Playing Bass With A PICK: What I Learned the Hard Way and Some Pick Tips
Playing with a bass pick is a super important skill for all bass players! In this video we talk about why it is important and how to get better at it. This is a lesson I learned the hard way, but you can learn it the easy way!
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Originally posted by UCfRlprx-BEhwuVTWlHVyN6A at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZBTV8XA_mM
Thanks man!
One thing I seem to REALLY struggle with… still; is the pick moving around on me … I can't seem to "grip" it to where it doesn't want to "spin" in my fingers (if that makes sense?…)
I did hundreds of tv, commercial and movie sessions back in the 80s and played quite often with a pick even though my preference is to play with fingers. But sometimes that pick sound is just what’s needed. Learning to play with a pick is actually much easier than learning finger playing so no excuse not to learn if you want to get paid to play. Though you do need to put some real time and effort into it.
It's taken me a while to get used to playing with a pick. I play a jazz bass with flats and I've found a thin pick works best with my setup.
Sometimes you get a cut on your finger, so it is imperative that you learn to use a pick!
Use every tool at your disposal! ????????
a p-bass and a pick, an all time classic!! check out the best 80s argentinian band: SODA STEREO's first LP. "Un misil en mi placard" & most of all "Afrodisíacos" have such basslines they make me wanna build a house onto them and live there forever. my first bass was a P-bass thanks to their bassist ZETA BOSIO, a graceful, SOLID player. and now getting better at it thanks to your videos. bass speaks all languages!! un abrazo desde VALPARAÍSO, Mr. Conrad ❤
I hate playing with a puck so much ???? I know it’s a good tool to have I’m just so much faster with my fingers! I need to put in the effort to get it ironed out
2 tools in the list ????
I like using a pick for recording. I find that especially with faster runs and picking patterns I can get a much cleaner and more precise sound. The attack also helps the notes cut through the mix better. That said, I enjoy playing with my fingers more from a purely physical perspective. I switch back and forth as needed. I use a much thinner pick than you do though. I find that I can do speed picking much better with a thin pick. Less resistance.
Once, in a live setting being able to play with a pick saved me. I had flown back to my old home state to do a reunion show with my high school band. I didn't bring my bass because I knew my friend would have one. It was a nice bass, but for some reason it was set up with incredibly high action and thick strings. I wasn't used to it at all. I've always played light gauge strings with low action. I just didn't have the finger strength to keep playing that bass for a full show. But with a pick I was able to manage it.
I almost always use finger style, although there have been a few songs over the years that required a pick. I always start playing, the pick starts to move around, then slips out of my fingers. I end up gripping my index finger between my thumb and middle finger, whaling away with my finger "pick" until the song is over. Then I find the pick on the floor, toss it into my pocket to be used (and dropped again) in the future haha. I think it's time I put in some real effort into getting comfortable at this point. I play guitar too, and never use a pick then either. I just sort of strum, or I'll play finger style patterns. Same reason. I'm born to drop picks.
While I certainly agree that one should learn to play with a plectrum effectively, I definitely disagree with the idea that just because certain songs were played with a plectrum by the original artist, we should feel obligated to mimic the original artist's tone. Every bassist has the right to reinterpret music. Play with a pick if you feel it suits the music best, don't play with a pick because some Internet bass nerd (myself included) says that's how some famous bassist played some famous song.
In my humble opinion and experience … I totally agree with you Philip.
I used to play all the time with just my fingers on bass but since playing in a Hard Rock band It did become almost a necessity to play with a pick for certain songs and I really enjoy both styles equally. It is complementary to know both as a bass player.
Good and also important video bro. Thanks
I find the jazz pics from Ernie Ball are super comfortable to play once you get used to the size. You can get some super pointed attack without the excess texture. I started on the big stubbies and they got me super into the tone
What about the gloves to save one's fingers?
Good show! I play probably 80% thumb. I can get a softer attack and mute the strings with my palm. Otherwise it's hybrid or just pick. I remember biting the skin off a blister and putting super glue on it to finish a gig. Burned like Hell Fire but it worked. Punk Rock days I'm surprised I remember, but you will not forget that. for sure.
As someone who started out playing bass with a pick (at 16) I'd say these tips are good! I've been playing bass for almost 2 decades now, all with a pick. I was always thinking about trying to play with my fingers, but I could never get the timing down, my tone sucked, and since I was in a band I felt I didn't have the time to really put into it. So I never stuck with it long enough. Now I am no longer in a band so I don't have any pressure I figured now it was time to really try and get it with fingerstyle. I've been re-learning some of my bands old songs with fingerstyle. It's been a very interesting transition. What I've noticed is that some of the lines I used to play are waaaay harder for me with fingers and some of the lines are way easier. Also, I've realized that I don't like some of the lines I wrote back then! hahaha! at the end you mentioned doing a video about tone playing with fingers and as someone who doesn't natively play with fingerstyle, I would be interested in watching that.
and why metallica is in the list?
Carol Kaye played bass with a pick for certain things like the beach boys, then played w her fingers for an rnb gig, then she would tape her strings to be muted at her bridge. Whatever fits the song..is best.
