Why is it wrong to play bass with a pick?

No need to guess what I mean, I was quite clear.

 

Using a flat pick for electric bass is just another technique. Some music calls for a pick; some music sounds silly with a pick. The argument is analogous to guitarists debating whether it's better to always use distortion, or never.

 

Apropos the youtube clip of Steve Swallow;

 

You're welcome.

TMI - too much information. You just needed the 'tuUZwx6LFV0' code to embed the clip.

 

In my next movie, "Johnny Bass Guitar", John Wayne swaggers into a saloon, slaps a tort Fender heavy on the bar and says: who's the varmint says I can't play?

Immediately a chair crashes into the mirror behind the bar, 3 fights breakout simultaneously, shots are fired and a chandelier crashes to the floor, a pre-CBS J is seen flying through the doors and into the street. JW grabs his Tele bass and strolls out.

 

I thought we were all having fun here poking at each other about picks or no picks. I forget what an ass you can be and that you have no sense of humor. Best of luck to you and those in your life.

 

Its your bass. Play it any way you want

 

LOL

 

Don't forget this guy:

 

one of my favorite bands

 

When I play guitar I use a pick because I can't finger pick a guitar. When I play bass I use my fingers because I can't flat pick a bass. And yes, I am probably neurotic.

 

I learned to use a flat pick and my fingers because the songs I was playing called for both styles. That being said, I like playing with a pick A LOT...one of those big-ass Fender triangle - shaped picks is great for bass.

 

I play fingerstyle mostly, but when I want a pick sound I just pinch my thumb and index finger together and use my index finger fingernail as a pick using a downstroke. I get that click sound and if I want to lose the click--upstroke. It makes it easy to go back and forth between sounds quickly & seamlessly. I've never seen anyone else do it, but it works for me. It can however get hard on the fingernail--especially playing live

 

I mostly play finger style. I do keep a couple picks in my case and one shoved under my pickguard or between a pickup and the edge of the route for those rare times that I want to use one.

The Purple Dunlop picks are great for bass playing. I believe 1.16mm thick.

 

I Use 'Em All

Fingers, thumb & a pick depending on what works best with whatever song I'm playing. When I do use a pick I prefer these. I just round off the tip a bit to make it come off the string a little smoother. Wish they made them in this material. The .60mm gives you a real nice woody tone IMHO.

BTW - Anthony Jackson wasn't mentioned. He came up with the 6-string bass concept because as he said, "Its a [contra]bass guitar".