Quick Question about Bass Guitar

[TheRundownRabbit]

To hit the notes do I have to use a pick and or my fingers, or can I also use my thumb?

 

[Jonluw]

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking...
So long as you press down the string and then make it vibrate somehow, it doesn't matter how you do it. All that'll change with the different methods is the sound and how easily you can play. i.e. I could play the bass with a rubber eraser, but I would be crap at it and it would probably sound weird.

Edit: If what you're asking is whether the thumb is a viable option for picking notes, then the answer is yes. Playing with your thumb and fingers is called Spanish playing if I'm not mistaken. I don't normally use my thumb much; but it comes in handy in some songs, like Portrait of Tracy.

 

[CactiComplex]

I've never heard of using a pick on a bass, just fingers/thumb, but then I don't know a lot of guitarists. I suppose whatever feels comfortable/gets the best results will be the way to go.

 

[HigherTomorrow]

It depends on the song and the style of music your playing. Some bassists use different styles, from regular picking, or using your thumb, while some bassists (Les Claypool of Primus fame comes to mind) use a technique called slap bass.

 

[WrongSprite]

It's a personal preference, or a sound preference. Both are very common, don't be put off using whichever feels better.

 

[Sweeney94]

If you're doing jazz or country thumbs is very acceptable, also the same with slides. You can use a pick - of course you can, every bassist uses a pick now and then, especially with metal type genres. The most common technique is using the index and middle finger, and it generally gives the best 'bassiest' sound and is also the most even and easy to play quick tempos with.

 

[Arkhangelsk]

Choose what fits you best. Many bass players use picks, many use fingers, some use thumbs, and slap bass players use the thumb and the fingers.

 

[Berethond]

Use your fingers.
It sounds better.

 

[Fwee]

You can do it either way really. I'd recommend taking lessons though. You'll learn how to use a pick and work your way up to fingerpicking and slap-bass styles.