Hello fellow pick-using bassists! Recently I started listening to Meshuggah more closely and found myself buying almost their entire discography. (LOL) I wanted to learn some of their songs, as well, and soon discovered that playing with a plectrum, which I had done rarely in the past, just sounds better (and djentier). Of course, I couldn't get past "Bleed" without at least trying it once. And here is the problem. At up to 60-70% speed I managed to nail it rhythmically and without sounding sloppy, as well. But at 75% and up - I think I tried for 2 hours - I just couldn't hold the riff for more than a measure. My right hand starts hurting everytime I try said speed. I'm using a down-tuned 5-string set (A#-D#-G#-C#-F#) (gauges .125-.105-.85-.65-.45) and a .5mm plastic pick. Will I nail it by exercising like a lunatic? Or does it depend on the strings/pick? Cheers, Filippo
I use a much thicker pick on the bass than I do on rhythm guitar. The Big Stubby 3.0 mm. The Big Stubby comes in several thickness; I've used 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0. Prefer the 3.0, but, if there is a 2.5 in my case I'll use that. {} Not sure that will help you, as we are all different, however, do give some thought to a thicker pick and yes practice normally works. I assume you are using alternate picking, i.e. catching a note on the down stroke as well as the up stroke...
Indeed. It'd be impossible playing 32nd-16th-16th strokes at 110 bpm. I'd actually never thought about buying thicker picks, as I'm currently only using one for Meshuggah, but I'll look into it. Thanks for the help
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