What famous bass players use a pick?

Great bass guitarists using a pick

• Chris Squire (Yes)
• Noel Redding (Hendrix)
• Paul McCartney (Beatles)
• Phil Lesh (Dead)
• Scott Tunes (Zappa)

Do most bass players use picks?

So, do bassists use picks? Yes; bassists who perform fast-paced, aggressive-sounding music are more-likely to use picks. This is because picks produce a more treble-heavy and ‘snappy’ sound than fingerstyle playing does.

Is it bad to play bass with your thumb?

For regular bass players, switching between 2 fingers, thumb, and pick playing can reduce the stress on the right-hand and allow it to rest. Thumb-style plucking is well-suited for slower songs as it encourages you to slow down and play fewer notes than you would with 2 fingers.

Should I play bass with pick or fingers?

Truthfully, there is no right or wrong way to play a bass guitar. There isn’t even a preferred way. Any method you use to get sound out of the thing—fingers, pick, thumb, those weird stick things Tony Levin uses, telekinesis, whatever—works just fine. It’s purely a matter of personal preference.

Why did paul McCartney play a Hofner bass?

McCartney was drawn to the Höfner because he felt that its symmetrical shape would mean that playing it left-handed would not look as awkward as using a cutaway guitar designed for a right-handed player: Following the popularity of the Violin Bass created by McCartney, Höfner began producing a similar alternative in …

Can you strum a bass with your thumb?

Yeah it’s fine. I actually wore a blister in my thumb last Sunday playing at church because we were playing a song that requires a very thumpy muted bass sound and I decided to try it with right-hand palm muting. I don’t use my thumb that way very often at all so there’s no callous.

Is playing bass with a pick easier?

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.

Do you play bass with a pick or finger?

Some who play with a pick think that those who contend that finger-style is the only real way to play bass are snobby purists. Conversely, those who think that finger-style is the only right way to play bass think the guys who play with a pick aren’t really even real bass players.

Who are some famous bass players who play 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.

Why do some guitar players play with a pick?

It’s the same reason why some guitar players play with a pick, while others use their fingers, or even sometimes their teeth ! Over time it’s easier to play with a pick because your fingers tend to get damaged by friction from the bass strings which are much thicker and have a wider metal wind than guitar strings.

Who are some bassists who play both ways?

Plenty of bassists use both methods—John Entwistle, John Paul Jones, Sting, Roger Waters and Adam Clayton all leap to mind. If your goal is versatility, why not keep an open mind and become comfortable — even proficient — with each method? There’s room for everything.