The Best Guitar Picks For Bass: A Guide To Help You Choose

The topic of using guitar picks for bass is one that often stirs up a debate among many bass enthusiasts. This is primarily because the most proper way of playing the bass is by using your fingers.

While some bassists argue that fingerstyle playing allows for greater control and tonal variation, others find that using a bass pick offers a unique attack and clarity to their sound. Does that individual preference really make it such a bad thing?

The controversy surrounding this choice adds an additional layer of complexity when it comes to selecting the best guitar pick for bass. What's best if you do choose to go down this path?

In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of choosing the ideal guitar pick for bass players. We'll cover benefits, pros, cons, PLUS, some of the best bass pick recommendations & finally answer some frequently asked questions on the topic.

Key Takeaways:

• The choice between using fingers or a pick for bass depends on personal preference, play style, and the genre of music.
• Fingerstyle playing offers tonal versatility and dynamic control, but requires more time to master and can cause finger fatigue.
• Bass picks provide increased attack, consistency, and reduced finger fatigue but may limit tonal range and dynamic control.
• The material and thickness of a bass pick significantly impact its playability and the resulting sound.
• Famous bass players like Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, and John Paul Jones have all successfully used picks to shape their signature bass sound.

Using Fingers vs Bass Guitar Picks

Using Fingers - Pros:

Tonal versatility: Using your fingers opens up a world of tonal possibilities. Bassists can create a warmer, rounder sound by plucking the strings with their fingers, which is ideal for genres such as jazz, funk, and reggae.

Dynamic control: Fingers provide a high level of control over dynamics, allowing players to easily vary the volume and intensity of their notes. This allows for expressive playing and nuanced articulation.

Technique versatility: Fingerstyle playing allows for the use of various techniques such as slapping, popping, and tapping, which can add unique flavors and textures to basslines.

Using Fingers Cons:

Less attack and clarity: Fingerstyle playing may have less initial attack and less pronounced note separation than picking, resulting in a smoother and more blended sound. This can be a disadvantage in genres such as rock or metal, which require a more aggressive and defined bassline.

String wear: Constant contact with the guitar strings, can result in faster wear and tear on both the strings and the player's fingertips, resulting in more string changes and potential discomfort.

Steeper learning curve: To develop precision, finger independence, and speed, mastering fingerstyle technique takes time and practice. When compared to using a bass pick, it may take longer for beginners to achieve proficiency.

Using Bass Guitar Picks - Pros:

Increased attack and articulation: Bass picks have a more aggressive attack, allowing for greater note definition and clarity. This can be useful in genres where the bass needs to stand out, such as rock or punk.

Consistency: Bass picks provide consistent tone and volume across a variety of playing styles and techniques, making it easier to achieve a consistent sound throughout a performance.

Reduced finger fatigue: Because players do not rely on repetitive finger plucking when using a bass pick, finger fatigue is reduced. This can be useful for long playing sessions or live performances.

Using Bass Guitar Picks - Cons:

Limited tonal range: Bass picks have a brighter, more percussive sound, and midrange tones, which may not be appropriate for genres that require a warmer, more mellow tone.

Reduced dynamic control: Using a bass pick may provide slightly less dynamic control than using your fingers because it can be difficult to achieve the same level of subtlety and nuance in volume and attack.

Technique limitations: Some advanced techniques, such as fingerstyle-specific techniques like slapping and popping, may be more difficult or impossible to perform with a pick.

Personal preference, play style, and musical genre all have a significant impact on whether to use fingers or a pick. Experiment with both techniques and pick the one that feels the most natural for your desired play style. Want to go further in depth on this topic? Check out this bass article here

Related: Is there a difference in guitar picks?

Pick Materials To Consider

The material you choose for your bass guitar pick can have a noticeable impact on your playing experience and tone. Consider the following materials for bass picks:

Acrylic:

This is a less common pick material, that is sometimes replaced by Plexiglass or Lexan. However, these materials are excellent for producing a brighter sound. The material has a stiff, slightly brittle feel and are very consistent. The Lexan in particular can be found in the Dunlpo "Stubby" picks.

Delrin/Polyoxymethylene (POM):

Delrin or POM picks are known for their matte finish, excellent grip, and durability. They produce a bright and focused tone with enhanced attack, making them well-suited for genres that require precision and clarity, such as classic rock, or metal. You can find endless variations of this material such as with the "Tortex picks" or "Gator Grip" line of picks.

Metal:

Stainless steel, brass picks , & even coin picks offer a unique tonal characteristic with increased brightness and attack. Metal guitar picks produce a metallic, cutting sound, making them ideal for genres that require a more aggressive and pronounced bass tone, such as metal or hard rock. The durability you can get from one of these picks will also be top notch.

Nylon:

Nylon picks are a popular choice among bassists due to their versatility. They offer a balanced tone with a snappy attack, making them suitable for a wide range of genres. Nylon makes for some of the most flexible picks and have great durability, allowing for comfortable playing and extended use. Check out the "Dava Control Grips" for this material.

