How To

How to Hold a Pick to Play Bass Guitar

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor
Rate: (2 Ratings)

Musicians consider the rhythm of the bass guitar as an integral part of many rock songs. Bass players play the bass in a variety of ways, including fingers, slapping or popping. Another method of play involves using a pick for a crisper sound.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Bass guitar
  • Pick
  1. Step 1

    Realize that picking a bass guitar is different from picking a guitar. For one thing, the bass guitar is a heavier instrument with heavier strings.

  2. Step 2

    Compare the many different sizes, materials and thicknesses of picks on the sound and the ease of picking a bass. Many musicians like heavy picks for bass strings because thin ones produce a tin sound. Most important is your comfort in gripping a pick.

  3. Step 3

    Hold the pick between the thumb and index finger of your picking/strumming hand. For most guitarists, this is your right hand. Remember to use a relaxed grip that doesn't put too much strain on your fingers.

  4. Step 4

    Rest the back part of your hand on the bass and use the pick to go down and up on a string. When you get comfortable with this, try strumming more than one string at the same time.

  5. Step 5

    Focus on accuracy at the beginning, not speed. Working the strings quickly with a pick can be very difficult when you first start out.

  6. Step 6

    Practice as often as you can. Using a pick to play a bass guitar becomes easier with practice.

Tips & Warnings
  • Study music theory and apply it to the bass.
  • While using a pick to play bass guitar is a great method, don't limit yourself from learning other techniques as well—taping, walking bass and spider picking.

Comments  

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on 9/18/2008 this article was helpful, i believe i am on my way to playing bass guitar!

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