Hey guys

I think that a pick is a nice way to get a sharp sound when you want one.  Another alternative would be using your fingernails if that's more comfortable, but you can play a little harder with a pick.  I recommend a compromise: use a pick when the song seems to need the distinctive sound of a pick, and your fingers the rest of the time.  As the bassist, you should really be the one deciding how you play, but of course you have to accomodate the people you work with.  When you do pick, wear your bass high enough that you can pick from the elbow, it's better for your joints, and easier to play that way.

I wouldn't say change your playing style completely to either picked nor fingered.  There is a time and a place for both methods :)  Pick bass is way more suited to rock as you can really keep up with the pace of the song alot easier and your fingers won't get so knackered when playing like, solid 16ths and stuff like that (well, this is what i find anyway!).  But yeah, I think to be equipped to play using both methods is well worth the effort.

Thanks for the advice.
I agree most bassists use picks in our genre (rock, punk) but then again who says it's bad to break away from the norm?
I'll try to go half way, which is what Paul suggested; using the pick for songs which are faster, and using my fingers for songs which are slower more relaxed...now where did I put that pick?:P...

Hello,

In my opinion, in order to decide if or not to play a certain song with a pick is to be decided by you.

Some songs sound better with a pick, some don't. I personally never use a pick. I only use coins ;). I prefer plain old fingerstyle eitherway:)

Cheers

Thanks Brother Jack.
I really appreciate this you guys, thanks a lot.
Hey, I might even use coins too!, thanks for the suggestion :D

:) You might also want to try using a screwdriver, if you intend to change your strings. Sliding the screwdriver on a string makes it sound like a violin!

What's the bass guitar standard tuning?  I assume it's the same as the guitar.  But I'd like to makes sure

I think you'll have to be more specific on this one buddy. I tune my bass to that of our lead guitarist, infact we're basicly all tuned equally...umm but then do you mean standard tuning as opposed to other kinds of tuning like drop d?

EADG, an octave below a guitar, is the usual tuning.  A five string has a low B, and a six adds a high C.

Hi!

Use your nails and you'll have 5 picks instead of a plastic piece.

Keep feeling your strings! You're right.