Best
Overall Bass Pick
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Overall: With a triangular shape for a bigger surface area to grab onto
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Best Feature: Ultex for maximum durability and flexibility
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Bass Pick for Versatility
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Overall: With a large gripping surface that provides exceptional control
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Best Feature: Has a durable Tortex design that offers a lifetime of performance
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TedScore™: 8.8/10
Best
Bass Pick for Durability
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Overall: guitar and bass players
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Best Feature: Made from a carefully selected polyamide-imide material
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Finding the perfect pick for your bass is like adding a dollop of cream to your favorite dessert—it makes everything better. The search for the best bass picks might feel like a maze, but don’t worry; I’ve been there and am here to help you.
From Celluloid to Delrin and everything in between, there are many materials, shapes, and sizes to choose from. There’s a pick for every bassist, whether you’re playing smooth jazz lines or rocking out with anthems.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what makes a pick the right fit for your strong bass fingers. So, grab your bass, and let’s explore the world of plectrums, from the thinnest to the thickest, ready to enhance your playing experience!
The Best Picks for Bass Playing
DESIGNED FOR: fast styles of play
FEATURES: With carefully-engineered coarse grid for an unparalleled non-slip surface
OTHER INFO: Boasts a Max-Grip gripping surface
Dunlop Nylon Max-Grip Standard .88mm
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Made from nylon
- Ideal for fast and accurate strumming
- Offers ultimate precision, control and durability
- Some players may find the grip to be too aggressive or abrasive
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: all bass players
FEATURES: With a triangular shape for a bigger surface area to grab onto
OTHER INFO: Ultex for maximum durability and flexibility
Dunlop Ultex Triangle 1.00mm
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lightweight and versatile
- Suitable for players learning picking techniques
- Ideal for a variety of styles
- May not be suitable for players who prefer smaller or more traditional picks
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: bass players
FEATURES: Designed with a reduced teardrop shape
OTHER INFO: Made from thick cast acrylic for a clear tone
Gravity Picks Classic Big Mini 1.5mm
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Louder and brighter than nylon picks
- Long-lasting pick life
- Some players may find the reduced teardrop shape to be uncomfortable or unfamiliar
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: faster styles of play
FEATURES: Made from Lexan for maximum strength and durability
OTHER INFO: Designed with a teardrop shape
Dunlop Stubby 1.00mm
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Powerful gripping surface for superior control
- Allows for effortless strumming
- Bring out the true voice and clarity of your instrument
- May not be suitable for players who prefer more traditional, standard-shaped picks
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: All Players
FEATURES: Classic 351 pick shape
OTHER INFO: Made from celluloid material
Fender Classic Celluloid, Black, 351 Shape, Medium
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Provides a traditional, familiar feel for most guitarists
- The celluloid material provides a warm, balanced tone
- May not be as durable as other materials, such as nylon or Ultex
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: players who prefer a light touch and fast playing
FEATURES: Made from Duralin material
OTHER INFO: With a super light gauge for fast playing
Planet Waves Duralin Guitar Picks Super Light
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Duralin material provides durability
- Creates a unique sound compared to other materials
- Some players may find the super light gauge to be too thin and lacking in control or precision
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: guitar and bass players
FEATURES: With a large gripping surface that provides exceptional control
OTHER INFO: Gives a crisp, bright attack that maintains exceptional clarity in your sound
Dunlop Tortex Triangle Picks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a durable Tortex design that offers a lifetime of performance
- Offers unparalleled quality from Dunlop's best-selling pick range
- The triangular shape may not be as comfortable or familiar for players used to standard-shaped picks
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: guitar and bass guitar players
FEATURES: Ultra grippy thanks to the matt surface
OTHER INFO: Offers strength and durability from Delrex material
Dunlop Gator Grip Standard 1.50mm
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Gives a smooth attack thanks to the bevelled edge
- Produce a dark, beefy sound
- Creates a tone with a rich, powerful response
- Its grip may be too aggressive or rough for some players
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DESIGNED FOR: guitar and bass players
FEATURES: Made from a carefully selected polyamide-imide material
OTHER INFO: Extremely durable, with a long lifespan compared to other picks
Dragon's Heart Guitar Picks
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- The multiple playing edges allow for versatile playing styles and techniques
- Provides a unique tone and feel compared to other materials
- Available in a variety of thicknesses and shapes
- The unique material and design may not be suitable for players who prefer more traditional picks or materials.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5 Types of Bass Guitar Picks
Here are 5 different types of bass guitar picks to help you find the perfect one for your playing style.
1. Standard Picks
Standard picks are the most common type of bass guitar pick. They come in various shapes and sizes, but most are teardrop-shaped and made of plastic. They’re versatile and suitable for most playing styles. Standard picks are available in different thicknesses, from thin to thick. Thicker picks produce a more pronounced sound, while thinner picks produce a softer, mellow sound.
