By John Nightwolf
The battle rages on. The never-ending debate.
Picks Vs. Fingers for Bass Players
As usual I have my own strong opinions on this matter. For the most part, picks, or plectrums as some folks call them, are a shortcut to practicing and attaining the necessary skills to play Bass correctly.
At this point, defenders of the pick will usually chime in stating that their favorite players—insert name here-- often use a pick. This prompts my question to them “do you think they chose to use a pick, or do you think they need to use it?".
The truth of the matter is that when a pro uses a pick, the only reason they will use them is to get a sharper attack. Some will also argue that it changes the tone as well as the attack.
It is my belief that tone is better controlled with the electronic sections of your rig. It is my opinion that finger playing with practice has advantages over picks in every realm except “attack"
Versatility and Speed
The main argument for the use of picks is that they are faster and more accurate. The simple truth is that practice is what will make you faster and more accurate.
The finger technique with practice will, in the end, be more accurate, more versatile, and faster, than using a pick.
David and Goliath
When I started playing Bass I started with the finger playing technique and let me tell you, IT HURT!!! One of the hardest, and most important lesson a fledgling Bass Player can learn is to let the equipment do the work. A swift, light attack will beat a lumbering pounding every time.
There is no reason to hit the strings with a force akin to hitting them with a hammer, this brings unnecessary pain and sometimes blood into the picture, when you can get the same sounds by a simple and accurate drive-by stroke.
I'm not saying it won't hurt, it will, but after calluses build up and you perfect the technique, it will hurt a lot less and allow you more mobility, accuracy, and speed.
(The Slow Race) Please Try this at Home
I ride a motorcycle and one of the things many bikers do to keep their skills honed is the “slow race". That is to see how slow you can go and still maintain control of the bike.
The next time you practice your Bass playing, I challenge you to see how “light" you can hit the strings and still maintain sound levels, control and accuracy. It's frustrating at first, but I promise you the benefits in bandages alone is worth the effort.
In a Nutshell
- Picks are a substitute for practice and skill and in the end there is no real substitute for practice and skill.
- Practice and get good at a swift, light finger attack and you will be a force to be reckoned with.
- When you see a “Pro" using a plectrum, analyze why they are using it and add that knowledge to your repertoire.
NEXT MONTH: “Watch the Beat" or Taking control of the rhythm. Stay Tuned!!!
Poll
Please take part in our poll What Sort Of Bass Tutorials Would You Like To See?
Discuss this article in our Music Forum.
About John Nightwolf
John Nightwolf is 42 years old and has been playing since the age of 13. Although John also plays Guitar, Keyboards, and Drums, he would tell you that Bass is his real passion.
John plays a Regal acoustic Bass, an Ibanez 4string, and a Schecter 5string. Hartke Amp with a Genz Benz cabinet.
He has played for Witch, Intox, Stressmonkey and Two and a Half WeeKs over the years.
John Nightwolf is a member of the Songstuff music community.
