Playing bass with a pick

[tauzero]

I've considered 5-strings, as I can play around 5th/6th fret on the B for the low end of the E instead, but I've never been able to get adjusted to 5-string. I need to spend more time with one but until I can buy one that's difficult, and cheap 5-strings never handle the B properly anyway. I don't wanna buy one then find out I absolutely hate playing them.

Always a bit of a problem, rather a Catch-22. The for sale section of Basschat is littered with 5-strings with the immortal words "I've decided that 5-string is not for me" somewhere in the description. You really need to commit to a 5-string and use it exclusively for a while, rather than skipping between 4-strings and 5-strings. It took me a long time to do that, partly because my 4-strings had exceptionally good necks and finding a 5-string which wasn't a significant step down in playability was very hard, and, indeed, only happened by chance.

Cheapies can be very good - the Peavey Grind BXP has one of the nicest necks I've found on a 5-string, it's got a long top horn, and it's got a 35" scale which tightens up the B, and if you're only going to go as far down as the 5th fret then the extra scale length doesn't really matter. The 6-string version is my gigging bass for Spiral Six - I use 5-strings and 6-strings because of the convenience of going across the neck. The only downside is that it's passive with conventional VVTT controls which isn't as convenient as an active with vol/blend/basss/treble (so it's probably going to get fitted with a preamp sometime soon).

[JohnDenver]

I played with a pick for about a week and didn't like it at all. I think if you start with you fingers then you will nomally get your own groove and a more unique sound. So if it hurts, don't worry about it.

I'm thinking about getting rid of the g string and going down to 3. Never play it.

[Ajna]

I played with a pick for about a week and didn't like it at all. I think if you start with you fingers then you will nomally get your own groove and a more unique sound. So if it hurts, don't worry about it.

I'm thinking about getting rid of the g string and going down to 3. Never play it.

I want to learn to use a pick, if its hurting then I'm doing it wrong, hence why I started this thread. I've been using my fingers for almost 6 years, and I prefer my fingers definitely. But it is still something I'd like to be able to do. I don't see how playing with your fingers can give you any more of a unique sound than playing with a pick does?

I've started playing with one finger way too much, I need to stop listening to Jamerson records. I even took the flat wounds off my fretless and put them on my fretted instead for a while. And I haven't cleaned my neck for god knows how long. Hopefully I'll turn black soon too.

[JohnDenver]

Sorry what I meant from that is that often the pick gives a more clinical sound. It can give stronger rythm though and individual notes will stand out. I think using fingers is more personal and warm and you can regulate speed nicely and so can be more unique depending on the player of course.

I trying to say not to worry about it but if your determined enough to learn fair play.

[Ajna]

Sorry what I meant from that is that often the pick gives a more clinical sound. It can give stronger rythm though and individual notes will stand out. I think using fingers is more personal and warm and you can regulate speed nicely and so can be more unique depending on the player of course.

I trying to say not to worry about it but if your determined enough to learn fair play.

Yeah I know what you mean now, picks can create a more even feel. I don't really like to be on the other end of a pick, as perverted as it sounds I like to touch my strings

[Frank]

I use "plectrums" mostly, because I have a set-up and sound that needs that thwack.

However, there are some songs that are in our set (and many more) that need the throb of fingers. It would not sound right playing strolling rock picking out bass notes with a bit of nylon.

I really think it depends on the style of music being played, the set-up you have, and how comfortable you are with a huge axe in your hand.

Buy a Rickenbacker, sounds good however you hit it!

Joking! I love my little girl.

[tjfretters]

[quote="Frank"]throb [quote]

hahahaa!!

[tjfretters]

throb

hahaaa!!