To Pick or not to Pick? That is the question!

[de la mocha]

Do you play with a pick or not? Me personally, I use to play with my fingers for years, but ever since I grabbed a pick last night, I won't go back! I fell in love with the tone you get from a pick! All of my songs that I played without a pick just sounds 10 times better now.

Do you prefer a pick or not?

[ModestCargo]

Fingers 95% of the time - but I like using a pick too. Gives a different sound, and there are songs that just call for a pick in my opinion.

Edit: I should mention though, that whenever I am using a pick, I'm muting the strings somewhat at the bridge. I don't like a lot of high end on my sound and the pick to me sounds REALLY good when muted. Very sharp attack and yet none of that trebly stuff associated with a pick.

[Rogue Axel]

I NEVER use a pick. Ever. the only reason I have one is to loan one to my guitarist. I use my fingers and my thumb.

[t_shirtsnjeans]

I use anything to get different tones. Picks, cards, thumb, fingers, fingernails, whatever it takes.

[joe bananas]

Being a bass noob im trying to ween myself off the pick.

I much prefer the sound from fingers, though I keep seeing bass players use picks and still produce a warm sound. I cant...yet...

(Thanks for the muting tip ModestCargo)

But then then theres the speed factor.
Using 2 fingers I struggle to keep 8th & (esp.) 16th notes sounding good. Thats if my fingers dont cramp up first.

But give me a pick, I can go flat out all day!

[t_shirtsnjeans]

Back years ago I saw felt picks, they were very thick, and were supposed to be made for bass. I got a couple and they were ok, but depending on the strings they still were hard to use.

[PhantomLord]

i use both. mainly pick though

[ModestCargo]

So what kinda picks do we use for bass?

Gibson Heavy here

[joe bananas]

So what kinda picks do we use for bass?

Gibson Heavy here

The heaviest ive got - Dunlop 2mm.

Also, I use them backwards ( tip facing palm) for a more fingerlike sound.

[ModestCargo]

Yeah, I actually use the bigger triangular shaped picks. I've got a 2mm but I find it overkill, the Gibson Heavys are fine for me.

[Plstrcast]

I cant use my fingers due to an old accident that gives my index finger limited movement, I used to use my fingers exclusivly when I switched over to bass, but after that accident which almost cut the finger off at the knuckle, I exclusivly use a pick. I've adapted quite well to the pick and on our tracks you'd be hard pressed to know the difference.

[Peaceful]

Back years ago I saw felt picks, they were very thick, and were supposed to be made for bass. I got a couple and they were ok, but depending on the strings they still were hard to use.

Golly! I haven't seen a felt pick since 1965. OMG, that was 40 years ago.
:eek: :eek:

[RockinIt]

exclusively pick

[clem snide]

i almost always use my hands.

[PhantomLord]

So what kinda picks do we use for bass?

Gibson Heavy here
ESP heavy...same as i use for guitar.

[darragh666]

Fingers.I like how it feels using my hands to play and i find it easier(not that i cant with using a pick) switching from one srting to another with my fingers rather than a pick.Sometimes i'll use my fingers when playin guitar.

[Peaceful]

I use a tissue, it is more hygenic. :toohappy: :toohappy: :toohappy:

[t_shirtsnjeans]

Golly! I haven't seen a felt pick since 1965. OMG, that was 40 years ago.
:eek: :eek:
Dude, that just made my jowels sink even lower! :eek:
Actually I think the last ones I saw were back in the 70's. Still feel old though, thanks a bunch for that :p

[Dean]

I think I'm gonna try and learn by using my fingers as a friend said I should get used to it, another said to use a pick as it's easier to begin though so...I guess I'll be using a mix :D

[darragh666]

Start with your fingers.You need to build up the strenght.Usin a pick can be learned later,its not too hard to do so.

[Binner]

I selected versatile, but not because I am. Properly used fingers sound so much better than a pick, but I am a guitar player who does some bass work for the stuff I write and record. I am not good enough with my fingers, so I often fall back on the pick.

[Rogue Axel]

I personally use my fingers, and have been for a while. Once get used to it, your fingers can take more of a beating. Then you can go to playing the upright bass and lose your fingerprints to it. :)

[rockapede]

It really depends on what I'm playing at the time and what sound I'm after. I use Fender mediums.