I’ve been using the plucking method since I started the course (and completed it recently). I tried using a pick, having completed that master class, on the Scorpions Rock You Like a Hurricane, especially on the parts where you would normally chug. As it turns out, I really prefer plucking…kinda surprised me a bit, but I actually felt more in control when plucking. Who knew?
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This really isn’t a “vs” imo. I play both happily. I determine what sound I’m looking for when I play a song and go with fingers or pick to help get that sound. Speed is somewhat of a factor but not a huge one. I can pick bass lines faster than using fingers but the more I play, the less of a difference there is.
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This is the way
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Jaco, James, Geddy, Victor, Marcus and Flea.
The sounds I go for the most.
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I, too, found that I can play the lines faster with plucking, but maybe I just need more practice with the pick.
This.
They’re different skills. They don’t immediately transfer. It took me weeks of working on picking to get relatively comfortable. Also trying out different picks to eventually find what works best for me (Dunlop Ultex pointy .73mm).
They have different sounds and are better in different situations. There are lines that are definitely easier to play faster with a pick than with fingers. (E.g. Our band is working on “She Sells Sanctuary” and “Hash Pipe”… waaaaay easier with a pick.)
Absolutely.
For me, it about both the tone I’m after, plus the bpm bass line of the song. Generally, the pick tone has far more attack, with works great with some songs, but not others. It’s also easier to play fast chugs with a pick - I just recorded a cover that sits a lot a heady 177bpm. There is no way I could play 8ths at that speed with my fingers! With a pick, it’s far easier, especially if you’re comfortable with both the down and the up stroke.
The main challenge, for me, with playing with a pick is muting. It’s more difficult as you can’t really engage much of the picking hand, unless you’re palm muting.
We also play Sanctuary. I actually prefer this one finger-style. At 140 bpm, it’s within my comfort range.
That’s funny. I’m working on a song that’s 194 BPM, and I had it up to about 180 with fingers before being sick and barely touching my bass last week. I think i’ll need to work my way back to (and beyond) that now.
If I were to try it with a pick, I’d be lucky to be at something like 60 BPM.
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I use both. Depends on what tone/sound I’m trying to achieve as opposed to what’s easier. At the very least if I drop my pick I can just transition to fingers.