Playing fingerstyle bass lines with pick

[iTzPrime]

Bobby Vega plays with a pick, and his Led Zeppelin line sounds better than any finger style version I heard. (around 2:12)

 

[lermgalieu]

I would play it with fingers, but YOU should do it however you like and tell your friend he can do the same.

 

[groove-in]

Hi there. This is a issue I have been dealing with for a while. I'm a huge fan of Led Zeppelin, so I play most of John Paul Jones' lines with pick, even those where he use fingerstyle. The other day I was playing Ramble On using a plec and a school partner complained because I was playing it wrong, that it must be played with fingers. I told him that I felt much more comfortable playing with pick because of the attack precision, and that it gave me more presence and because I really liked the sound obtained. I showed him an example of John Deacon playing fingerstyle bass lines with pick during the Magic Tour in the mid 80's with Queen.
What do you think? Is it wrong playing fingerstyle bass lines that way because of the interpretation, the sound is not the same and getting the feeling from the original record?

It is your thing/style, Go for it. For Me, When I play Bass, I like a Bass to sound; Smooth, Funky, Bassy Fat. That is why I only use my fingers. I (ME) would never consider using a pick when playing Bass. I like my sound, You like your sound.

 

[Nephilymbass]

Hi there. This is a issue I have been dealing with for a while. I'm a huge fan of Led Zeppelin, so I play most of John Paul Jones' lines with pick, even those where he use fingerstyle. The other day I was playing Ramble On using a plec and a school partner complained because I was playing it wrong, that it must be played with fingers. I told him that I felt much more comfortable playing with pick because of the attack precision, and that it gave me more presence and because I really liked the sound obtained. I showed him an example of John Deacon playing fingerstyle bass lines with pick during the Magic Tour in the mid 80's with Queen.
What do you think? Is it wrong playing fingerstyle bass lines that way because of the interpretation, the sound is not the same and getting the feeling from the original record?

I don’t see anything wrong with it. Heck I know I play songs that were originally played with a pick with fingers, but if you are more comfortable playing with a pick maybe you could try switching to a felt pick for some songs. They have a different sound than plastic picks. Might be a good compromise for you and it doesn’t cost you a bunch of time or money to try it

 

[bassliner50]

I've found you can eeek out more subtlties with your fingers. For me, it seems more natural as a bass player. Ultimately, if you feel strongly about using a pick, by all means play that way and enjoy making your music.

 

[Kevin Teed]

Hi there. This is a issue I have been dealing with for a while. I'm a huge fan of Led Zeppelin, so I play most of John Paul Jones' lines with pick, even those where he use fingerstyle. The other day I was playing Ramble On using a plec and a school partner complained because I was playing it wrong, that it must be played with fingers. I told him that I felt much more comfortable playing with pick because of the attack precision, and that it gave me more presence and because I really liked the sound obtained. I showed him an example of John Deacon playing fingerstyle bass lines with pick during the Magic Tour in the mid 80's with Queen.
What do you think? Is it wrong playing fingerstyle bass lines that way because of the interpretation, the sound is not the same and getting the feeling from the original record?

I played most of my life using just fingers, but switched over to using a pick about 10 years ago for a couple health reasons at the time. Now I'm equally comfortable using both based on what the song needs. That being said, I find I use the pick more often than not when playing Zep tunes, especially Ramble On.

I prefer the sound I get with a pick whether it's on a Rick and rounds or my old P with flats (favorite).

 

[Leonid Nidis]

I used to play everything with a pick,couldnt play fingerstyle to save my life.
Developed sort of down stroke technique that simulates fingers I could go on like that but went to a teacher...
Started learning and now I play with fingers mostly unless its punk or metal.
So enjoy the music but its worth it to learn both styles.

 

[LanEvo]

Personally, I would find Ramble On quite tricky to play with a pick (the string skipping stuff in the chorus). Good for you for pulling it off!

And tell your buddy to zip it.

 

[40Hz]

Slap technique isn’t just for bass. It works well across the back of the head of someone who is making a moronic comment too.

Play it whichever way sounds best to you.

