Place your thumb on the face (not on top) of your pickup closest to the neck. Let your thumb linger just above the E-string. You will see why shortly. On most bass guitars this should put your plucking fingers in a central position between the neck and the bridge..
In respect to this, is it better 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.
does paul McCartney use a pick to play bass? Paul McCartney plays bass with a pick instead of his fingers because he was a guitar player before taking up the bass. In an interview he did in 2005 with Chris Jisi he stated the following on his technique: “I use either a pick or my fingers; I don't really do any muting or slapping.
Subsequently, one may also ask, do bass players use picks?
Both are valid and common methods of plucking the bass strings. Each has its place and, ideally, you should be comfortable with either one. Many great players used picks and many others used their fingers. There's no right answer.
How thick should a bass pick be?
The Thickness of Your Pick Here are some of your potential selections when it comes to thickness: Extra Light (under 0.40 mm) Light (0.40 mm – 0.63 mm) Medium (0.63 mm – 0.85 mm)
Related Question Answers
Can you strum a bass guitar?
The bass guitar, unlike other guitars, is only ever plucked rather than strummed. Your nails will change the sound of the guitar if used against the strings. Pluck using two fingers to increase efficiency. Alternate plucking between your index and middle finger.Which bass players use a pick?
Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, Roger Glover, Mike Dirnt, Matt Freeman and many others are admired for their powerful pick playing. Plenty of bassists use both methods—John Entwistle, John Paul Jones, Sting, Roger Waters and Adam Clayton all leap to mind.Did Chris Squire use a pick?
Squire's string choice was a standard-gauge set of Rotosound Swing Bass roundwounds. He nearly always played with a Herco heavy-gauge pick, attacking his strings either in front of or behind the bridge pickup, depending on the brightness he wanted.Does Gene Simmons use a pick?
Gene uses a pick exclusively, even though sometimes for effect on video he used his fingers. In concert it is all pick. Gene has been fairly loyal to AMPEG through his career.Can you play bass with your thumb?
Yes, you should try playing it with your other fingers. Plucking with your thumb might be easier right now but it limits you. There are several reasons why people would choose to play bass.Is it harder to learn guitar or bass?
Bass guitars are a little harder to play than most people think. Bass players are more than just guitarists who have an instrument with two lesser strings. Also, bass guitarists may need to apply techniques and concepts that are quite different from those in a guitar.Do you play chords on a bass?
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 you need long fingers to play bass guitar?
It is important to find a bass you are comfortable with. I have met people with very long fingers who preferred a five string or a wider neck. I have small hands and like flat necks (but I play 4, 5 and 6 string). While you can explore short scale options, I don't recommend it as a main practice bass.Are Bass Picks different from guitar picks?
That is mainly because a bass pick is wider (since the bass strings are bigger) and the guitar strings are small. But the simplest thing you can do is to try it out. Picks are almost free, so getting a bass one and trying it on guitar won't hurt your budget. You can use anything as a pick if it's comfortable for you.How do you hold a pick?
Turn your hand so that your thumb is facing you. Slide your pick between your thumb and the middle of your index finger. Keep a relaxed grip on your pick with the pointed end sticking out away from your hand. Your pick should be held under the center of your thumb.Does Roger Waters use a pick?
Roger is predominantly a pick player and used Rotosound flatwound strings on this. As we can see there's nothing special about the bass, although the all black body and scratchplate with an all maple neck was an unusual combination at the time.What thickness pick should I use?
A thin, or extra light guitar pick. As a general guideline these are between 0.46mm and 0.70mm thick but can vary. These thinner guitar picks are usually best for strumming with a good acoustic guitar.Why is the bass so important?
A lot of people don't realize the other important function the bass player — supporting the harmony. Harmony means together. The bass plays a powerful role in how we hear harmonies. When we hear several notes played at the same time, we hear them all relative to the lowest sounding pitch — the bass note.Why is the bass guitar so underrated?
Many bassists fall in love with the instrument without ever touching a guitar. However, I think one of the reasons people disrespect the bass is because so many bassists do start out on guitar. Some are drawn to the sound, and some because they are interested in a style of music where the bass is prominent.Why do some bass players wear gloves?
On his blog he mentions a neurological condition called Focal Dystonia that affects a muscle or group of muscles in a part of the body and causes involuntary muscular contractions or twisting due to misfiring neurons in the brain. The gloves act as a sensory trick that allows him to play.How thick of a pick should I use?
Thickness. A heavier pick will generally produce a darker sound than a lighter pick. The thickness of guitar picks are generally measured in millimeters (mm) and normally range from 0.38mm (thin) to 1.5mm (thick). However, some guitar picks can measure up to 3.0mm in thickness.Does flea use a pick?
Believe it or not, most people play with a pick because they WANT to sound like they are playing with a pick. Not just because they can't play it with their fingers. Also, if there exists a person who can play Parallel Universe with their fingers, it's Flea.Why is a plectrum called a plectrum?
First attested in English 15th century, the word "plectrum" comes from Latin plectrum, itself derived from Greek πλ?κτρον (plēktron), "anything to strike with, an instrument for striking the lyre, a spear point". "Plectrum" has both a Latin-based plural, plectra and a native English plural, plectrums.What thickness guitar pick should I use?
Thin picks are 0.45 mm to 0. 7 mm in thickness. This size of pick is the one that most acoustic guitar players use. The picks are good for strumming and because they are slightly thicker than the extra thin picks, they are easier to grasp. 
