{"id":6732,"date":"2022-12-13T08:01:01","date_gmt":"2022-12-13T13:01:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=6732"},"modified":"2023-04-21T09:58:48","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T13:58:48","slug":"can-you-use-a-pick-on-the-bass-guitar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/instruments-and-equipment\/can-you-use-a-pick-on-the-bass-guitar\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Use a Pick on the Bass Guitar? (Answered)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I’ve been asked this question countless times: can you use a pick on a bass guitar<\/strong>? The answer is a resounding yes, but as any good producer will tell you, it’s all about how you use it. See, the bass guitar is a versatile instrument. And while some purists may scoff at the idea of using a pick on a bass, I’m here to tell you that it can add a whole new dimension to your playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of using a pick on a bass guitar and offer some expert tips on making the most of this versatile playing technique. Buckle up, and let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you use a pick on a bass?<\/strong> Yes! You can definitely use a pick on a bass guitar in a home recording studio. In fact, using a pick can provide the player with more control over the attack and dynamics of their playing, which can be useful when trying to achieve a particular sound or when playing with a tight, punchy rhythm. However, you will not be able to get that funky, soapy sound that the bass is so well known for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why would a bassist use a guitar pick?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’re a bassist recording in your home studio, and you’re looking to add some punch and clarity to your playing. You’ve tried playing with your fingers, but the sound just isn’t cutting through the mix the way you want it to. That’s where a guitar pick comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a pick on your bass guitar can provide several benefits in a home recording studio setting<\/a>. For one, it can give you more control over the attack and dynamics<\/strong> of your playing, allowing you to add more definition and punch to your sound. Additionally, using a pick can help produce a brighter, more defined sound that can cut through a mix and add clarity to a recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some disadvantages of using a pick on a bass guitar?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are also some disadvantages to using a pick on a bass guitar in a home recording studio. For one, some bass players may find that using a pick limits their ability to play more nuanced, expressive passages, which can be important when trying to capture the right mood or emotion in a recording. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, using a pick can produce a sound that may not always fit the desired vibe<\/strong> of a particular recording, particularly if the player is trying to achieve a warmer, rounder tone. But let’s be real. The biggest disadvantage of using a pick on a bass guitar in a home recording studio is that it just doesn’t look as cool because of the stigma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image of a black guitar and a green guitar pick. Source: rombo, pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is it bad to play bass using a pick?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some bass players find that using a pick can limit their ability to play more nuanced, expressive passages. Playing with the fingers allows for a wider range of tonal variation and can provide a warmer, more rounded sound. However, it can require more practice and skill to develop the necessary finger strength and control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ultimately, whether or not it is “bad” to play bass with a pick is a matter of personal preference<\/strong> and depends on the individual player’s goals and musical style. Some bass players may find that using a pick enhances their playing, while others may prefer to stick with fingerstyle playing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do some bassists hate picks?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There could be several reasons why some bass players may not like using picks. For starters, using a pick can produce a brighter, more defined sound that may not always fit the desired vibe of a particular recording. Additionally, some bass players may find that using a pick limits their ability to play more expressive passages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

…it comes down to the player’s unique inclination and what seems most natural and at ease to them.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But let’s be real. The most likely reason is that using a pick just feels (and looks) plain awkward for some bass players. It can take a lot of time to get used to holding and playing with a pick<\/strong>, and if a bass player is used to playing with their fingers<\/a>, it can be a bit of a struggle to adjust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, let’s face it, using a pick just doesn’t have the same cool factor as laying down some funky fingerstyle bass grooves. As a result, it comes down to the player’s unique inclination and what seems most natural and at ease to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Should you play bass with a PICK? (let’s end this B.S argument for good)”<\/em> from the Scott’s Bass Lessons YouTube channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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