Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

I know there is a thread on this but I thought I'd like to see a poll... so I asked them if they would mind if I post this topic as a poll and they said that would be great!

SO...
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A PICK OR USING YOUR FINGERS... WHICH DO YOU THINK IS BETTER?

I hate this sort of debate. there is no one way to play bass-fingers, pick, thumb. It all depends on the style and what sound you want. Flat pick will get you a sharp attack with plenty of highend, great if you are not competing with two or more guitars. At first, playing steady 16th notes will seem easier using up-and-down strokes, but how much rock music requires that? The first priority is to put out BASS, bottom end. With that your main focus, attack becomes secondary.

Here's a couple questions for all of you, how important is compression in getting your sound out? How do you get clicks and clanks (an issue with thinking between pick and finger, fingers can make noise) down to a minimum?
Fingers takes a more disciplined approach, you have to be very consistent how you strike the strings. But there are ways to vary it, angle of attack, force.
Flat picking is just one sound, really, and less flexible. But it's not "wrong" either.

Maybe I'm an old fart, but think Chris Squire (Yes, flat pick) vs. Geddy Lee (Rush, fingers). What's the big difference? And I am a fan of both.

I agree. You can't limit your self to either pick or fingers. The style, sound or even the mood of the song may use either way. What would Les Claypool choose?

I prefer to use both. I like the Chris Squire & Geddy Lee comparison. Its what works for the individual. I tend to use a pick 95% of the time myself. "Bass Players Forever"!

Thanks b to everyone for your viewpoint.
Anyone hate fingerpluckers, or slappers or pickers?
Anyone use a weird object in place of a pick? (a quarter for ex.)

I like using my fingers because it makes me feel more connected to the bass. I've never felt like using a pick/plec, even when my fingers are sore, but sometimes I'll use a coin, a violin bow, a spoon or a ridged CD case (for scratching sounds)

MOST OF THE BASS PLAYERS THAT ARE AWSOME OR EVEN LEGENDS USE THERE FINGERS EXCEPT FOR A FEW I LIKE THE FINGER STYLE BETTER BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS PLAYED THAT WAY BUT HERE IS ANOTHER POINT MOST GUITAR PLAYERS I HAVE PLAYED WITH HAVE DROPPED THERE PICK BECAUSE THERE HANDS GOT SWEATY OR WHAT EVER REASON I HAVE NEVER REALLY USED ONE MUCH SO THAT HAS NEVER HAPPEND TO ME " I AM NOT AGAINST PICK PLAYERS" I HAPPEN TO LIKE A FEW

i love that solid, simple, treble-y bass you get with a pick.

I started out on guitar in the early - mid 60's.about 72-73 I switched over to bass,still did alot of fingerstyle picking (3-finger)on guitar,a lot of the bass players,(Soul ,MOTOWN,(JAMES JAMERSON etc.)all played finger style bass.It was natural for me to play with my fingers then,even now I play rythmn or lead I still play with my fingers.I can't hold a pick now,it doesn't feel comfortable to me. finger bass sounds more natural,the contact with your instrument,best for you,best for your soul.Afterall your instrument & your music are a extension of your soul and being.

When i played bass, a long time ago, I used a pick. I was always primarily a guitar player, so the pick is more natural to me for what I want to do. I.e> the pick give me the sound I want.

I do love how some people can play ever so softly and sweetly from using their fingers, it is just not my style.

I think this question turns into one of style. Which style do you like and what do you use to get the sound you really want?

(I hate snapping and popping)

I started out with a pick doing the ol' 1-5. i'm out of practice with a pick now...and really don't foresee any need to go back to one.

For anyone thats interested; James Jamerson used only his index finger.