Why is playing with a pick so frowned upon?

[ferdinandstrat]

This is the question that bothered me ever since I started playing bass, and coming from 8 years of playing guitar I naturally continue to play with a pick. That and because some of my biggest influences use a pick(atleast most of the time).

Now, through out my time of periodically playing bass in bands during the 8 years of playing guitar a lot bass players looked down on me for using a pick(some still do). I never understood that.

To clarify I do not have anything against any type of technique but I am genuinely interested in where does this(sometimes hostile) opinion comes from?

 

[FretNoMore]

I don't know - because it's associated with guitar playing maybe?

It's silly if it's looked down on, it's just another technique, for a different sound. I wish I could do it, I've tried but I'm no good with a pick.

 

[mmbongo]

It is quite silly...but when I see a bass player using a pick I think 'beginner'. I know it's silly and I can't watch Mike Gordon from Phish because of it!

 

[ggunn]

I use a pick occasionally when the song calls for it. So does Phil Lesh. It's not a big deal.

 

[Fat Steve]

Same reason slap bass gets so much flak: people can't do it right and get jealous of those that can.

 

[ColonelZulu]

Bobby Vega cleared up that prejudice for me.

 

[Gaolee]

I didn't know it was looked down on. Pick playing is one of those things I have a tough time doing, so people who do it well have my respect. I can't slap a BG worth two pins either. The upright is another story, but that's not what this thread is about.

 

[GKon]

Perhaps because electric bass originated from the stand up bass, which was played with fingers,
it was considered "proper" to then play the electric bass with fingers, as well.

Just a supposition.

 

[Matthew_84]

It really is something that intrigues me... I do think it mainly comes from being associated with guitar playing.

Shortly after I started playing bass, a family friend and non-musician, commented that he saw some band in concert and the bassist was playing with a pick, he then told me that "he wasn't a real bass player".

Even a few weeks ago my wife and I were watching a friend of ours playing bass with a pick and my wife said "he's a good guitarist". I told her that he's playing bass and she asked, "but why's he playing it like a guitar." I told her the valid reasons why a bassist would use a pick, but she still didn't seem to understand...

I really think it's an old stigma that likely won't go away... Not just with musicians but with the general public. Unfortunately a lot of bassists are the worst for this... Whatever works. I play with my fingers because a pick doesn't feel natural to me (I also play guitar with my fingers), but there are many great bassists that play with a pick that can play circles around me (McCartney, Justin Chancellor, Newstead, Squire, etc).

 

[ggunn]

I don't think the majority of folks care. Do what works.

 

[ZenG]

Damn...and I was making picks out of old expired credit cards and using them to play stand-up......

Nothing wrong with using a pick........serious musicians know this but wannabee "slap-heads" will be the first to show their ignorance........

"and a prophet appeared on the mountain with a Fender Precision in his hand where the multitudes were gathered and he said "Let there be slap".......and the people fell down before him,many in a dead faint, and those that could speak said:- "Praise be! The prophecy is fulfilled!!!".

 

[strappa]

When people look down on you because you choose to play with a pick
Or if you choose to wear Hawaiian shirts or wear your hair long
It says nothing about your choice and everything about who they are

 

[Alkali Ike]

I suspect the "frowners" have pick envy.

 

[Groove Doctor]

P bass + flats + pick/heavy attack = thumpin' rock tone.
I find jumping around onstage a LOT easier when using a pick. Stage presence & awesome tone are more important to me.



Hollowbody basses and flatwound strings can have more clarity when played with a pick. Certain songs call for that tone.

 

[Happynoj]

Because some people are idiots. I can play fingerstyle, slap, and with a pick. I don't do any of them all the time - I play what is needed, where it is needed. For some stuff, a pick sounds better.

 

[Mr. Sound]

I've said it before, but use a Plectrum, a pick can do a lot of damage!
Seriously, use a pick, use fingers, have fun!

 

[Happynoj]

Seriously, use a pick, use fingers, have fun!

 

[gln1955]

Some people just have to criticize. Knocking anyone on their equipment or technique is lame. All that matters is the sound you're making. Do whatever you need to make good music.

 

[AaronVonRock]

Almost all of my favorite bass players use a pick: Lemmy, Dee Dee Ramone, David Wm. Sims, Mark Sandman, Kevin Rutmanis, Eddie Spaghetti...

Most of my favorite bands have guys that use picks, too.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I'm a fingers guy mainly because that's just how i learned to play. I'm not very good with a pick because I've just never spent a much time with it.

My only thing i have against using a pick doesn't apply to everyone, but a lot of bass players that use a pick might as well play a 1 or 2 string bass because a lot of times i see guys playing with a pick that's all they'll use. There are a lot of exceptions to that though. There are bassists that range from Justin from Tool to Nolly from Periphery who use a pick and play the full range of their instruments very well.