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Short Scale Playing - Pick? Fingers?

scottie65

scottie65

Jul 31, 2013
130
49
New Mexico
#1
While doing some investigating of players on short scale basses I see more and more playing with a pick. It may be the style of music but I am wondering is it also due to less string tension also? I like the basic blues motown style of playing and play basically play or attempt to play with fingers. Should I be looking into a longer than 30" scale bass to get good sound without a lot of rattle? Trying to get back into bass again after selling all of mine.
 
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#3
I sort of noticed the same thing, but I think it's more a confluence of pick playing and short scales getting more popular at the same time - rather than picks being particularly well-suited for shorties. Arguably, a pick gives you a little more attack and high-end information, which is something you may lose a bit of with a short scale - maybe there is something to that. Also, pick playing often moves the string a little more up and down then traditional finger playing - so if you want low action and light strings on a shorty, a pick might be your choice. I play shorties with fingers, and I find that there isn't any discernable difference in tension if you go up, like, one string gauge.
 
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#7
I played fingers since starting bass in the late 90's until about a year ago. This was after arthritis and cervical spine surgery took a toll on me.

Any issues with playing with a pick on my short scales was just learning something new. I actually like the clarity and definition I get with the pick now that I'm getting the hang of it.
 
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#9
Long Live short scales..........
Bring your own fingers because they don't scratch the guitars either.....
The Gibson's.jpg
 
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#10
scottie65 said:
While doing some investigating of players on short scale basses I see more and more playing with a pick. It may be the style of music but I am wondering is it also due to less string tension also? I like the basic blues motown style of playing and play basically play or attempt to play with fingers. Should I be looking into a longer than 30" scale bass to get good sound without a lot of rattle? Trying to get back into bass again after selling all of mine.
Click to expand...

I don’t think it makes a difference. Now, you may need a different set up, and or a different EQ, but it’s a bass. Work with it to get what you want sound wise.
 
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#13
I like the sound of motown style with fingers. IMO short scale basses have to be really well made to be good players (I have one that is, another that is not)....but it's all about personal preference. In the past I would show up playing fingers on a P for that type of gig... but now I have a well made quality shorty I'd bring.
Good setup is mandatory on any bass though.
 
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#17
scottie65 said:
While doing some investigating of players on short scale basses I see more and more playing with a pick. It may be the style of music but I am wondering is it also due to less string tension also? I like the basic blues motown style of playing and play basically play or attempt to play with fingers. Should I be looking into a longer than 30" scale bass to get good sound without a lot of rattle? Trying to get back into bass again after selling all of mine.
Click to expand...
Hey Scottie, welcome back! There is no reason a well made and set up short scale should rattle!
My Indonesian made cheapos are the best set up basses I have: low action, no buzz.
 
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#18
I've played using fingers for over 50 years on both long and short scale basses. I tried a pick several times over the decades but it didn't take. I now play short scales exclusively using fingers.

Following a mild stroke nearly four years ago that messed with my right side and hand, I'm still able to play using fingers but now I can't even hold a pick properly.
 
#19
I LOVE shorties, but as a rule, I can't dig in to that tight feel for funky fingerstyle like I can on a full scale. When I use for example my 30" Jerry Jones, I mostly play it with a pick or thumb pluck. When I do take it to a gig where I'm playing largely fingerstyle it's fine, and prolly sounds fine, but never as solid feeling as a good 'ol 34" FSO.
 

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