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Playing With A Pick

R

Ron G

Mar 16, 2009
325
7
Portsmouth, VA
#1
I was wondering if there are bass players that use a pick no matter the style of music they are playing (R&B, Funk, Jazz) I know that there are a lot of Rock/ Metal bass players using a pick.

The reason I'm asking is because at times my right wrist and hand starts to bother me after playing music with a tempo of 120 and above with my fingers.
 
#4
I played all styles with a pick for 22 years. Then when I got my fretless, I didnt like the sound so I developed my fingers and now use them more than I use a pick. But, I have recently developed some tendonitis in my wrist and I think its from the angle my hand is bent while using fingers. I have toyed with the idea of going all pick again because my wrist is straight and I dont have pain.
 
#6
If you ever get the opportunity to listen to Jonas Reingold of The Flower Kings or Dave Meros of Spocks Beard, you'll get to hear two brilliant bass players that play equally well finger style and pick style.

Personally, I've only ever played pick style (aka Chris Squire style), but Jonas and Dave proved to me you can never completely cover an excellent finger style tone with a pick.
 
#9
i pick with a variety of styles of music, my picking technique changes a bit though.
i like the front end of attack of the note.

chris squire did an interview where he explains his picking technique, which is one that i am trying to perfect.
 
#10
I play primarily rock tones and I use a pick 95% of the time. It can be pretty fun though when experimenting in different styles of music using both a pick and with your fingers. Whatever you do don't give into that "you are not a real bass player if you use a pick" crap. Play the way you want and what sounds the best to you and the style and tones you are going for.
 
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#12
Chris Squire is in my opinion one of the best pick players, besides of course the immortal Macca. Yes is technically "rock," but is still not your average wall of guitar rock sound. Prog-rock to be specific.
 
#16
The angle of your wrist is more likely to cause pain and injury than the use of finger style or plectrum plucking style.

Wrists should remain straight and relaxed when holding a pick or not.

In fact the probability of stress related problems are likely higher when using a pick, as it requires a fair amount of clutching pressure just to not drop the pick. ...depending on how hard you play.

For more technique details go to my site at:

Invalid Link Removed

click on "technique" in center menue.
good luck Rudi

feel free to email me if you have further questions
(see "contact Rudi" in first menue)
 

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#18
There are tons of bass players out there who use picks. It's really personal preference and can be based on what kinds of tones and sound you are going for. The whole pick or fingers debate could go on forever.
 

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