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.
Is playing bass with a pick hard?
Strings can be played straight-on or with the pick held at an angle to create a sound with more grind to it; either way, it’s hard to play bass with a pick for long periods of time if you’re not resting your hand on the bridge. But there are some downsides, too, depending on what you’re trying to do.
Why do some bassists use a pick?
Most people like using a pick because they can develop speed more quickly. If you’re into styles of music that are speed intensive, a pick might make sense. You can develop the same speed with your fingers, but most people find it takes a little more time. You can get different tones with different types of picks.
Why do bassists not 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.
Does paul mccartney use a pick when he plays bass?
Paul played with a pick from his earliest days on the instrument, and continued this habit all throughout his career. It’s rare to find a Beatles where he plays with his fingers instead. Using a pick has a number of tonal advantages, particularly with the violin-style basses that Paul liked to use.
Do rock bassists use picks?
So, do bassists use picks? 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.
Do most metal bassists use picks?
Most metal bassists play by plucking the strings with their fingers or by picking with a plectrum, often known as a pick. Using a pick can enable bassists to play rapid repeated notes and fast basslines, although some bassists, such as Steve Harris and Steve DiGiorgio, play such basslines without the use of a plectrum.
Is it OK to play bass with your thumb?
Bassists have always been using their thumb to pluck the strings of their bass guitar as well. However, thumb plucking is generally slower and gives you a fast and thick sound that may be suitable for slower tempo songs. There’s nothing abnormal about playing your bass with your thumb.
Is bass easier than guitar?
In a band environment, empathy for both instruments is really useful. But is it easier to play bass than guitar? Well, probably – less strings and no chords. Remember though that both will require mastering the basic building blocks of left/right hand coordination and rhythm, plus technique and scales.
Why do bassists tape their fingers?
FINGERING TAPE: To assist beginning bassists with correct finger placement, some bass teachers use thin strips of colored tape (e.g. 1/8″ graphic chart tape or pinstripe auto detailing tape) to mark where students should place their fingers on the bass fingerboard.
Are bass players failed guitarists?
So no, the bass isn’t necessarily easier to play than the electric guitar. If you can’t play the guitar, then just play bass. This is somewhat connected to the myth above. While there are some bass players who transitioned from guitar to bass, that doesn’t mean they failed as guitar players.
Does Metallica bass player use pick?
He plays with a pick. Metallica, 100 million records sold. The Black Album is one out of four all-time that’s been on the Billboard charts 500 weeks or more. So this guy played with a pick, too.”
Do bands really need a bassist?
A Bass player is not needed in order to have a functional band. While most bands prefer having a bassist, there are numerous bands who have filled the role of the bassist with different instruments or chosen to neglect it completely. The bass guitar typically plays lower frequencies in the 40hz to 200hz range.
Did Jimi Hendrix use a pick?
For the overwhelming majority of his performances and recordings, Hendrix played electric guitar with a pick as do most (but certainly not all) rock/blues guitarists.
Does Eric Clapton use a pick?
Eric Clapton uses heavy picks supplied to him by Ernie Ball, a manufacturer of guitar strings, picks and related items.
Does Ed Sheeran use a pick?
Some of Ed Sheeran’s songs are played fingerstyle while in others he uses a pick. When he does need to use a pick in a song, he uses custom-made picks by Dunlop with artwork to match the current tour.
Do bass players ever play chords?
Bassists don’t play chords as often as guitarists or pianists do. This is because playing several low-pitched notes at the same time can sound muddy. Playing chords on bass can sometimes fill up too much sonic space competing with the rest of the band. It can be done, but must be done with care.
Do bass players strum?
The bass guitar can be strummed. However, due to chords sounding muddy at lower frequencies, most bassists elect to not do so. When bassists strum the bass they generally play at higher ranges and use a clear tone that helps chords cut through the mix. Strumming the bass well requires a solid plucking technique.
Do bassists use a capo?
Bassists often don’t need a capo, but sometimes they can help. Some players will find a capo makes their lives easier by allowing them to keep their fingers stationed at one area of the fretboard. Others will appreciate the tonal differences that come from effectively creating open strings in a higher key.
Why is bass guitar heavy?
Bass guitars are heavy because of their large size. The fact is that the main task of these instruments is to produce low frequencies. Because this range, by its physical nature, forces the use of more energy, the size of these instruments is larger, unlike, for example, guitars, which produce midrange frequencies.
What should bassist focus on?
Each group member should have good rhythm independently while playing together as a whole. Your rhythmic skills are the most important thing for you to master as a bassist. It doesn’t matter how perfect your choice of notes is. If your notes are in the wrong place rhythmically, it won’t feel or sound right.