I know of some famous bass players who swear by using only a pick for bass guitar (Jason Newsted, Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, Gene Simmons, Lemmy Kilmister), and others who swear by only fingerpicking traditionally (Duck Dunn, Jack Bruce, Geddy Lee, Flea). Still others use both (Roger Waters, John Paul Jones, Sting, John Entwistle).
While leaning more toward the fingered bass sound in everyday situations, I'm solidly in the "both, depending on style and need" camp (probably because my musically formative years were inspired by both Chris Squire AND Geddy Lee). Curious to hear which camp everyone else is in - pick, fingers, or both? If you're on one side or the other for personal (or even purist) reasons, do you stress this point to your students or adjust your teaching style to their preferences?
Tyson Farmer
www.lessonface.com/TysonFarmer
