How to Play Bass With a Pick (Yes, You Should!)

I've been hearing a lot of chatter about whether bassists should play with a pick. Some say it's just for guitarists, but Ian Allison is here to tell you otherwise.

In the video below, Ian guides you through three genres of music and demonstrates the different playing styles and techniques that will help you build dexterity and stamina with a pick.

If you want to follow along, download the workbook for this video at the bottom of the page, which contains tabs for all of the songs we’ll be reviewing.

Let's dive into the world of playing bass with a pick and put an end to this debate once and for all!

Originally published on July 3rd, 2021, this article was republished on October 13th, 2023.

There's a common misconception that using a pick is reserved solely for guitar players. But that's far from the truth.

In fact, some of the most iconic bass lines were played using a pick. It's all about the sound and style you're aiming for. Let’s take a look at the various styles where pick-playing is used.

Can pick-players be funky? What a question. Check out these songs in case you’re not convinced:

The O’Jay’s Anthony Jackson is typically known for playing a 6-string bass and leaning in the jazz direction, but here he is playing this incredible funk tune.

Bobby Vega is one of my favorite pick players of all time. I was so inspired the first time I saw him play and wanted to track down everything he recorded, which is how I found out about Sly Stone’s tune, “High on You.”

Alright, so everyone knows that punk rockers use a pick to play the bass.

But I want you to consider, if you haven’t already, that this is an art form just like any other. The sound, the attitude, the vibe—it is all part of the genre, and it deserves respect and attention.

Check out this bassline by one of the greatest punk bassists of all time - Paul Simonon.

London Calling, the band that wrote this amazing song, hardly needs any introduction. The song instantly became a hit, no doubt buoyed along by the catchy bass line carrying the song teased out by Paul Simonon.

Let’s talk about jazz. When I think of bass players with a jazz background, two incredible players come to mind:

One of the most prolific bass players of our time, Carol Kaye’s ingenuity is evident in the Beach Boys' tune “Good Vibrations''. Short, plunky sounds with a bit of palm muting are what make this bass line really pop.

Steve Swallow has cultivated the most unique, wonderful sound with a pick on an electric bass in jazz. Check out his amazing performance with legendary jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton.

Using a pick doesn't make you any less of a bassist. It's just another tool in your toolkit, offering a different sound and feel. So, the next time someone questions your choice to use a pick just lay down a groovy bass line and let the music do the talking.

Remember, it's not about the tool; it's about the music you create with it. So, pick up that bass (and pick), and let's make some music!

PS. If you'd like to grab the FREE workbook for this lesson just click here!