Annoying bass problem.

[Revent]

Ive been playing bass not for very long and i mainly play heavy metal, whenever i play notes fast repeatedly, the strings seem the clang against the fretboard like a hit on the metal that separates the frets. I usually finger pick bass with two fingers index and middle however is there anything im doing wrong?

example - i couldnt play this fast without the bottom string seemingly hitting the frets.

E- 0-0-0-0-0-0

Any help would be highly appreciated.

[Munjibunga]

Sounds like you're digging deep on low action. Are you sure the strings aren't hitting the pickups?

[Revent]

I have no idea man, when i listen closely i can hear it hitting the frets, it it called fret buzz?

[rockdoc11]

The two primary possibilities I'd suggest are:

1. Action set too low. Try setting the saddles a bit higher.

2. Playing too hard/too forcefully. Try playing with a lighter touch, and let the amp do the work of making it loud enough.

Good luck!

[gavnel]

try raising your action a little or maybe your bass needs to be refretted. how hard are you strumming i play with my fingers too and i had to change the way i played with my fingers a bit to get the clang out and i also raised the action a little.

[Revent]

Raise the action? what do you mean?

[tom once dead]

this is a technique issue. just dont dig in so much.

[Jonathan1990]

Your action's probably too low (that's the spacing between the strings and the frets), and needs adjustment.

edit - wow, way too late.

[Revent]

like do you have any good guides on finger picking so i can get a good view of how to so it propperly for metal?

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Revent

I have no idea man, when i listen closely i can hear it hitting the frets, it it called fret buzz?

Have a professional setup done on the bass, tell them you want medium action.

[Revent]

Would that be expensive?

[Revent]

anyone know? or can i do it myself?

[SpamBot]

A lot of people find that clack desirable.
Demystifying Metal styles, how to make fingerstyle playing heard in Metal

[Spleenface92]

It shouldn't be too expensive. I seem to recall it was about $40 when I got it done. I have to set my action higher because I instinctively dig in. Years of upright and playing without an amp will do that to you.

[TallicaDeth]

i know what you mean, i play some bullet for my valentine and metallica. it helps if you try to strum as verticle as possible. strum so the string goes left and right on the fretboard, so it never touches it. and also if you not strumming and open string, get you finger as close to the fret as possible, almost on top of it to minimize the rubber band sound. (thats what i call it) i hope i helped some

[EagleMoon]

You can do it yourself, but it takes some practice. It's a fine line between getting the string height (space between the bottom of the string and your frets/neck) correct for the way you play and the neck adjusted correctly. Some clanking on the frets is pretty normal if you play hard with really low action. It shouldn't be expensive to get your bass set-up if you want to take it to a repair person or luthier. Probably around $20-$40 max. depending on where you live.

[swrbass5]

An allen pack at the bridge will raise your action. But most importantly, if you're a fairly new player, time on the bass will fix it. This is really a problem that everyone probably has when they first start playing. One thing to try, is play with your picking hand close to the bridge. The strings have more tension there, and once you get used to it, your playing will most likely improve. I was probably playing for 10 years before I realized how much easier it was to play with my right hand close to the bridge. Helps with speed too.

[Revent]

Originally Posted by TallicaDeth

i know what you mean, i play some bullet for my valentine and metallica. it helps if you try to strum as verticle as possible. strum so the string goes left and right on the fretboard, so it never touches it. and also if you not strumming and open string, get you finger as close to the fret as possible, almost on top of it to minimize the rubber band sound. (thats what i call it) i hope i helped some

thanks man helped loads
so try and pluck the string to make it go left and right instead of up and down but it will still tough every so oftern right?

touch*

[gavnel]

the action is the distance between the strings and the fretts. i do my own action its not hard just look at some youtube videos. Like others have said you should try to strum verticaly.
try this video out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sh10N3_a8o

[Revent]

thank you so much all you guys

your all awesome! 10/10