How often do you use a pick?

[ThudThudThud]

Whichever sound/feel the song needs. I don't really think about it.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

not gonna lie = i'd use a pick more frequently if i was better at using it. i only want to play 'pick' like bobby vega!

So elegant, never thrashing or harsh. Floats across the fingerboard like a butterfly.

 

[lm183902]

I'm up for whatever the task at hand calls for. I end up using my fingers 90% of the time, but I love a good pick tone (especially on a P Bass with Flats).

When practicing solo I have trouble convincing myself to use a pick as it sometimes sounds a bit ugly on its own, but in the context of a mix, I always love it.

 

[2112]

I'm perfectly fine using a pick (as well as other styles) as needed, but it doesn't come up very often.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

I typically use a pick at least once on any given gig. I’ve spent enough time practicing with one to where I’m still not as good picking as plucking, but I can definitely play with one. I find the best use for a bass and a pick is a thicker pick with a soft touch and a relaxed grip around the pick itself.

 

[And I]

i never play with a pick but that doesn't mean other bassists shouldn't. picks are for anyone who wants to use them.

and i prefer floss for my teeth.

 

[Wasnex]

Every once in awhile, when it suits the song. I would use pick more if I played more songs that needed it.

 

[DWBass]

Let me think..................

Ummm...................never!!

 

[PennyroyalWe]

I use a pick when it’s what’s called for. It just so happens that it’s never what’s called for in the situations I’m playing.

So, unless I’m just picking around for fun at home, never.

 

[Frndmoretti]

I use a pick almost exclusively. It's more intuitive to sing playing with a pick and my pizzicato is pretty mediocre anyway. If I need something a bit fuller and smoother, like the ending of this song we recorded, I just play lighter and closer to the neck.

Pick and flats all the way:

 

[ga_edwards]

I really don't understand the anti-plectrum snobbery. Much like the 5 are better than 4 strings debate, or jazz vs P, or the anti-compression "I control dynamics with my hands" brigade... etc etc... ad nauseum.

Just do what works for you and serves the song.

 

[r_bnks]

All the time.

 

[NobodyImportant]

If it’s necessary for whatever tone I’m going for, but usually just when I’m playing some Tool.

 

[AR_Soundman]

I voted fingers only.

I used to play mostly pick. Don't use them now. If I have to pick to play a song I just don't play it, or play in a way that fingers work.

 

[Topkat13]

I used to use one a lot til’ I got a tiller.

 

[Stewie]

I've tried many times, but I just can't do it, probably because I wear my bass like Dee.Dee Ramone

 

[Enrique M]

I use a pick when:

1. I am on vocals (1/3 of the time in one band, never in another)
2. I play metal ... wait I am almost always vocals if we are doing metal.
3. My plucking fingers get tired, need a break, or I want to switch it up.

 

[Markmann]

When I play live through an amp I'm almost exclusively using fingers but when I record, especially direct, I'm almost exclusively using a pick. On recordings for some reason I need more definition.

 

[countmattula]

Its a tone thing for me.. if you are playing punk/hardcore adjacent music, often times a pick sound is the tone that works with the overall sound. Not saying you can't play those styles without one, but the grindy/clank tone is often more appropriate. So for bands I play in, its about 50/50. At home I usually only play with just fingers. But in a pinch, if I drop a pick at a show, I can play the whole set without one, and technically I am more proficient in fingerstyle ( probably because I let "gatekeepers" in the past influence my playing techniques so I didn't incorporate picks until about 15 years ago). But if you are a diehard "playing a bass with a pick sucks", you are basically telling me that "playing bass with a pick sucks, because you suck at it". Learn as many techniques as possible and you will be playing more gigs with bands than being a online gatekeeper in your mother's basement.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

Never used a pick but it does sound good with various types of dirt pedals. Just never had need for one. No longer am I one of those dudes who bash folks who use them to each their own. So when I start thumping and popping don't bash me.
Playing is the key there is many ways to bring the lowend home.