How can I improve my bass picking?

How can I improve my bass picking?

First of all, just hold a very loose fist with the fingers bent at the middle knuckle and rest the thumb up against the side of the index finger. Next, just place the pick in there between the thumb and index finger. It should be pointing out at a right angle to the thumb.

Why dont bassists use picks?

They don’t like the sound: Picks produce a treble-heavy, defined sound. Although this sound compliments certain genres, some bassists are traditionalists, believing a pick takes away from an authentic sound. If you can shred with a pick, you’ll lay both of these theories to rest.

Is it illegal to use pick on bass?

More videos on YouTube Truthfully, there is no right or wrong way to play a bass guitar. There isn’t even a preferred way. Any method you use to get sound out of the thing—fingers, pick, thumb, those weird stick things Tony Levin uses, telekinesis, whatever—works just fine. It’s purely a matter of personal preference.

Do bass players use a pick?

Yes; bassists who perform fast-paced, aggressive-sounding music are more-likely to use picks. This is because picks produce a more treble-heavy and ‘snappy’ sound than fingerstyle playing does.

How hard should you pick bass?

That being said, a good bass player should be comfortable plucking both soft and hard depending on the tone s/he’s trying to get. While it’s generally not necessary to pluck hard, being able to dig in is important. Tone, rather than volume, is what determines how hard you need to play.

Is it easier to play bass with a pick or fingers?

Strumming chords is more effective with a pick. That doesn’t often happen on bass. The flesh of fingers gives a better sound on bass, as often it’s a smoother sound that’s required. If it needs to be punchier, there’s always the option to slap and pop.

Do you need short nails to play bass?

For bassists, it really comes down to whether you like the extra pick-like click of the nail when you strike a note or not. Most bassists I know train their nails to be very short (i.e.: keep cutting them a little too short until they get them where they want them – out of the way – and then keep them there).

Did Mike Dirnt use a pick?

“I’m still using Fender 45-105 strings, Ultimate Ears for my IEMs and standard yellow [0.73mm] Dunlop Tortex picks. I move my arm a lot, but my sound really comes from my wrist. I like to let the pick move between my thumb, finger and wrist.” Needless to say, Dirnt has acquired some veritable bass gems on his travels.

Did paul mccartney play bass with a pick?

There’s no such thing as a “right” or “wrong” sound on the instrument, and even what makes a given bass tone sound “good” is highly subjective. Paul played with a pick from his earliest days on the instrument, and continued this habit all throughout his career.

What picks do bassists use?

The Best Picks for Bass Guitars

• Top Pick.
• Original Dragon’s Heart Guitar Pick – 1000 Hours of Durability, 2.5mm Thickness, Single Pack.
• Runner Up.
• Dunlop 472RH3 Tortex Jazz, Purple, 1.14mm, 36/Bag.
• Jim Dunlop Gator Grip Standard 2.0mm Black Guitar Picks (417P2.0)