Couple beginner questions

[ChickenMcFicken]

So first off, from what I've noticed in the three or so days since I've been playing bass, it seems like theres a lot more stuff in the major (and minor I'd assume) scale. I play guitar, and while there are people who will swear against it, I firmly believe you can do great in the rock world with just the pentatonic scale. I never really learned the major/minor scales, but I guess this would be a great time to do so. Am I correct in assuming that they're more common/necessary for bass?

I'm just going to nab some used "whatever I can get amp" off of craigslist when I get some cash. What kinda wattage should I be looking for for bedroom levels and the occasional drummer or a drummer and a guitar or two? My 30 watt vox valvetronix is fine for jamming with the drummer alone if that helps anyone.

Thanks for any help

PS: I'll be playing mostly classic rock, straight up rock, with maybe some funk, blues, and reggae throw in from time to time. (for both questions)

PPS: when's a good time to use a pick? As far as I can tell now it sounds like it'd be good in a punk context, but are there any other genres that they're commonly used in? I find them way easier (no ****, I play guitar) but I've been avoiding using a pick, working on my fingers and stuff. Plus fingers sound better and look cooler.

[Spazzout22]

Q1: A pentatonic scale is just a major/minor scale with the third and 7th removed. It's a good idea to know your major and minor scales as well as some of your modes. Nothing bass wise is really "necessary" but it really helps your playing to know major and minor scales.

Q2: I'm feelin like a 100W amp should be totally fine. I play with a 45W practice amp and have a little trouble being heard with a drumset, but with drums and two guitars, you're gonna want something a little bit bigger than 45W.

Q3: It's always good to know how to play with a pick. There was a great article in bass player magazine that was interviewing the bassist from Billy Talent. He was talking about how you're never going to know where you're going to need a pick and where you're going to need fingers. Rock, Punk, and sometimes just that time you want a really sharp attack in soloing. As you play more you'll figure out what you like best, and what sounds best for different types of music.

[Poetic License]

It's not going to hurt to know those chords, so I would certainly suggest learning them. It's just one of those things that you know can come in handy, so, best to not be left in the cold.

I'd say a 60W or above should do just fine. I use my 60W when I'm jamming with band because it's hell of a lot easier then moving a cab around, no one has a problem hearing me.

Using a pick is good to know, from my experience it is used more in punk and the heavier rock genres. But I do know that Flea uses a pick from time to time, and you can certainly tell the difference. So, make it fit your style.

[Polyamarous]

You can use a pick whenever you want, whenever you feel the need ultimate, punch attack and clarity, find yourself a pick!

[ChickenMcFicken]

I think I'm going to work on learning the scales, cuz theyre the same shape for guitar so it's going to be hurting any. Still, what dyou guys use most? I don't really know enough bass to say anything but at least for me and guitar pentatonics are more than enough if you can use em right.

Its not like I have a band or anything either for the amp, it'd just be nice, but I also dont have any money : \

I guess I'll start to pick up when to use a pick or not. I feel like a square when I use it. Its much easier. It doesnt sound so good tho.

Thanks

[Seeders]

I dont really ever use a pick. You can get pretty tough sounds by doing more of a pluck than normal. You can also use your thumb and pointer finger held together to make a pick effect by strumming as you would with a pick. But this all goes well with MY style of playing. Its a lot more about what kind of sounds you like. The more you play, the more you'll be able to feel what you want to go for because you'll be able to "feel" your bass's capabilities more.

[ChickenMcFicken]

aight, thanks. I dun like the pick

[Polyamarous]

There is nothing wrong with using a pick, it's not blasphemous it does not make any less of a player.

I think stereotypes are starting to shine through here, if Flea is used one (which he does sometimes) would there be such prejudice?

[ChickenMcFicken]

Fingers are more fun. I might as well be playing guitar if I'ma use the pick, since its already more fun, imo.

Any more opinions on the first question?

[Polyamarous]

I might as well be playing guitar if I'ma use the pick

This is so ****ING ignorant I want blind you out of rage.

[ChickenMcFicken]

for me, it's true. I enjoy playing guitar more already, so I might as well do something I don't do on guitar. If I'm going to use a pick, why not just play guitar which to me is more fun. I enjoy bass because it's different. Plus I dont like the sound of a pick and fingers are more fun.

[crimsonghost_37]

i started out using fingers, then got in a shitty metal band and started playing with a pick. After I got out of that mess, I went back to the fingers and have stayed ever since. Fingers give more articulation, picks are faster.

It appears as if my post has been edited (poopty) :)