Other Synthetic Materials:

There's also synthetic stone picks out there like the Medusa plectrum we produce. These are a mixture between acrylic & stone which are the best of both worlds and provide a unique tone.

Alternatively you can try something like a faux ivory or bone material. We make a few heavy guitar picks out of synthetic ivory called the Parthenon Collection. These picks have a matte finish which provides a decent amount of grip & a slight bite due to the drag that's created from the satin bevels.

Ultem:

One of the top contenders for bass pick durability is Ultem (PEI). This is similar to acrylic but much more durable. The material feels stiff & brittle but actually very tough. We recommend this one as a guitar pick for metal & should hold up just as well for playing electric bass guitar.

Wood:

There are finally wood guitar picks available that can provide a more exquisite playing experience. The feel is totally different than anything else but they have excellent grip & can provide a nice warm note since they're not as clanky as say metal, acrylic, ultem or any other plastic picks.

Bass Pick Thickness

The thickness of a bass pick can have a significant impact on both playability and tone. Here's how different thicknesses can affect your playing & resulting sound:

Thin Guitar Picks (.5mm - 0.75mm):

Thin bass picks provide greater flexibility and a lighter touch. They are easier to bend in general and provide a more delicate but snappy attack on the strings. Thin picks are ideal for players who prefer a softer, smoother tone that places less emphasis on dynamics and more emphasis on a percussive attack.

Medium Guitar Picks (0.75mm - ~1.5mm):

Picks with a medium or average pick thickness strike a balance between flexibility and rigidity. They have a moderate amount of give while still providing adequate control. Medium picks have a wide range of tones that allow for a good balance of attack, dynamics, and articulation. They are widely used in a variety of music styles and can be a dependable choice for bassists looking for a balanced sound.

Thick Guitar Picks (1.5mm +):

Thick picks add rigidity and a powerful attack to the strings. They provide less flexibility but more control, enabling precise picking and aggressive playing. With increased string articulation, thick picks produce a brighter and more focused tone. They're ideal for genres that require a punchier, more defined bass sound, like rock, punk, or metal. Thicker bass picks can also be beneficial for players who prefer a more consistent and stable grip.

Guitar Pick Shapes

A final consideration for bass picks is the shape of the pick, with sharp points being more precision oriented & rounded edges providing a more punchy tone. The shape is also tied to the shape & is a preference that will depend on the proportions of your hand.

Standard/Traditional Shape:

The standard or traditional pick shape has rounded triangular or teardrop edges and a rounded triangular or teardrop design(such as the classic Fender 351). This shape is widely used and provides bassists with a versatile option. It offers a well-balanced mix of control, flexibility, and attack. The rounded tip promotes smooth string contact, resulting in a well-rounded tone. Standard-shaped picks are appropriate for a variety of playing styles and genres.

Jazz Shape:

Jazz picks have a smaller and more compact shape compared to the standard picks. They typically feature a rounded or slightly pointed tip and have a smaller overall size. Jazz picks are popular among bassists in genres like jazz, rock, & metal as they allow for precise and nimble playing. They provide increased control for intricate passages and a faster response due to their reduced surface area. Jazz picks can produce a slightly brighter and more focused tone. Learn more about the legendary Jazz3 pick shape here.

Triangular Shape:

Triangle picks come in a variety of point sharpness & are great for people with large hands. These bigger picks provide added gripping surface which results in enhanced control. They also have 3 points which overall adds to the durability of the pick & usefulness. They're not as popular as the other 2 but definitely have their own niche.

Related: All about guitar pick shapes

Genres That Use Picks For Bass Guitar

Rock:

Many rock bassists use a pick to achieve a more aggressive and pronounced sound. It helps to cut through the mix and provide a punchier tone, especially in high-energy rock songs.

Punk:

Punk music often calls for fast and aggressive basslines, and using a pick can help achieve the desired attack and intensity.

Metal:

In many subgenres of metal, bassists use picks to create fast and precise basslines that complement the heavy guitars and drums. It allows for greater speed and clarity, particularly in genres like thrash metal and metalcore.

Pop:

Some pop music, especially songs with a strong emphasis on rhythm and a prominent bassline, may benefit from the use of a pick. It can provide a distinct and articulate sound that complements the pop aesthetic.

Alternative:

In alternative rock and other related genres, bassists may use a pick to achieve a more focused and defined sound. It can help create a distinct rhythmic texture that suits the genre's unique style.

Famous Bass Players Who Use A Pick

Here's a few famous bass guitar players who are known for their skillful use of bass picks.

Paul McCartney:

Paul McCartney popularized the use of a pick on bass as a member of the legendary band The Beatles. His melodic basslines and energetic pick-playing style can be heard in classic Beatles songs such as "Helter Skelter" and "Taxman."

Roger Waters:

Roger Waters, the bassist and lyricist for Pink Floyd, frequently used a pick to create the driving and powerful basslines that became a signature element of the band's sound. Songs such as "Money" and "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" highlight his deft pick technique.

