The topic of using guitar picks for bass is one that often stirs up a debate among many bass enthusiasts. This is primarily because the most proper way of playing the bass is by using your fingers.
While some bassists argue that fingerstyle playing allows for greater control and tonal variation, others find that using a bass pick offers a unique attack and clarity to their sound. Does that individual preference really make it such a bad thing?
The controversy surrounding this choice adds an additional layer of complexity when it comes to selecting the best guitar pick for bass. What's best if you do choose to go down this path?
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In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of choosing the ideal guitar pick for bass players. We'll cover several options along with their pros & cons, bass pick recommendations, and answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.
Tonal versatility: Using your fingers opens up a world of tonal possibilities. Bassists can create a warmer, rounder sound by plucking the strings with their fingers, which is ideal for genres such as jazz, funk, and reggae.
Dynamic control: Fingers provide a high level of control over dynamics, allowing players to easily vary the volume and intensity of their notes. This allows for expressive playing and nuanced articulation.
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Technique versatility: Fingerstyle playing allows for the use of various techniques such as slapping, popping, and tapping, which can add unique flavors and textures to basslines.
Less attack and clarity: Fingerstyle playing may have less initial attack and less pronounced note separation than picking, resulting in a smoother and more blended sound. This can be a disadvantage in genres such as rock or metal, which require a more aggressive and defined bassline.
String wear: Constant contact with the guitar strings, can result in faster wear and tear on both the strings and the player's fingertips, resulting in more string changes and potential discomfort.
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Steeper learning curve: To develop precision, finger independence, and speed, mastering fingerstyle technique takes time and practice. When compared to using a bass pick, it may take longer for beginners to achieve proficiency.
Increased attack and articulation: Bass picks have a more aggressive attack, allowing for greater note definition and clarity. This can be useful in genres where the bass needs to stand out, such as rock or punk.
Consistency: Bass picks provide consistent tone and volume across a variety of playing styles and techniques, making it easier to achieve a consistent sound throughout a performance.
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Reduced finger fatigue: Because players do not rely on repetitive finger plucking when using a bass pick, finger fatigue is reduced. This can be useful for long playing sessions or live performances.
Limited tonal range: Bass picks have a brighter, more percussive sound, and midrange tones, which may not be appropriate for genres that require a warmer, more mellow tone.
Reduced dynamic control: Using a bass pick may provide slightly less dynamic control than using your fingers because it can be difficult to achieve the same level of subtlety and nuance in volume and attack.
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Technique limitations: Some advanced techniques, such as fingerstyle-specific techniques like slapping and popping, may be more difficult or impossible to perform with a pick.
Personal preference, play style, and musical genre all have a significant impact on whether to use fingers or a pick. Experiment with both techniques and pick the one that feels the most natural for your desired play style. Want to go further in depth on this topic? Check out this bass article here
The material you choose for your bass guitar pick can have a noticeable impact on your playing experience and tone. Consider the following materials for bass picks:
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This is a less common pick material, that is sometimes replaced by Plexiglass or Lexan. However, these materials are excellent for producing a brighter sound. The material has a stiff, slightly brittle feel and are very consistent. The Lexan in particular can be found in the Dunlpo Stubby picks.
Delrin or POM picks are known for their matte finish, excellent grip, and durability. They produce a bright and focused tone with enhanced attack, making them well-suited for genres that require precision and clarity, such as classic rock, or metal. You can find endless variations of this material such as with the Tortex picks or Gator Grip line of picks.
Stainless steel, brass picks , & even coin picks offer a unique tonal characteristic with increased brightness and attack. Metal guitar picks produce a metallic, cutting sound, making them ideal for genres that require a more aggressive and pronounced bass tone, such as metal or hard rock. The durability you can get from one of these picks will also be top notch.
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Nylon picks are a popular choice among bassists due to their versatility. They offer a balanced tone with a snappy attack, making them suitable for a wide range of genres. Nylon makes for some of the most flexible picks and have great durability, allowing for comfortable playing and extended use. Check out the Dava Control Grips for this material.
There's also synthetic stone picks out there like the Medusa plectrum we produce. These are a mixture between acrylic & stone which are the best of both worlds and provide a unique tone.
Alternatively you can try something like a faux ivory or bone material. We make a few heavy guitar picks out of synthetic ivory called the Parthenon Collection. These picks have a matte finish which provides a decent amount of grip & a slight bite due to the drag that's created from the satin bevels.
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One of the top contenders for bass pick durability is Ultem (PEI). This is similar to acrylic but much more durable. The material feels stiff & brittle but actually very tough. We recommend this one as a guitar pick for metal & should hold up just as well for playing electric bass guitar.
There are finally wood guitar picks available that can provide a more exquisite playing experience. The feel is totally different than anything else but they have excellent grip & can provide a nice warm note since they're not as clanky as say metal, acrylic, ultem or any other plastic picks.
The thickness of a bass pick can have a significant impact on both playability and tone. Here's how different thicknesses can affect your playing & resulting sound:
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Thin bass picks provide greater flexibility and a lighter touch. They are easier to bend in general and provide a more delicate but snappy attack on the strings. Thin picks are ideal for players who prefer a softer, smoother tone that places less emphasis on dynamics and more emphasis on a percussive attack.
Picks with a medium or average pick thickness strike a balance between flexibility and rigidity. They have a moderate amount of give while still providing adequate control. Medium picks have a wide range of tones that allow for a good balance of attack, dynamics, and articulation. They are widely used in a variety of music styles and can be a dependable choice for bassists looking for a balanced sound.
Thick picks add rigidity and a powerful attack to the strings. They provide less flexibility but more control, enabling precise picking and aggressive playing. With increased string articulation, thick picks produce a brighter and more focused tone. They're ideal for genres that require a punchier, more defined bass sound, like rock, punk, or metal. Thicker bass picks can also be beneficial for players who prefer a more consistent and stable grip.
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A final consideration for bass picks is the shape of the pick, with sharp points being more precision oriented & rounded edges providing a more punchy tone. The shape is also tied to the shape & is a preference that will depend on the proportions of your hand.
The standard or traditional pick shape has rounded triangular or teardrop edges and a rounded triangular or teardrop design(such as the classic Fender 351). This shape is widely used and provides bassists with a versatile option. It offers a well-balanced mix of control, flexibility, and attack. The rounded tip promotes smooth string contact, resulting in a well-rounded tone. Standard-shaped picks are appropriate for a variety of playing styles and genres.
Jazz picks have a smaller and more compact shape compared to the standard picks. They typically feature a rounded or slightly pointed tip and have a smaller overall size. Jazz picks are popular among bassists in genres like jazz, rock, & metal as they allow for precise and nimble playing. They provide increased control for intricate passages and a faster response due to their reduced surface area. Jazz picks can produce a slightly brighter and more focused tone. Learn more about the legendary Jazz3 pick shape here.
The Best Guitar Pick For Bass
Triangle picks come in a variety of point sharpness & are great for people with large hands. These bigger picks provide added gripping surface which results in enhanced control. They also have 3 points which overall adds to the durability of the pick & usefulness. They're not as popular as the other 2 but definitely have their own niche.
Many rock bassists use a pick to achieve a more aggressive and pronounced sound.
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