Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

Why do a lot of people state with authority that bass should only be played with fingers?
I've asked a few, "and why is that?", and pretty much got "uhhh" as a response. Or, "that's how it's done."

Codswallop. It's a percussion instrument.
Use your forehead if it works for you.

I'm aware, of course, that different approaches will give you a different sound.

You can use fingers on a 6 string regular old guitar, too. Jeff Beck plays just fine.

Thoughts?

I use both depending on what sound I want or how technical the song is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQISujVdfv8
I think the song and style of music has as much to do with it...
I'd say a pick worked just fine for Ronnie Lane. imo

I do better with pick, but some songs lend themselves to finger/thumb.

On a Fender Bass I really like to play with my fingers but certain things really require some rapid picking or that staccato sound you get with a flat pick. The P-Bass really has that smoky barroom feel to it.

Also - I've found when playing for a long time my fingers get tired and it becomes difficult to play fast. (sort of like when your legs run out steam on a run) It helps to be in practice with the pick at times like that.

Re pick: I find that there is a significant difference between how I pick on a bass as opposed to six string guitar. They have a distinctly different feel and the sound of course is different. Same with finger style really.

Talbot

Picks and fingers seems like trivial stuff compared to answering the question of "should I play French or German grip?". http://youtu.be/bl1ULlWplqs

i've always been a german grip guy. (no...i will NOT be changing my BM monicker).

yrs ago the great Ray Brown was playing a concert in Paris w the Duke Ellington Band. as the story goes....there were several classical bassists there checking out this great bass player from america that they'd heard about.

and of course they're knocked out by RB's great tone and chops. after the show they're backstage talking to RB and one of 'em asks....

"ah, Monsieur Brown....we notice you use a french bow but favor the german grip! why is this?"

'well, did you like the way it sounded?"

"oh, yes!"

"ok, then.....so who really gives a f*ck?"

I prefer a heavy pick exclusively.

Planetguy wrote:i've always been a german grip guy. (no...i will NOT be changing my BM monicker).

yrs ago the great Ray Brown was playing a concert in Paris w the Duke Ellington Band. as the story goes....there were several classical bassists there checking out this great bass player from america that they'd heard about.

and of course they're knocked out by RB's great tone and chops. after the show they're backstage talking to RB and one of 'em asks....

"ah, Monsieur Brown....we notice you use a french bow but favor the german grip! why is this?"

'well, did you like the way it sounded?"

"oh, yes!"

"ok, then.....so who really gives a f*ck?"

... I'l bet they were surprised at how well he spoke French!

+1 for heavy pick.

I saw some guy using a drum stick (to play his bass) the other night..and he wasn't bad.

Sometimes I've been tempted to say, "You know, you'd have that piece down by now if you used a pick instead of your grandmotherly fingers..."

I use fingers and picks, I use my thumb and slap the bass it just depends on the song to me, has nothing to do with right or wrong, because honestly in music is there a truelly right or wrong way to do anything?

Ive been playing bass quite a bit lately, and I keep a couple of picks handy. I use 1mm, 2mm and 3 mm picks with my basses.

But honestly I can play it either way and still adjust myself to where most people really cant hear the difference.

I could never give up playing with a pick. I could also never give up playing with my fingers. Both are essential to me.

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"DO NOT SLAP A BASS"....

You playing r+B? rap? Funk?

No, then quit slapping. You ain't Jaco, either.

Develop your own style if possible.