Picking Fingers
Key Features
- Voice control shifts recorded bass between pick-like attack and fingerstyle warmth
- Measured voicing filters are based on matched pick and finger captures instead of a guessed EQ tilt
- Low-end level matching keeps the bass weight stable while the playing character changes
- Attack control increases the per-note transient character that separates picked and fingered bass
- Bite stage adds a grittier front edge to notes without heavily distorting the sustain
- Tone tilt provides a quick plus or minus 6 dB brightness adjustment with true bypass at flat
- Zero-latency mono or stereo operation makes it practical for tracking as well as mix correction
Description
Picking Fingers is a bass guitar tone processor from Box of Rules that changes the perceived playing style after the take is recorded. Put it on a DI or bass track and use the Voice control to push fingerstyle bass toward a picked attack, or soften a picked part toward a rounder fingerstyle feel.
The plugin is built around measured pick-versus-finger captures rather than a generic brightness curve. Its voicing filters are level-matched through the low end, so the character changes without making the bass feel smaller in the mix.
Attack and Bite handle the front edge of the note, where most of the playing-style cue lives. Attack applies more of the per-note character, while Bite adds a gritty transient chunk without dirtying the whole sustain.
Use it when the performance is right but the tone asks for a different hand. It is especially useful for rock, metal, indie, and programmed bass parts where pick definition, finger warmth, or tighter transient focus needs to be adjusted quickly without re-recording.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Picking Fingers actually change?
It changes the perceived playing style of a bass recording. A fingerstyle take can be voiced toward a picked sound, and a picked take can be softened toward a fingerstyle tone.
Is this just an EQ preset for bass?
No. Box of Rules says the transform is based on matched recordings of basses played with picks and fingers, then turned into measured voicing filters. The plugin also has Attack and Bite controls for the transient part of each note.
Can it be used while recording?
Yes. The official page lists zero-latency operation, so it can be monitored while tracking if your DAW and audio interface buffer are already comfortable.
Does Picking Fingers collect usage data?
The developer says it counts anonymous usage only, including a random install ID with plugin version, OS, and DAW. It does not collect audio or personal data, and there is an opt-out checkbox in the SYS panel.
