Bass directional picking or natural picking is used for example to sweep pick arpeggios, play 3 note per string pentatonic scale licks and does not preclude using a slap pop technique. Directional picking is a specific approach of picking from bass string to string with the use of a pick. The other picking method, Alternate picking, is generally done by default when picking a single string, that is the pick changes direction from downward to upward each time the single string is repeatedly picked or vice versa.

The concept and application of guitar directional picking is based upon the movement of the pick where you keep the pick in the same direction when moving from string to string. For example, picking is a constant unchanging direction such ash down, down, down or up up up, as opposed to down up down up. It is extremely important that you understand all methods of picking so you know what you are actually doing and so you can make more educated decisions about how you want to approach playing the guitar in regards to picking. Remember, the idea of directional picking relates to a very specific and prescribed method of moving across the guitar fretboard from string to string.

Whether or not a bass player uses directional picking exclusively or not as their picking method, generally he or she will also use other techniques as well.