I am a punk bassist who is at a dilemma. Pick? or no pick?
Basically, ive been playing bass for 6 months ( i played guitar for two years before) and i am in a band that is gigging now, and it looks like we might get somewhere. We are a bit like alkaline trio with some influence from sublime and other ska/ reggae ish bands. My style, currently is a mix of john gallant (billy talent) for the fact i use my fingers and not a pick. Joe Principe (rise against, 88 fingers louie) and Chris Barker (Anti flag) and some of Eric Wilson for the other hands work. The band is currently looking in how to put more power into the songs, i thought using a pick might help?
I know, currently I am a punk bassist, but don't most punk bassists use picks? if not can you give me an example? (decent bassists that don't hide behind the guitarist and play root notes)
I know using picks give you a different sound, im just not sure if i prefer the sound or not. I would like to be someone who has their own style too.I just find some of my bass lines much easier with a pick.
What is your opinion on this?
Thanks.
Comments
As a fellow Punk bassists who is also in a Punk band, I would in fact recommend the use of a pick. A lot of people shun the use of a pick, but when it comes to Punk I think its right up the alley. It gives the speed & sound which is perfectly suited for punk rock. Mike Dirnt from Green Day uses a pick and so does Matt Freeman from Rancid..In reality its difficult to find better Punk bassists than them. Give it a go and see how it feels man, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
I think a lot of people don't know how hard it is to learn some songs with a pick. It's ridiculous some people are just so ignorant. You tell me Clayton Ingerson from Dysrhythmia doesn't know how to play bass properly, or Colin Marston (when he's not tapping) in Behold... The Arctopus, or Pat Morris and Eric Emm from Don Caballero, Nathan Latona from Tera Melos, or Jeff Boswell from Faraquet, or Chad Molter from Medications, or Rob Crow from Other Men (among others), or Kenseth Thibideau from Rumah Sakit and Sleeping People, or Hihashi Sasaki from Ruins, think I've made my point. Each and everyone of these bassists know as much music theory, and have as much talent and ability as any jazz, or classically trained bassist, just because they play with a pick doesn't automatically mean they don't know what they are doing. It's supposed to fit the music; if the bass sounds are better with a pick, use a pick, if they're not, don't, but it's just ignorant, and dismissive to say one way is wrong and one way isn't. You wouldn't say Jimi Hendrix isn't a real guitarist because he used a pick, would you?
bass player of 7 1/2 years here.
It doesn't matter.
I prefer fingers, some guys prefer picks.
My advice from my own experience would be to alternate like I do, and get good at both of them.
Different songs sound better with a pick and with fingers etc.
the bassist in my band says it's easier to play bass with your fingers
dude i play industrial rock which is kinda similar to punk rock. i use a pick. playing punk with your fingers just isn't the same...use a pick
try my greatest rock band round 3 survey: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=201011...
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Punk Bassists
forget what conventions and stereotypes say. you are a musician, be creative and do what you think is right. do what you think sounds good and expresses your feelings the best.