Hi, haven't been here in a while. Drummer by trade for over 50 years. I like playing the bass but not really any good which brings me to my question. Being close to 70 years old would you think playing with a pick is the way to go? I'm not trying to be the next Jaco, I just want to get up and running and play songs for fun. Maybe even do some simple gigs. I know how to pluck a bit and realize that is the proper technique but at my age I'm just shooting for having fun. Thoughts??? Thanks
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.
Sort of a Newb :-)
- Thread starter 2bsticks
- Start date
My advice would be the same for anyone of any age: Start out with whichever technique feels easier and/or more natural for you. For most of us who took up bass with no previous guitar experience that's usually fingerstyle, but if you're more comfortable with a pick then go ahead and use one. Both are equally "legit" and each has its advantages, so do whatever will help you enjoy playing and get off to a fast start.
What the Lobster said. There isn’t a best way. If you’re not used to a plectrum it might come easier to focus on finger style. Have fun.
I am not there yet - only mid/late '50s. But I have spent almost 40 of those playing fingerstyle. I have made occasional intermittent and ultimately doomed attempts to play with a pick but I have never been able to develop a sufficiently firm and stable grip without my entire hand cramping up or the pick slipping out of position. I don't imagine it becoming easier as I get older
. Until recently I have always made do with a modified fingerstyle to generate a pick-like tone. "Close, but no cigar". So earlier in the year I tried these thumb-picks, and they work really well:Whereas a guitarist would keep their index finger free for other picking work, I hold the underside of the thumb-pick with my index finger - I think this gives additional control and stability such as someone using a normal pick would get but without any of the hand tension I get when trying to hold a standard pick:
I'm a converted guitar player (been playing bass for over 40 years, but I played guitar for five years before that) and I had the devil's own time converting to finger style (If you really want to, you can read the whole story, here: I Hate To Be Picky . There's some good advice/content including seasoned players saying they wished they'd learned to play with a pick.).
You're in a different place since you appear to think you're of an age where no one is going to "demand" you play with a pick (or with your fingers, for that matter). So, my best advice is: you're doing this for the love of the activity; not any rewards or outward benefits. Stick with that and do what feels right.
Let me add one small note: I'm teaching a few people, now and they're starting to believe me when I tell them ringing notes and accidental notes are much easier to control, when you're playing with a pick and palm muting (like a guitar player does).
Good luck and if I can help ...
You're in a different place since you appear to think you're of an age where no one is going to "demand" you play with a pick (or with your fingers, for that matter). So, my best advice is: you're doing this for the love of the activity; not any rewards or outward benefits. Stick with that and do what feels right.
Let me add one small note: I'm teaching a few people, now and they're starting to believe me when I tell them ringing notes and accidental notes are much easier to control, when you're playing with a pick and palm muting (like a guitar player does).
Good luck and if I can help ...
Similar story here. Drummer for almost as long as you, less than a year on bass.
From one drummer to another, finger-style seems very natural to me, just because it's like a micro version of sticking -- albeit reversed (index-middle alternate plucking is like leading with your left hand instead of right). But I found that from a coordination standpoint, it's almost like all those years of "Stick Control" excercises wired my brain to deal with the alternate plucking.
Pick playing is a very different mental concept for me, but I definitely enjoy it. I'm just more inclined to go with fingers first, pick second in priority.
