Why is playing with a pick so frowned upon?

[tonemachine]

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?

I vote that finger playing started as tradition coming from double bass and then some people merely got uppity about it. I plan to learn to pick someday... The more you know.... Play what suits the song, there are definitely times when one is better than the other (or nails if you can pull THAT off). Keep on pumpin!

 

[mellowinman]

Looking down on it is not a good idea. I play mostly fingerstyle, but I forced myself to grab a pick for songs that just sort of demand it. And I'm glad I did! Never limit yourself.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

I feel that all forms of plucking the strings are good and if you can master all of them, pick, finger, thumb and slap, then that makes you a more versatile bass player. Some songs require a pick to deliver a specific sound. Many of the 60s bassists including Sir Paul, used a pick. Finger picking became more popular with the Motown and Funk sounds of the 60s and 70s. In the 80s pick playing gained favor again with the punk and new wave bands. Many metal bassists use a pick to get that raunchy growl needed for driving metal grooves. I say, use what ever the song calls for. I mostly finger pick, but won't hesitate to use a pick on some tunes. I also use my thumb, especially when playing reggae for a nice fat sound. If anyone is giving you grief over using a pick to play bass, shine them on. Let them rave on that all may know them ignorant.

 

[ggunn]

I've used a pick in the past for speed, but I do tend to associate using a pick with being a guitar player that recently picked up the bass, or that picked up the bass not really intending to be a bass player as much as being in a band.
Being able to use a pick properly on the bass is a tool to have, but it does limit your playing. If you have a pick in your hand you can't switch to other techniques that use two hands.

Sure you can. I use a pick sometimes and I plant it under the pickguard when I'm using my fingers. I can switch in less than a second.

 

[lfmn16]

​

Being able to use a pick properly on the bass is a tool to have, but it does limit your playing. If you have a pick in your hand you can't switch to other techniques that use two hands.

I don't think it limits your playing a bit. You can either drop your pick and keep a supply taped to the mic stand to pick up as needed, or hold it between your fingers. My guitar player does this when he taps and he does it seamlessly.

 

[Lizardskyball]

I use a pick ~80% of the time. I love the thumpy tone of slightly muting the strings with the side of my picking hand. I do it right near the bridge and kind of roll off onto the bridge to let the notes ring a little. I cant seem to get that sound otherwise. When not using the pick I can sort of hold it against my palm with my ring finger and do fingerstyle.

 

[cnltb]

Why is playing with a pick so frowned upon?
Is it?

 

[Stealth Fighter]

I was going to give my opinion until I saw these two posts. They leave nothing for me to add.

I didn't even know it was a problem until I got on TB. There is a small but very vocal minority on TB that can't stand anybody doing anything differently than they do it.

Pick sounds "right" on certain songs, and fingers sound "right" on others. I like the sharp attack you can get with a pick, and it's really not that hard to learn. I hardly use a pick, but some songs call for it.

I like those wide, rounded triangular picks...

 

[Drdehnana]

I really admire those who can play with a pick. I love that crisp, bold edge it gives to the notes. I'm a finger player and I'm terribly clumsy with a pick. Sometimes I want to use it for certain songs to get that edge, but I'm not good enough. Just takes practice! It's necessary to have an open mind about playing styles. The possibilities are pretty much endless.

 

[Rocktometrist]

Playing with a pick can be a tool in the tool chest--but if it's the only tool, odds are the person in question is a failed guitarist who thought bass would be "easier". I think the sheer number of talentless hacks who fall into that category, and who hold no real respect for the role of the bass, give playing with a pick a bad name.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

In the REAL WORLD of working professional musicians, playing with a pick is never frowned upon. As a matter of fact, many studio engineers prefer to record electric bass played with a pick as it 'cuts' through a dense mix a bit better.

That being said, I'm mostly a fingerstyle player, but I make it a point to be a good pick player.

Also- many of the world's most famous basslines were recorded with a pick.

 

[mattattack187]

I hear the argument "it's easier to play with a pick than fingers" all too often. I don't agree. I have quite a hard time personally playing with a pick, it's a whole different feel. I really dig pick sound though.

 

[Wasnex]

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.

