Switching from fingers to pick and back again on the fly.

[matthewbrown]

I've been hired for the pit in a college production of Come From Away, and I've almost never played anything using a pick. Now I intend to learn how, and in a few of the numbers I have to switch between fingers and pick pretty quickly, sometimes for just a few short sections. I'd welcome suggestions about how to approach getting this technique down and making the switches quickly -- preferably without dropping the pick!

 

[12BitSlab]

A band I played in MANY years ago had Zanzibar from Billy Joel as one of the songs we played.

I used a thumb pick and my fingers. If you listen closely to the song, you will readily hear how little time there is to switch.

It worked well for me. It’s a solution that you might want to try.

Good luck!

 

[kevrex]

i pretty much always play with a pick, holding it with my thumb and first two fingers. there was one song in my college band that required me to play notes on the e and g at the same time, so i just bent my index finger to hold the pick, plucked the notes with my thumb and middle finger, and then went back to the pick.

i seem to recall that there was another song with a longer part that needed fingers instead of a pick, and i think i popped the pick up between my teeth for a little bit.

thinking out of the box, you could get a mic stand pick holder, load it up, intentionally drop picks when you play the finger parts, and grab a new pick when you need it again.

and i don't know the songs your playing and why some need a pick v fingers, but if it's a tonal thing, could you just change the position of where you're picking?

 

[GrooveCaptain]

I've done this with some songs.... I'll usually just quickly hold the pick with my teeth before I need it again. I also have one of those little spring loaded pick holders on my basses too, although sometimes they get held up in those, and the bite method works out faster lol

 

[pfschim]

+1 on the "bite method" . This is how I do it too. I'm primarily a finger style player, but a pick is definitely a useful/appropriate option for certain things. So, for me, it's into the mouth with the pick.

The only challenge I ever have with this method is that I also sing, so if I'm singing, I can't use the "bite method" ... but presumably the OP will not be signing in the pit.

 

[MCS4]

I stick a Dunlop pick holder (the little black spring loaded ones) by the bridge of the bass. After a little practice grabbing a pick out of it and putting it back in is seamless. If time is incredibly tight for a switch away from the pick, I can just drop it on the floor and then grab another pick from the holder when next needed.

 

[rcmbass]

I play modern worship music in the style of Elevation Worship, Bethel Music, Gateway, etc. This genre requires frequent switching from fingers to pick.

I found this strap pick holder that works very well.

Find them here.

Pick Holder for Guitar Straps (3 Pack) – Bog Street

Keep your pick right where you need it. Our pick clip fit almost any guitar strap and is design to not only hold every Bog Street pick. it will also securely hold most other thin to medium weight picks. Our patented clip features a rubberized center to help keep the clip securely attached to the...

bogstreet.com

 

[LowActionHero]

I'd practice palming it and switching back, and have a spare ready. I also had a song where I'd purposely drop it and tgen grab the spare, then pick it back up after that song

 

[joe vegas]

Anthony Jackson, world-renowned bass genius, was equally adept at fingers & pick. vast numbers of clips show him doing both in live top-tier settings. he simply held it in his teeth while playing finger passages. that might be a way forward.

 

[Groove Doctor]

+1 to above.

For a pick-like tone - try fingerstyle close to the bridge for extra bite.

For a finger-like tone - try palm muting whilst using the plectrum for a rounder tone.

(Second one will take a lot longer to master. )

 

[buldog5151bass]

Plan on using more than one pick, drop and grab as necessary. The mic stand clips are great. I rarely use a pick, but I always have one wedged between the strings of my headstock for a quick grab. My guitarists know it's there as well if needed.

 

[Pirate Captain]

provided you aren't ALSO slapping...this is probably want you want

 

[prndltech]

If it’s a fender style bridge, stick it between the string and the saddle screw.

Got a pick guard? slide it there so it’s right above the pickup.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

I've been hired for the pit in a college production of Come From Away, and I've almost never played anything using a pick. Now I intend to learn how, and in a few of the numbers I have to switch between fingers and pick pretty quickly, sometimes for just a few short sections. I'd welcome suggestions about how to approach getting this technique down and making the switches quickly -- preferably without dropping the pick!

What's the motivation for using a pick - sound, speed, fluidity? Single notes or chords? How long are your nails?

 

[StringCanvas]

I play primarily pick in my band, but we have a few songs/parts that I play finger style.
In one where I have to jump back and forth pretty quickly and I don't have to sing, I just stick my pick in my mouth while I play the finger parts
In another, the finger part is basic enough and the finger part isn't too intense, so easier to just tuck it under my thumb while I play that
In a cover of "What I Got," where I have to sing too, I slip it into my pocket.

I guess it just depends on how much time you really have between the parts. If possible, my go to is usually holding it in my mouth.

 

[Kacey Y]

When I switch between pick and fingerstyle playing, I tend to tuck my pick into my pink/ring finger and use my first two fingers for playing, or when I was younger and more crass, put the pick between my teeth.

 

[Camaro69]

I’m glad to know I’m not the only biter

 

[Reedt2000]

I usually keep a couple picks in the little watch pocket of my pants. I can play a few notes with my left hand alone to buy enough time for my right hand to snag one, or just grab one during a sustained note, depending on the song.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

A magician's assistant in a top hat, coat, and tails shall hold your pick on a silver platter ready for your every whim.

 

[pingvuiini]

Leigh Gorman of Bow Wow Wow uses a pick about 95% of the time but is also known for his excellent and monstrous slapping and occasionally fingerstyle on songs like 'Mile High Club'. I asked him this very question about switching after a show and he demonstrated how he keeps his pick in between his fingers whenever he slaps or goes fingerstyle, probably similar to post #16. This allows him to quickly switch from one to the other during the fast high energy songs BWW is known for. The picks he uses are on the smaller side and he then showed me how he is able to adeptly 'twirl' them between all his fingers like how some people do with pens or pencils (whatever that is called). After picking up up my lower jaw off the floor I went home determined to to incorporate the pick into my repertoire, but in the few years of trying I continue to suck eggs. The picking action itself is not too hard, but my main problem is the muting.