Pick or fingers?

Many people have asked me, how is it better to play bass: with your fingers or using a pick? Well There isin't a definitive answer to this question. It truly depends on your personal prefference. If playing with your fingers is easier for you, then play with your fingers, or if playing with a pick is easier for you, then play with a pick, I guess what i'm trying to say is: just do it in the way that you feel more comfortable with.

There is however a difference in the sound and style of the two techniques.

• Playing with your fingers gives you a somewhat liquidy, softer tone and it also gives a more dynamic, lively sound. It is comonly used in funk, jazz, and rock.
• A pick gives you more of a rugh, edgy sound. It is comonly used in metall and punk rock.
• There is also a technique called: slapping and popping. I will tell more about those in a future post.

I hope this has been helpful, and as always - good luck!

Flea - playing with his fingers.

Sid Vicious - playing with a pick.