I can think of at least two reason.
1) Most people play with fingers and it is pretty normal for people to look at others who do not comply with convention as a bit odd.
2) With most main stream music, bass is not played with a pick. Additionally, many players do not have advanced enough pick technique and versatile a enough rig to cop a finger style sound and feel with a pick. This can totally change the vibe of the tune. Thus if you are using a pick in a manner that would be perceived as inappropriate, many will look down on you. Using finger style or slap in genres that require pick technique would be perceived as equally inappropriate.

My approach is to switch between finger style, pick, and slap as needed to maintain the sonic integrity and feel of the song. I can generally fake whatever technique is required as long as the part is not overly technical.

If your band mates like what you are doing, I wouldn't worry too much about what the masses think...well unless you want to play in other groups; then learning other techniques might be important.

 

[bherman]

It's not. Do what you need to do to get your sound. I used to play with a pick sometimes, but when I got into upright bass I realized that there are many different tonal variations I can get just using my fingers, so I stopped using a pick at all. If someone has a problem with your using a pick, f___ 'em - unless your doing so is resulting in a sound that doesn't fit the music style. For example, I am a big Chris Squire fan, but his style really wouldn't fit into a wide variety of musical genres. For prog rock, he's hard to beat but playing that way for R&B wouldn't cut it.

 

[ajish4]

I played upright for about 12 years before I picked up electric bass. My inspiration was Chris Squire so naturally, it was with a pick in my hand. I struggled for a while, but eventually became quite comfortable with a pick. It took a lot of practice but I was able to pull it off. Now, I play about 80% finger style, 20% pick. I don't slap, ever. I can appreciate those that can and do, but its just one style I just can't bring myself to try.

WHY people knock playing with a pick, I'll never know.

If its good enough for these guys, who am I to argue???

John Entwhistle (The Who)
John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)
Chris Squire (Yes)
Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones)
Jack Bruce (Cream)
Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)
John Deacon (Queen)
Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix)
Paul McCartney (The Beatles, Wings)
Carol Kaye (The Beach Boys, Ray Charles, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra, Simon and Garfunkel, many more)
Joe Osborn (Ricky Nelson, Johnny Rivers, Mamas and Papas, Simon and Garfunkel, The Association
Mike Mills (REM)
Sting (The Police)
Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick)
Rick Danko (The Band)

 

[Biggbass]

LOL
Playing with a pick is not frowned upon. There's no wrong or right when it comes to technique for playing guitar or bass. If your music and playing style requires a pick then it requires a pick, same with fingers, or even finger picks.
I don't think anyone here would frown upon Sir Paul's, Chris Squire's, Phil Lynott's, or any other famous bass player's choice to use a pick. So their choice to frown upon a non famous player's personal choice of technique is merely ridiculous.
Play what you want, how you want, and wear whatever you want.

 

[LanEvo]

Also Mark Knopfler and Lindsey Buckingham.

Also Ritchie Kotzen, off the top of my head. There are many others.

 

[Pet Sounds]

I can tell you I've heard negative comments about bass players using picks since the 1970s, so it's far from a new phenomenon.
I played with a pick when I first switched from guitar to bass. Used one for several years in a '60s pop band. Then I learned fingerstyle and I rarely go back to a pick. When I do, it feels very unwieldy. But I agree with those who say use whatever technique works for the music you play.

 

[BassinCT]

IMO:
Technique is something to be developed to serve the music. Does it sound good?

Why would someone spend time and energy to complain about someone else's tone or technique? If it fits into the mix, is pleasing to you and works for the rest of the ensemble, does anything else really matter?

If a bassist's tone is irritating and detracts from a performance, I try to ignore it and hope it goes away.:***:

 

[Kmonk]

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!

Paul McCartney uses a pick and I don't think anyone would think of him as a beginner. A lot of bass players use a pick. Many, such as Sting and Geddy Lee, will use a pick or fingers depending on the song.

I don't think there is anything wrong with using a pick I used one for many years. Then I had an audition for a blues band and I was told that the BL preferred someone who used fingers. I was given one of their cds and spent an entire weekend learning the songs using just my fingers. I got the gig and ended up touring and opening for some well known acts. In my current band, I use pick or fingers depending on the song.