got info you needed.This is posted in the Electric Bass forum. If I wanted a reply for double bass, I would've chosen the appropriate forum to ask this question in
The question is for personal research for an upcoming YT video and I acknowledge it is a bit ambiguous.......despite the ambiguity, the replies so far have been immensely helpful
I spend significant part of my career by helping clients build useful questionaries. If I was you, I would start by asking myself questions: What level of bass guitar players use picks? What music styles? Are they useful for effects or not? Do players use them all the time, or for occasional song. Are they more of a tool for originals bands, or do the cover musicians use them to get the needed sound? Also, what is most used type of pick? and so on...
Then, according to priority questions, structure the poll that way. Possibly, make more than one.
If you want the sound a pick makes then yes ??
I don't get the poll.
I don't use a pick, but I tried it for a while when I was playing noodly jam band stuff.
I don't get the poll.
I don't use a pick, but I tried it for a while when I was playing noodly jam band stuff.
I was very lucky in that I was able to study with a really great guy when I first started playing. Classically trained Berkeley cat, specialized in fretless, mostly played jazz gigs, actually had his fretless sampled for the Mellotron, played prog rock in the UK in the 70’s. One mega thing we had in common was our love of Yes. From day one he showed me the importance of a pick, helped me with both right hand technique and picking technique. He was also nice enough to gift me some Herco picks as well (they were not sold in my area in 1997). I started playing in 5th grade so in my young mind pick style was just another way to play bass. I had no clue there was a stigma about it until years later. By then I had already developed both good finger and pick technique. I find good pick technique more important than slap or tapping. Some of the great bassists played some of the best bass parts with a pick. Chris Squire, Carol Kaye, Joe Osborne, McCartney, John Paul Jones used a pick when called for. The list is endless and we all need to keep in mind that pick doesn’t necessarily mean “bright and cutting”. Heck I think I’ve played a pick on more gigs than fingers. Sorry this is so long but I’ve heard this question a million times and always chirp up about it. YES! Learn pick style!….also I think Herco’s are the best and that’s not because I’m a Chris Squire fan lol
I don't play with a pick because I'm not good ad it. Since I have limited time to practice my focus is elsewhere. That being said picks are very valid. So many great players use or used picks.
For sure, so many ergonomic factors can impact a carpal tunnel-type of reaction: how you wear your bass, where you rest your picking arm, where you hold the pick in your fingers, and how much pressure you use, where the strap falls across your traps, etc etc.
Yup, and in reality, real bassists don't argue over picks vs finger. It's just nonsense. I have never heard a professional saying such a thing.
It's mostly some control freaks on the internet. In the real world I've never come across a negative comment because I used a pick. Just something for people who look for something to get upset about, or feel superior about.
Brandon Shea
Commercial User
Doesn't bother me in the slightest when someone uses a pick, but I personally don't enjoy it. That's not to say I don't love the sound; some of the best bass tones I can think of were played with a pick. I guess I just feel less connected to the instrument when I play with a pick instead of fingers.
always, sometimes, never also applies as well as using thumb instead of a pick
lets do this all over again!
just kidding
lets do this all over again!
just kidding
