Finger Or Pick?

[Wil]

I usually finger it to suit my sound, but in some situations I find picks to be useful.

What are your thoughts?

[Rudi]

Im no bassist, but I use one fo recording. Fingering feels best, but lately have been compelled to use a pick to produce the sound I need.

[TapperMike]

I haven't had a bass in years (tendonitis) But now with those Kala U Basses I just might plunk down some changed.

[CuznEddie]

I've always used my fingers to play bass. Most of my bass heroes back in the day played that way and so I emulated them. 

[Jim622]

Mostly fingers

[Just1L]

I use my fingers on the frets, and a pick to strum the strings!  And sometimes, I just use my fingers for both depending on the sound needed.

[NihilisticHorrorShow]

I usually use a pick. Of course I also use fingers, as there are merits to both. I also use an Ebow, a screwdriver, and a violin bow. Cause I'm post-rock like that.

[Jim622]

The song determines that,

[White Soul Black Heart]

When I am jamming I'll use a pick or fingers depending on the style/mood I want to capture, but I fancy myself a pick player and more often than not use one.

[Ravi Nair]

If your right hand technique doesn't give the sound you need/want, then change your technique or use a pick. You can probably get 5 different sounds off each. Yet again it depends on the whole combination of sound, whatever works!

[James Austin]

Depends on the song, but mostly finger. I often drift into playing with my fingernails and it's easier to navigate between the two.

[Glenn Allen]

There should be a "both" and "other" category.  I switch it up based on style and volume of the band/song.  I played in an indie rock band in NY and I had to compete with heavy guitars and synth bass.  It was all pick.  95% of what I do is with my fingers though, and on rare occasion I slap/pluck.

 

I'm considering getting a pair of Tony Levin's Funk Fingers for the fun of it. He uses these all over the stuff he plays with Peter Gabriel.

 

When I was playing a show in California, I ran into an amazing singer songwriter named Gavin Castleton who had his bassist use these on his zombie rock opera (sounds weird, but its a minor master piece).

Edited April 25, 2014 by tunesmithth
removed unapproved link....for-sale product

[Glenn Allen]

Sorry about that, Richard.

I meant that to be informational, not promotional.

Edited April 28, 2014 by Glenn Allen

[Janeva]

I've only just begun learning but I've not even considered using a pick.

[Glenn Allen]

You should also consider where you play the bass.  You get a very different tone on the bass depending on if you play near the bridge or if you play near the neck.

 

Playing near the bridge is great for soloing and melodic playing because the upper-mid frequencies of the instrument cut through in a mix differently and the string doesn't vibrate as widely since its closest to the point where the string meets the instrument.  The smaller vibration of the string allows you to play faster if you're playing Bebop or a particularly demanding run of notes.  
 

Conversely, reggae bassists and balladeers can benefit from playing near the neck and getting rounder, booming tone.

 

I wrote a blog post about Bass guitar tone (pick vs. fingers, hand placement, etc.) called "How to Get Professional Tone in 4 easy steps (without buying a ton of gear)"

 

Its a quick read that can make drastic improvements to the maturity of your Bass sound.

[davidmichael]

Hard rock I use a pick .

Slower ballad like stuff or bluesy jamms I melow out using my fingers .

But.......my favorite is slap bass which ive been tryin to learn for a few years with mediocre results ,but thats probabbly cause I only pick up my bass a couple times a month unless im doing a track while recording .

[Nick]

I play chords with my thumb

[The S]

Finger(s). Exclusively.

[FearOblivion26]

I use both but find myself leaning on the pick more because i like to play fast and i like how it gives a gritty sound

[CaptObvious]

I've only just begun learning but I've not even considered using a pick.

 

Good!  I'd never recommend a student player to start using the pick and only the pick.  It's a great tool in the bag for certain songs or genre's of music but that's about it.  I've seen bass played very tastefully with a pick, but I believe you're losing nuance and versatility.  Why replace 5 perfectly good plucking or picking appendages with one made of plastic or rubber?