Noob question: Is there a typical string used for finger funk?

[terribilino]

I'm just getting back into bass after 20 years, and I find that whenever I try anything funky on the G string, it feels like I'm playing a sitar. The strings on my bass are d'Addario roundwounds (EXL190 Long Scale 40-100). Is a heavier gauge generally used for finger funk, and a lighter for slap?

Thanks!

[wingnut]

Everyone likes something different for slap, some say get the heaviest strings you can, others go light. Myself, I find it easier to use light gauge strings. When I was playing in a funk band I used to mix and match. I would use a lighter gauge E,A and a "normal" D and a fat G (a .50 usually). You used to be able to get a .55 from Dean Markley. Also try different settings on your amp. I found that by increasing the highs and lows and dipping the low mids a bit made it easier to get that nice bite while not sacrificing bottom end.
Hope this helps.

[Jared Lash]

I use medium gauge strings for both and just EQ a bit different, but that's just me.

Though they aren't ideal for slapping, for finger funk you may want to try a set of flats.

For slap, I personally like medium gauge DR Hi-Beams, though any fairly bright string will work well, assuming you're looking for a "modern" slap tone.

Hope that helps.

[Ossaris]

Originally Posted by terribilino

whenever I try anything funky on the G string, it feels like I'm playing a sitar.

That's so cool! I wish my bass felt like a sitar... Flea can make his bass sound like a Sitar. (Sorry for not being too helpful)