🎸 Every great story needs a dramatic conflict. You know, like Luke Skywalker versus Darth Vader, Batman versus Joker, Asterix and Obelix versus the (mostly rather befuddled) Romans, etc. In the world of electric bass, this age-old simmering conflict is: Fingers versus plectrum!
Few topics divide the bass community as much as this one: Should I strike the strings with my fingers or use a pick? For many years, I avoided playing with a pick due to silly prejudices, only to discover a true passion for it years later – enlightened by bassists like Bobby Vega.
Harley Benton
Nylon Player Pick Set Mixed
On closer inspection, each of these techniques brings its own strengths, weaknesses – and above all, its own unique sonic character. So let’s get the two contenders into the ring!
Round 1: Virtuosity – who’s faster?
Let’s start with the sharpest weapon in a bassist’s arsenal: speed. Many believe that pick playing is unbeatable in this regard. And yes, when you listen to pick bassists like Bobby Vega, Hellmut Hattler, Peter Sonntag, Wolfgang Schmid or Colin Hodgkinson, it quickly becomes clear: skilled pick playing can rattle off eighth and sixteenth note runs as delightfully as grandma’s well-oiled sewing machine used to!
Of course, this requires investing enough time to learn and internalise the basic principles and mechanics of the pick attack – yes, “Zupflümmel” really is a word!
But wait – who says fingerstyle has to be slow? Just listen to Billy Sheehan, Jaco Pastorius, Hadrien Féraud, Gary Willis, Steve Harris or others! With the right practice, two (or more) nimble plucking fingers can unleash a real bass storm front.
Conclusion: A draw! Picks can be incredibly fast, but nimble fingers can definitely keep up.
Round 2: Sound & Attack – soft or sharp?
The biggest difference between the two techniques lies in the sound. A pick delivers a clear and aggressive attack. Every strike produces a distinctive “click” that cuts brilliantly through even dense mixes. No doubt: if you love playing rock or metal, you’ll adore this assertive sound!
Fingerstyle, on the other hand, typically delivers warm and rounded tonal characteristics. Also known as pizzicato technique, it gives the bass tone an organic, often slightly softer quality. Jazz, soul, funk – wherever a rich, warm groove is needed, fingers are often the go-to choice.
Another advantage: with fingerstyle, it’s easy to switch between gentle string caressing and forceful slaps and pops, because your hand is literally “free” – the late great T.M. Stevens always demonstrated this beautifully!
Conclusion: A matter of taste! If you like it defined and edgy, go for the pick. If you prefer a natural and warm tone, fingerstyle is probably the better choice overall.
Round 3: Stylistic Versatility – which technique works best where?
Let’s get specific: which technique suits which genre? Here’s a quick overview:
– Metal & Punk: Pick playing often rules here! Anyone who’s ever listened to bands like Megadeth, Green Day or the good old Ramones knows just how fat a pick-played bass can sit in the mix and how tight eighths and sixteenths can pump! That said, players like Steve Harris from Iron Maiden are living proof that you can still deliver thunderous basslines using fingers.
– Rock: It really depends – if you listen to the classics of the genre (Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Uriah Heep, U.F.O.), you’ll hear both approaches. And who would dare say the bassists in these bands didn’t do a great job?
– Funk & Soul: Fingers, baby! These styles demand loads of dynamics and a beautifully warm tonal palette – which is easier to achieve with fingerstyle. Still, there are exceptions: just think of pick master Bobby Vega subbing for fingerstyle legend Francis Rocco Prestia in Tower Of Power!
– Jazz: Again, a point goes to “Team Fingerstyle”: walking bass lines and agile solos over fast-changing harmonies usually sound better with the tone of finger plucking. One notable exception is US pick bassist Cody Wright, who brings a cool tonal alternative even into jazzy-funky settings.
– Pop: As you like it! Depending on the song, you can use a pick for a punchy tone or fingers for a silky warmth – bandmates, producers and fans alike will thank you!
Conclusion: both techniques have their playgrounds. If you want to be versatile, the best option is to master both!
Round 4: Comfort & Stamina
One often overlooked point is physical strain. Playing with a pick can lead to hand cramping, especially if you’re rattling off eighths or sixteenths for too long without a break. In the worst case, picks may go flying across the rehearsal room or stage – cue spontaneous floor hunts!
Dunlop
Bass Pick Variety Pack
With fingerstyle, especially for beginners, extended sessions can sometimes lead to sore fingertips or even blisters.
Conclusion: Both techniques take practice before they feel natural and effortless. And yes, a little pain is part of that learning curve – but that’s what makes bass playing truly come alive!
Dunlop
Electric Pick Variety Pack
Conclusion: Team Finger or Team Pick?
You’ve probably guessed it by now: in the end, there’s no clear winner – only winners! Both techniques are valid and can steer your bass tone in completely different directions. So why choose just one? The best freelance bassists and session players typically offer both approaches. Sometimes a song needs that aggressively crisp pick tone, while another calls for a beautifully warm fingerstyle vibe.
And let’s be clear: not all picks are created equal. It’s well worth experimenting with different materials and gauges until you find the one that perfectly suits your style and preferences.
So don’t limit yourself – experiment with both fingerstyle and pick playing. I’ve personally used both techniques pretty much equally for many years and love the tonal and stylistic range they give me.
Ibanez
PCP14H-C1 Kaleido Picks
Here’s a tip: try playing a well-known riff with both techniques. How does it sound with fingers? How does the character change with a pick? These little experiments not only expand your tonal palette – they’re also a lot of fun!
Picks at thomann.de
You’ll find our selection of picks in the Thomann shop via the link above. Take a look – happy browsing!
V-Picks
Tree Of Life Guitar Pick
Electric Bass: Fingerstyle vs. Pick – What’s Your Take?
Which side are you on? Fingers, pick or both? Let us know in the comments!
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