Philip: Just a quick note to thank you for your videos and this one in particular! I like that your approach is calm and conversational and focused on sharing insights and guidance instead of trying to hype yourself or some product. When I first started playing 42 years ago, the number of pick choices for a bass player were pretty limited and I didn’t like the feel or sound of any of them. They all seemed too thin and the tone they made was too “clicky” and was nowhere near as forceful as plucking with my fingers. This video – combined with one of my bands learning a new song that required a pick – made me try again and made me look again at pick choices. What I discovered is that there are a LOT more pick options for bassists these days and that many of those options help address the shortcomings I found with the limited range of picks I’d been exposed to earlier. The type I’ve settled on is the Dunlop Jumbo Flow 2.0. The wide body is easy to hold onto; the unique grip surface keeps it in hand even in the sweatiest situations; the thick, firm size gives a strong, deep note fundamental without “click”; and the beveled edge promotes quick playing. I used to dread songs that required me to use a pick but I’m actually looking forward to playing those songs now. Anyway, thank you for helping set me on that path of discovery!
It says Yes and Chris Squire separately lol
Aces!
This is a helpful video. I’ve been working on improving my pick playing lately. One thing, though, in your list of b players/bands with iconic pick tones: you list Rush, but Geddy Lee always uses fingers — even when he played Roundabout with Yes at their Rock Hall induction. He has a very unusual finger style, though, at times almost like flamenco guitar, with a very hard attack, that gives him a sharp, percussive tone.
Can you do a video on Roger Water's pick playing technique? Believe me, his technique is very elusive! It is very difficult to reproduce the actual , original Pink Floyd "Bass" sound of Roger Waters! I have been working on Pink Floyd albums for over 5 years now! But, haven't been able to get that bass sound yet!! Very frustrating!!
I started using a pick when I was a beginner as a way of compensating for old strings and an old amp that just didn't produce the attack I wanted. Then I got into tool and there was no going back.
Pro tip: if you play rock or metal, try using s thinner flexible pick. The flex acts as a natural form of compression when you dig in
I hated playing with a pick because I was terrible with it lol….but I've dedicated this last year to playing guitar, didn't even pick up the bass, so now I hope I'm better with a pick because I'm practicing both now.
Great advice at the end to try different picks! For years, I used a thumb pick. I never dropped it and it prevented my hand from cramping from gripping the pick too tightly. Since then, I've tried many different picks – different materials, different thicknesses. Give them a try. I just ordered some Big Stubbies!
I am always supportive of these kinds of videos showing the effectiveness of using a pick. I began as a pick player back in the 80s. All my favorite bands had bassists who used picks and I love the sound of the attack. It wasn't until later that I started playing with my fingers as well. To this day, i am still more comfortable with a pick. I can get a more consistent and even tone. I play a lot of U2, and Adam Clayton goes back and forth between the two, so he is a great example of a player that uses both. And I am always surprised by my bass friends who play with their fingers and don't know how to play with a pick. It's one more tool in your arsenal.
Funny, my wife calls me “ Big Stubby”
Yes to all… except…. Geddy Lee never used a pick so should not be on that list. Great video btw – very much enjoying, thanks for making – I'm always impressed by bass players who will switch from pick to fingers (or even slap) depending on what works in the context of that particular song or section e.g. John Paul Jones
I agree, Tool should be listed twice.
I find some rhythms easier to play with a pick & some easier with fingers, but I mostly play with my fingers
But I am adaptable
Hi! You made me play bass with a pick for the first time in years.I even cut these sticking out saddle screws for better palm muting.Thanks! Greetings from (across the pond) Poland
I should try a pick. I have always played with my fingers. I have done it a little but, for the gig I play finger picking is better overall.
I use a standard shaped Dunlop 1.5 mm max grip and pluck with the corner. You can play way more articulate stuff plucking with the corner. That's a trick I learned from George Lynch and Billy Duffy back in the 80's.
Very new to the bass world, noticed that some people use a glove on their fretting hand? Like full finger gloves, I’m guessing that’s for a specific muted tone? I’m I off on that?
I used to get mocked for only playing bass with a pick. Personally, and many years later, people warmed up to it and it remains the only method I use for bass. 🙂
Just stumbled on this one…
I was into punk in the early 80s when I started learning/ playing bass. I used a pick. Cleaner, more precise attack, clearer tone (even distorted), more aggressive sound. Up until about 20 years ago, I used a pick exclusively. I've slowly developed my fingers over these last few years as I've explored different genres. It's really opened up my playing.
Funny, too, because back then I was also learning guitar. I learned some basic fingerpicking patterns and have used those for the last 40 or so years…
I’ve enjoyed the content so far, keep the videos coming Philip! ????????
I’d appreciate a video on right hand technique!! I’m a guitar player who plays bass with a pick!
But seriously, I was on a bit of a hiatus and now I can stop recording music. I’d love some right hand technique tips to give me more sound options.
Solid dude, as a former fingers-only purist, i actually switched to picks some years ago after i discovered a picks attack translated to my mixes better. Also, years of losing my calluses on stage started wearing on me & made me moderate my playing/practice time which totally sucked. Picks solved all that for me thankfully.