2. Jazz Picks
Jazz picks are smaller and thicker than standard picks. They’re usually made of nylon or celluloid and have a pointed tip. Jazz picks are ideal for playing intricate bass lines and solos. They produce a bright, snappy sound perfect for jazz and other genres requiring fast, precise bass playing control throughout.
3. Thumb Picks
Thumb picks are worn on the thumb and are ideal for playing fingerstyle bass. They come in different sizes and shapes, but most have a flat pick attached to a ring that fits around the thumb. Thumb picks allow you to play with greater precision and control and produce a louder, more resonant sound.
4. Felt Picks
Felt picks are made of wool or synthetic materials and are ideal for playing acoustic bass. They produce a warm, mellow sound for ballads and other slow, melodic pieces. Felt picks are also great for playing with a bow, producing a smooth, even tone.
5. Tortex Picks
Tortex picks are made of a synthetic material that’s more durable than standard plastic picks. They come in different thicknesses and have a matte finish that provides a good grip. Tortex picks produce a bright, clear sound ideal for playing rock and other genres that require a powerful, punchy sound.
Factors to Consider for Choosing a Bass Guitar Picks
Choosing the best pick for bass guitar can be daunting, especially for beginners. There are a few factors to consider when selecting a bass guitar pick that will help you achieve the tone and sound you desire. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Playing Style
If you play guitars with your fingers, you may prefer a thinner pick that allows you to maintain the feel of playing with your fingers. A thicker pick may be more suitable if you prefer a more aggressive sound.
Material
Different materials produce different tones on bass guitars, so choosing a pick that complements your playing style and the sound you want to achieve is essential. The most common materials for bass guitar picks include plastic, nylon, and metal.
Size and Shape
A larger pick may be more comfortable to hold, while a smaller pick may be easier to control. The shape of the pick can also affect the sound produced, with some shapes being better suited for certain playing styles and techniques.
Thickness and Flexibility
The thickness and flexibility of the pick are also important factors to consider. A thicker pick can produce a more robust sound, while a thinner pick can be more flexible and easier to control. The flexibility of the pick can also affect the attack and release of the notes played.
Benefits of Playing Bass Guitar with a Pick
While both methods of playing the bass have advantages, playing with a pick has some unique benefits you might want to consider.
Great for increased volume and projection.
One of the most significant advantages of playing bass with a pick is that it can help you achieve a louder and more projected sound. The pick lets you hit the strings with more force, translating into more volume and projection.
This is especially useful when you’re playing with a band and need to cut through the mix.
Give a brighter and more articulate attack.
Another benefit of playing bass with a pick is that it can give you a brighter and more articulate attack. The pick allows you to hit the strings more precisely, which results in a more defined and clear sound. This is particularly useful when you’re playing faster and more complex passages requiring high precision.
Ability to play faster and more complex passages with precision
Playing bass with a pick can also help you play faster and more complex passages with precision. The pick allows you to pick each note faster and more accurately, which is essential when playing intricate bass lines.
Additionally, playing with a pick can help you maintain a consistent tone across different notes and strings, which is crucial when playing complex bass parts.
Best Bass Picks
Summary
Well, there you have it – our best picks for bass guitar! We hope this guide has been helpful in finding the perfect pick for your playing style and needs.
Remember, the right pick can make all the difference in your bass playing, from speed and precision to tone and articulation. So don’t settle for a subpar pick – try various picks and see the difference for yourself!
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try out different shapes, sizes, and materials until you find the perfect pick for you.
Most importantly, have fun with it! After all, music is all about expression and creativity.
So go forth, fellow bass players, and rock out with the best bass guitar picks!
I’ve gotta say, using a pick on bass has its place, but it’s not the end-all-be-all. You mentioned the benefits but what about the downsides? According to my experience, picks can limit the dynamic range and add unnecessary attack for genres that require a smoother, more rounded tone. Sure, for punk or metal, a pick is almost indispensable for that aggressive sound. But for jazz, blues, or even classic rock, your fingers can provide nuances that a pick just can’t match. It’s good to have the skill to switch between both based on what the music demands.
is there a best pick to start with for a total beginner? kinda overwhelmed here :/
Hey Sarah92, starting with a medium thickness Tortex pick might be your best bet. Easy to handle and very versatile!
interesting stuff about picks but what about us who swear by the fingers? found playing with fingers gives me more control and that warm tone you just cant get with a pick, but hey, to each their own right?
Really enjoyed the breakdown of pick types, Hugh Richardson. It’s great to see attention to the subtleties of bass playing, like how Tortex picks can add a unique texture to your sound. I’ve been using them for years in the studio and live performances and can attest to their versatility. I’d recommend any bass player experiment with different picks to find their perfect sound. Great read!