[Burk48237]

Originally Posted by Rainer.

No pick here, but I end up playing a lot of R&B, soul, jazz, and funk, and picks are not well suited for the funkay thumpage.

I agree although Bobby Vega and Peter Cetera (early work w/ Chicago) could both give anyone lessons in funky pumpage. I got to play Bobby Vega;s 65 Jazz (Soul Biscuit) and watch him play quite a bit a NAMM this year, and anyone who can sub for Rocco in TOP with a pick is OK by my book.

In my old band ( a progressive-Jazz Christian band in the 90's) I played with a pick on a couple of tunes when I was looking for a Chris Squire feel. But for the most part the soulful stuff was in the fingers.

[zedman]

Originally Posted by jthomas1600

Follow up question: palm muting? Anyone do it.

Yup--it works real well for some songs & styles.

[iAmAPeanut]

I think sometimes a pick makes it easier, sometimes it's a hinderance....Switchfoot's bassist uses his fingers on "This Is Your Life" because there's a lot of going back and forth from one string to another. But I think he uses a pick on "The Sound", the bass line is all on one string but you hit the string many consecutive times. A pick would probably make that easier.

[phaze7486]

Honestly the whole not using a pick thing is stupid. Some people say you are not a true bassist if you use a pick, which is stupid. But you do get a thicker sound if you use your fingers. I tend to use my fingers most of the time for that reason, but i will use a pick if i have to.

[Giga Hertz]

Depends what I'm doing. Reasonably fast songs I use a pick, but slower/mellow songs I use my fingers and/or thumb.