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Why the hostility towards plectrum ?
- Thread starter jsa0100
- Start date
Her are to short examples of why both
techniques should be in a bass players arsenal,
they both sound great and are so different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQpRwj-NGhw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVFsfTb2Rno&feature=related
techniques should be in a bass players arsenal,
they both sound great and are so different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQpRwj-NGhw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVFsfTb2Rno&feature=related
Because bass guitar was originated from upright bass (controversial), which can hardly be played with a plectrum, so the purists feel it's wrong.
Because picks are associated with guitar which the bass player usually prefers to distance him self from.
Because they sound clacky and god awful.
Because they are sometimes used as a substitute for proper finger technique when the bass palyer needs to play faster.
Because they sound clacky and god awful.
Because they are sometimes used as a substitute for proper finger technique when the bass palyer needs to play faster.
I can see that, but having 3 or 4 "picks" at your disposal versus 1 helps with technical lines.
I think it's the more jazz/blues/fusion old-school bass players that hate the pick.
The rock old-school players are very fond of the pick on the other hand.
It all has to do with the bassists that made u play the bass, and then with the music genre u play.
My personal opinion is that the pick makes less tiring some fast basslines used mostly in the metal and rock genres (for example, when u need to play a single note in a fast tempo), and when u want the sound of a pick.
Many people choose to play with a pick because they haven't developed a "proper" plucking hand technique, which doesn't allow them to play as fast as they want or they get tired easily. (Believe it or not, you can play that fast with your fingers too. I admit that it's more tiring though).
Being an ex-guitarist is another possible reason.
Last but not least, nowadays, most kids who's music is 4 notes repeated over and over, never had lessons ( so poor technique in general), tend to use a pick because it's easier to start and easier to play with when your bass is under your waist.
The last reasons that i mentioned are the things that make some bassists think that pick players are inferior.
The rock old-school players are very fond of the pick on the other hand.
It all has to do with the bassists that made u play the bass, and then with the music genre u play.
My personal opinion is that the pick makes less tiring some fast basslines used mostly in the metal and rock genres (for example, when u need to play a single note in a fast tempo), and when u want the sound of a pick.
Many people choose to play with a pick because they haven't developed a "proper" plucking hand technique, which doesn't allow them to play as fast as they want or they get tired easily. (Believe it or not, you can play that fast with your fingers too. I admit that it's more tiring though).
Being an ex-guitarist is another possible reason.
Last but not least, nowadays, most kids who's music is 4 notes repeated over and over, never had lessons ( so poor technique in general), tend to use a pick because it's easier to start and easier to play with when your bass is under your waist.
The last reasons that i mentioned are the things that make some bassists think that pick players are inferior.
- Mar 30, 2007
- 4,017
- 321
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Genzler Amplification/Spector Basses/Mojo Hand FX
I laugh when I hear how you shouldnt use a pick. My very first teacher started me out with one and Ive used one ever since (21 years later). No one has ever said anything derogatory after hearing me play I can tell you that (meaning I can get a nice clean tone, not that my playing is great or anything)
Its the stupidest thing really...you have to play with your fingers or your a converted guitard, guitard wannabe, or its not really playing bass somehow. Tough talk from the safety of your bedroom.
Its the stupidest thing really...you have to play with your fingers or your a converted guitard, guitard wannabe, or its not really playing bass somehow. Tough talk from the safety of your bedroom.
I'll stand by my "tough talk" regardless of where I am.
I see the only legit reason to use one is if you want the sound. Which I really don't like.
pick for a stronger attack (rock,metal,ect)
fingers for that fatter sound (jazz,reggae,bluegrass)
fingers for that fatter sound (jazz,reggae,bluegrass)
Because otherwise it becomes a subsitute for correct technique and a hinderance to learning the instrument fully not just another tool to use.
So my habit of taking off my shoe and playing my bass with that is completely out?
Spin
So my habit of taking off my shoe and playing my bass with that is completely out?
Spin
Not if its the sound/visual your going for
So isn't that legit enough of a reason? Just because you don't like it... Many bassists (such as myself) enjoy the tone and feel of a pick. It doesn't mean I don't (or can't) employ fingerstyle 50% of the time as well. Don't let kids/guitarists using a pick to avoid learning fingerstyle spoil the technique for everyone else, especially when some serious players use a pick and make it sound great.
I've been playing guitar for over 20 years and playing the bass for around 10. As a guitarist I grew up in the 80's so I learned how to shred and I learned scales up and down the fretboard. I also got pretty fast with both a pick and fingerstyle, especially on an acoustic guitar.
When I switched over to bass, not because I failed as a guitarist but because of a need that had to be met, I started with a pick. I actually became quite good playing the bass with a pick, learning different picking techniques and even slapping with a pick. I was ridiculed by a few ignorant and closed-minded bassists that were older and had egos bigger than their 1970's tube rigs. They'd mock me and laugh at my tone but one thing they couldn't do is out play me.
One day I was playing around in the studio and I put it in my head that I was going to learn fingerstyle if it killed me. I quit bringing picks to practice and to church so I would be forced to play everything with my fingers. Now that I've done this I've become quite a fingerstyle player IMO but I never forget my roots as a picker.
Anyone who looks down at you for your technique is obviously hiding their own lack of ability and creativity.
When I switched over to bass, not because I failed as a guitarist but because of a need that had to be met, I started with a pick. I actually became quite good playing the bass with a pick, learning different picking techniques and even slapping with a pick. I was ridiculed by a few ignorant and closed-minded bassists that were older and had egos bigger than their 1970's tube rigs. They'd mock me and laugh at my tone but one thing they couldn't do is out play me.
One day I was playing around in the studio and I put it in my head that I was going to learn fingerstyle if it killed me. I quit bringing picks to practice and to church so I would be forced to play everything with my fingers. Now that I've done this I've become quite a fingerstyle player IMO but I never forget my roots as a picker.
Anyone who looks down at you for your technique is obviously hiding their own lack of ability and creativity.
]So isn't that legit enough of a reason? Just because you don't like it... Many bassists (such as myself) enjoy the tone and feel of a pick. It doesn't mean I don't (or can't) employ fingerstyle 50% of the time as well. Don't let kids/guitarists using a pick to avoid learning fingerstyle spoil the technique for everyone else, especially when some serious players use a pick and make it sound great.
I'll agree with your post. Using one because you can't use your fingers or you can't play those 8ths fast enough isn't in my opinion.
IMHO it doesn't matter if you play with your fingers, a pick or a baseball bat.. as long as you enjoy what you're playing and love how it sounds why the hell should it matter?
