Last word on the topic:
Pick vs. no pick is the bass analogue of “the right way to hang the toilet paper.”
Pick vs. no pick is the bass analogue of “the right way to hang the toilet paper.”
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The prejudice against pick-playing
- Thread starter Lunatique
- Start date
....
I have nothing else to add to the debate....Get in fast, get out faster....My family motto...oh, that and "Run Awaaaay!".....
I really think it comes down to what serves the song best tonally for the studio recording - if I am playing live I am not to worried about sounding like the studio so I will typically play with just my fingers as then I don't have to worry about losing the pick.
I learned to play bass first using my fingers, then I learned guitar using just my fingers - then I learned to use a pick on the guitar and that transferred over to bass. There is something to be said for the bright tone and techniques that a pick offers, it is just another ace up the sleeve.
I learned to play bass first using my fingers, then I learned guitar using just my fingers - then I learned to use a pick on the guitar and that transferred over to bass. There is something to be said for the bright tone and techniques that a pick offers, it is just another ace up the sleeve.
Maybe it’s because some people believe that standup bass players don’t use a pick (as far as I know) and the bass guitar is perceived to be a modern alternative. Not sure, just another thought on this subject. Or, maybe it’s the “former guitar player takes up bass” mindset that diminishes the perception for some.
I do think you’re correct though, a finger style approach has always projected some air of professionalism that a pick player doesn’t seem to have.
I do feel using a pick on certain material is wonderful.
I use both (about half and half), but I’m not a pro and my opinion is just another opinion.
I do think you’re correct though, a finger style approach has always projected some air of professionalism that a pick player doesn’t seem to have.
I do feel using a pick on certain material is wonderful.
I use both (about half and half), but I’m not a pro and my opinion is just another opinion.
I only have four words for this thread:
Christopher Russell Edward Squire
Christopher Russell Edward Squire
For my needs a gear demo that only covers fingerstyle is sufficient, but a thorough demo would have to cover all three techniques, and I'm quite happy to watch the pick and slap parts even though they're less relevant to me. (Assuming they're played with at least moderate skill.)
I play primarily fingerstyle, occasionally with a pick (been doing more of that lately, actually), and very occasionally a bit of slap, but there are plenty of songs that I like which were originally played with a pick.
- Oct 7, 2000
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- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
I have no prejudice. I just know I want to be as efficient a player as possible. I like playing much more with my fingers, but I played 10 years of guitar before I switched to bass, so I'm cool with a pick too.
Last year I had some finger tip issues going on that wouldn't heal, and had to play around 50 shows with either a pick or band aids on my finger tips (which I've learned is entirely possible). It was interesting how challenging some songs can be with a pick. Especially when you're used to playing them finger style. It took some practice.
Last year I had some finger tip issues going on that wouldn't heal, and had to play around 50 shows with either a pick or band aids on my finger tips (which I've learned is entirely possible). It was interesting how challenging some songs can be with a pick. Especially when you're used to playing them finger style. It took some practice.
I dunno, based on those pictures pick playing makes you age, grow heavier and shrinks your basses.
I can bow the upright bass mostly a jazz guy. I should be number 1 snob on the pick. But I dig it. Kaye and Vega. End of argument
Predominantly fingers for years in power trios exclusively...just like 3 piece but the one I'm in now is more stripped down and I use a pick 70% or more of the time. I had to get my head around "serve the song, not the ego.". I'm cool with it.
It's worth mentioning some history about how electric bass was developed as an alternative to upright bass, which isn't played with a pick (although somebody probably does nowadays).
So, in the early days, it was assumed by almost everyone playing or listening to the "new" electric bass that a pick wasn't to be used. It was not as much a predudice against pick playing / tone as it was just the accepted / instructed way to play the new electric device, much like how instructions are given on what fingers to use to play chords.
We all know a lot has changed since then, but "no pick on bass" started out as a generally accepted rule for playing the replacement for upright. It has obviously evolved since, but hasn't gone away.
So, in the early days, it was assumed by almost everyone playing or listening to the "new" electric bass that a pick wasn't to be used. It was not as much a predudice against pick playing / tone as it was just the accepted / instructed way to play the new electric device, much like how instructions are given on what fingers to use to play chords.
We all know a lot has changed since then, but "no pick on bass" started out as a generally accepted rule for playing the replacement for upright. It has obviously evolved since, but hasn't gone away.
Two Stories......
I recently had a drummer in a new project say that one thing he liked about my playing was that I don't use a pick. My response was "I used a pick on more than half the songs last week". I went on to say that the 8-string sounds so much better on most songs with a pick. He didn't even realise that I'd played an 8-string the week before. He just thought it was some effects. Good drummer...... not very observant though.
Two weeks ago I visited a friend I hadn't seen in 10 years. He's a very, very good guitarist and he and I just lock in better than anyone I've ever played with. He has also been dabbling in drums a bit lately and said "you just can't groove as well with a pick". I got him to start a beat and we jammed bass and drums for nearly 10 minutes with many very tight impromptu cues and fills. It was possibly the most fun I've had for years. When we finished that one I turned to him and said "so......can't groove with a pick hey????". He just laughed and said "I stand corrected.......man was I wrong"
Pbass with flats and a pick...... that's my sound!
I recently had a drummer in a new project say that one thing he liked about my playing was that I don't use a pick. My response was "I used a pick on more than half the songs last week". I went on to say that the 8-string sounds so much better on most songs with a pick. He didn't even realise that I'd played an 8-string the week before. He just thought it was some effects. Good drummer...... not very observant though.
Two weeks ago I visited a friend I hadn't seen in 10 years. He's a very, very good guitarist and he and I just lock in better than anyone I've ever played with. He has also been dabbling in drums a bit lately and said "you just can't groove as well with a pick". I got him to start a beat and we jammed bass and drums for nearly 10 minutes with many very tight impromptu cues and fills. It was possibly the most fun I've had for years. When we finished that one I turned to him and said "so......can't groove with a pick hey????". He just laughed and said "I stand corrected.......man was I wrong"
Pbass with flats and a pick...... that's my sound!
I wonder how many of those with a pick prejudice actually realise how many songs they have heard and love have bass parts played with a pick.
I don't think so. It seems to me that, on the contrary, upright bass players were not very interested in this new instrument and that many guitarists have adopted it because it had frets (which was the intention of Leo Fender, by the way). They simply transposed their pick technique on the bass.
