Jazz and R&B are good for plucking. I've seen some folk artists use upright plucking too. Upright bass plucking is good for songs that aren't too heavy and have a relaxed feel.
When you're about to play it. It depends what piece you're playing, if it has plucking or not.
it is similar to most string instruments (like violin, viola, double bass) we can pluck the strings using our fingers or bow it.
harp ,bango,? Also when playing pizzicato on string intsruments - violin, viola, cello, bass - you pluck the strings when so playing. In fact, the bass uses pizzicato about as often as arco (bowed). Nowadays, on prepared pianos, players reach in to the interior to pluck strings, but that strictly speaking is not how the instrument was meant to be used.
you pluck it with your fingers or bow it with a bow.
its a style, mainly for bass playing, in which you pluck the strings using all your fingers which makes a slapping sound. you can hear it alot in funk and jazz music.
4 Strings.
You can play the Double Bass either arco. (which is with a bow) or pizzicato (which is plucking the strings).
4 Strings on a Double Bass
The double bass is much like the string bass, but it is also known as an upright bass, and commonly used in symphonies. It can be played with fingers, (pizzicato) but is usually played with a bow, like a violin. It looks like a big violin, and is played with the bottom of it, (opposite of where you tune the strings) at your feet, and the top around where your head is, while you are sitting down.
Yes, many have 5 strings
thicker strings
I'm not aware of Nylon strings for double bass. I would get some help from a teacher before making any purchases.