 

[C Niz]

Reminds me of a story my dad told me. He auditioned for a zeppelin cover band in high school or college and when he was setting up his drums the guitar player was giving him a hard time about not having 2 bass drums. He just said, “I have a fast foot” killed the audition and when they offered him the gig said “nah, your guitar player is an a-hole” and left. Moral of the story- do your thing, and if it sounds good don’t let anyone tell you how to do you

 

[ZB5]

I am most comfortable with a pick, but feel great using fingers as well. For a while, I tried to convince myself that playing with fingers was most optimal as a bass player. I feel happy I can comfortably do it, but recently gone back to pick, for a lot of what I like, it’s perfect. Great attack, works great muted with treble rolled off. No reason it can’t be just as funky or nuanced as fingers, just a different tool. To my ears, Ramble On sounds great pick or fingers, go where you feel you’ll be most successful with feel, timing, and ergonomics!

 

[bobomatic]

For what it’s worth... I was watching this video lesson thing with JPJ the other night... first of all it’s time you won’t regret so just watch it. Secondly and actually on topic.. he himself used a pick on more Zep stuff than I ever realized.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Haven't we fired anybody yet?

 

[InhumanResource]

Hi there. This is a issue I have been dealing with for a while. I'm a huge fan of Led Zeppelin, so I play most of John Paul Jones' lines with pick, even those where he use fingerstyle. The other day I was playing Ramble On using a plec and a school partner complained because I was playing it wrong, that it must be played with fingers. I told him that I felt much more comfortable playing with pick because of the attack precision, and that it gave me more presence and because I really liked the sound obtained. I showed him an example of John Deacon playing fingerstyle bass lines with pick during the Magic Tour in the mid 80's with Queen.
What do you think? Is it wrong playing fingerstyle bass lines that way because of the interpretation, the sound is not the same and getting the feeling from the original record?

Do what feels and sounds good! Btw, pick on flats sounds awesome with this type of music.

 

[Vinny_G]

Hi there. This is a issue I have been dealing with for a while. I'm a huge fan of Led Zeppelin, so I play most of John Paul Jones' lines with pick, even those where he use fingerstyle. The other day I was playing Ramble On using a plec and a school partner complained because I was playing it wrong, that it must be played with fingers. I told him that I felt much more comfortable playing with pick because of the attack precision, and that it gave me more presence and because I really liked the sound obtained. I showed him an example of John Deacon playing fingerstyle bass lines with pick during the Magic Tour in the mid 80's with Queen.
What do you think? Is it wrong playing fingerstyle bass lines that way because of the interpretation, the sound is not the same and getting the feeling from the original record?

I do it all the time. I don't care if it's not exactly like the original, I do things my way as long as it sounds good. If you prefer the way it sounds, or you feel more comfortable with a pick, go for it! And welcome to TalkBass

 

[Joe Nerve]

Interesting question. My thoughts...

If someone is paying me, I'll play things however they want. I do that all the time.

If I'm playing for my own enjoyment, I'll do whatever I want. I do that all the time.

If the goal of the band I'm playing in is to sound the most like the covers we're doing as possible, I will do what works best. For me, sometimes there's a trade-off there. There are some songs that I know were recorded with a pick that I know I just articulate better with my fingers, so I do that, and the same the other way around. I've played Sweet Child of Mine 100s of times with a pick AND with my fingers. Can't tell ya why, but it works better for me finger style.

If you want to "be all you can be" as a bass player, I'd suggest getting as skilled as you can with both a pick and your fingers. A lot depends on how far you want to take your playing too. There are bands that will specifically request that you play with a pick, and some that tell you that's a no go.

There is of course no right or wrong, but the above are for me the important things to consider.

 

[Joe Nerve]

RE Ramble on, I played in a Zep tribute for 5 years and always played it with my fingers. I was about to agree with your pal, and then just listened now to the isolated bass track.

You can totally pull that off with a pick. It almost sounds like he DID use a pick in parts of this... especially around the 2 minute mark.

 

[Vinny_G]

^ I agree with Joe. The main difference between a pick and your fingers is the attack. I say main because, yes, there are others, but this is what I wanted to say above: it is quite possible to get this type of sound with a pick. You will need a stiff pick (about 1.5 mm) and to make the appropriate sound settings.

 

[zubrycky]

As an exercise, I always practice both ways.

 

[lfmn16]

Don't listen to this advice, it seems to be implying I can't be Batman.

There already is a batman, but you can be batmannnnnn.