Action and a Strong Right Hand

[I3iGbizzle]

I am wondering if players with a notoriously thunderous right hand fingerstyle technique (Steve Harris, Entwistle, Cliff, etc.) or any of you guys have above average action to combat the strings hitting the pickups on the D and G strings, creating a popping sound. I've always played aggressively with my right hand because I'm influenced by these guys and it's a way of increasing your presence when everyone is trying to turn your volume down.


I've always played with the thumb of my right hand resting on the top of the split pickup (I now primarily use a Mexi Fender P Bass). Should I play around with the action or is this some kind of inherent problem in my technique? I have yet to change the action of my P bass because it is so comfortable and balanced in respect to my left hand. Thanks.

[fourstringdrums]

I'd try lowering the pickup a little bit, but if you're hitting the pickups with the strings it's your technique. It sounds like you're coming down on the string, not across it if that makes sense.

[fearceol]

You could try playing with a lighter touch and hiring the volume on the amp to compensate. Apart from possibly solving your problem, your plucking hand will thank you for it in say..ten or fifteen years time.

[enricogaletta]

I agree with the previous post, if you get used to play hard try to lower the P pickup.
Cheers. Enrico
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[Russell L]

My action is up more than usual, not because I hit the strings so hard, but I'm also not the very lightest player. Sometimes I have to pluck with certain amount of force or I can't play at all. I adjust my volume to suit , but I also don't want any string noise. But...if you're plucking TOO hard I'd say lighten up some. It may feel weird at first, but keep at it. No need to overplay.

[darius8]

Geddy Lee plays with high actions.

[maxgrant]

I play with pretty high action. I hit hard too. And ironically I am a leftie playing right-handed.

I think at the 12th fret I am anywhere from .25mm to .5. Typically.

[hernameisrio]

I can't stand high action...to me, I don't like feeling as if I'm fighting with my instrument to play it.

[Fergie Fulton]

Photos from Fergie (Fergie) on Myspace

In the above link, my old P bass, very high action, flatwounds, 120-100-80-60. Never had any problems playing it.......but there were plenty that did, but she always sounded amazing.

[bryan gibson]

You also may experiment with picking closer to the bridge. I play(ed) in a similar fashion for 20+ years, with exactly the same side effects. I've been experimenting lately with moving my right hand, with good results-less "pop," less "boom,", and a tighter and more even low end. Give it a shot, it don't cost nuthin'

[I3iGbizzle]

I wanted to eliminate the popping sound specifically when strings hit the pickup without really toning down my attack and keeping the comfortable action. I could definitely ease up with my right hand but I only really had the problem with more aggressive, fast stuff where beating the hell out of the big 'ol bass strings is fun and sounds thicker. You know what I'm saying if you play in that territory.

I never thought to lower the pickups. I just tightened the screws of both split pickups lowering the one below the D and G strings a little more because that's where the problem was more evident. Can go pretty hard now with the only extra noise being the strings rattling against the fretboard and fret noise during shifts. I'm fine having this noise in during heavy parts and it can be adjusted through tone. Is there any significant downside to lowering the pickups (bigger space between string and pickup)?

I'll analyze the attack with my right fingers a little more during scales and stuff but its kind of hard not to create a sharper angle against the bass when you quickly go up the strings in a fill. I like having my right thumb on the pickup (this problem doesn't happen with picking) and my 2 R fingers naturally bend a little toward the bridge when the speed increases.

Just began the long process of learning "Freewill" and removing this noise will reduce my frustration.