John Paul Jones:

John Paul Jones, best known for his versatile bass playing in Led Zeppelin, frequently used a pick to create the dynamic and punchy basslines heard in songs such as "Dazed and Confused" and "Good Times Bad Times." His precise pick attack contributed to the heavy sound of the band.

John Entwistle:

As The Who's bassist, John Entwistle was known for his intricate pick-bass playing. His quick and precise picking style provided a driving force to songs like "My Generation" and "Baba O'Riley."

Dee Dee Ramone:

Dee Dee Ramone, a founding member and bassist of the punk rock band Ramones, used a pick to achieve the fast and aggressive style that became synonymous with the band's sound. Songs like "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker" feature his brisk pick playing.

Best Guitar Picks For Bass (Iron Age Picks)

For playing bass, here's a few of our own signature bass picks, many of which are handcrafted plectrums.

Iron Age Assorted Delrin Picks

This pack include a variety of thinner picks & a couple of jazz picks so you can explore different thicknesses & shapes. These are also made from Delrin which is similar to the more widely available Gator Grip Picks - awesome for playing bass.

Ivory Jazz XL

If you want to try thicker picks that deliver a punch, check out one of these jazz picks. They're made from faux ivory with a matte texture which helps to produce a brighter overall tone. They are one of our top 10 picks rated by our customers and should do well for playing bass guitar.

Ragnarok Odin's Horn

These acrylic triangle picks are great for those with bigger hands. You're getting 3 picks in 1 with these, along with a brushed texture & glow in the dark engraving. Overall great for grip, durability, and make some of the best bass picks for large hands.

Best Bass Guitar Picks From Other Brands

Tortex Flow

The tortex flow shapes, also known as the "JD 208" shape provide a large grip surface & semi sharp point.

They make a well-balanced bass guitar pick & these are also available in an Ultem material.

Dunlop JazzXL

This is a favorite pick shape amongst guitar players but not reason why you can't use it to play bass guitar too. If you have smaller hands, you can also check out the JazzIII variant.

These picks are made from nylon & are known for their nimble playability, great control characteristics, and decent durability.

Earnie Ball Prodigy Tripicks

For a more metal approach to playing bass, check out the EB Prodigy lineup with several pick shapes available. They even have variety packs so you can experiment and find your favorite.

They are thicker picks which will help make your bass lines stand out with minimal pick noise & provide excellent picking control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use guitar picks for bass?

Yes you can use the same guitar picks you would use on a guitar for bass interchangeably.

Using a guitar pick on bass can result in a brighter and more defined attack, emphasizing the higher frequencies of the instrument.

It can be particularly useful in genres that require a more aggressive and pronounced bass sound, such as rock or metal.

What picks should I use for bass guitar?

Thicker picks will stand up better to the larger bass strings & produce a nice thump.

These picks offer the necessary thickness and rigidity to provide a solid attack, control, and durability.

You can also opt for something thinner & more flexible to produce a snappier sound.

Do you need a guitar pick for bass guitar?

No, a guitar pick is not strictly necessary for playing the bass guitar. Many bassists prefer to use their fingers or a combination of fingerstyle and slapping techniques to achieve their desired sound and playing style.

Using fingers allows for greater control over dynamics, tonal variation, and the ability to incorporate techniques like slides and harmonics.

However, using a pick can offer a different tonal character with a sharper attack and increased articulation, making it a valuable tool for bassists who seek a distinct sound or need to cut through the mix in certain musical contexts.

Ultimately, the choice between using a pick or fingers is a matter of personal preferences and the specific musical requirements of the player.

Is bass pick & guitar pick the same?

Yes there are actually no dedicated "bass picks" and guitar picks can be used interchangeably between both instruments.

Do you strum or pick a bass guitar?

When playing the bass guitar, the primary technique used is generally plucking the strings with either the fingers or a pick.

Strumming, as commonly associated with acoustic or electric guitar playing, is not typically used on the bass guitar in the same way.

Instead, bassists typically focus on individual note or chord playing, using plucking or picking techniques to produce distinct and defined sounds.

Do metal bassists use a pick?

Yes, many metal bassists use a pick. The use of a pick in metal music provides several benefits.

First, it allows for a more aggressive and precise attack on the strings, contributing to the driving and heavy sound characteristic of the genre.

Second, using a pick enables faster and more consistent picking patterns, which can be essential for executing rapid and intricate basslines often found in metal music.

Lastly, the pick can help the bassist cut through the dense mix of heavy guitars and drums, ensuring that the bassline remains audible and impactful.

Overall, the pick offers metal bassists the tools to achieve the desired intensity, speed, and clarity necessary for their style of playing.

Is it better to have bass strings closer to pickups or farther?

The placement of bass strings in relation to the pickups is a matter of personal preference and can vary depending on the desired tone and style.

Having the strings closer to the pickups can result in a more focused and defined tone, with increased attack and clarity.

On the other hand, positioning the strings farther from the pickups can yield a rounder, warm sound with enhanced sustain.

Ultimately, the optimal placement will depend on the individual player's preferences and the sonic characteristics they wish to achieve. Experimenting with different positions and finding the balance that best suits your playing and desired tone is key.

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