Basic finger picking technique

[guitaardvark]

Hey, I am somewhat new to bass. My ultimate goal is to develop a proficiency in all instruments, not a mastery in any one instrument. Therefore, I do not want to get into really advanced technique for the bass, but be able to do medium level things. From experience playing guitar and tips from other bass players, I have my left hand down (I play a right handed bass), but my right hand is, well, sloppy. I have trouble with 16th notes and faster, and need tips for my ring finger and pinkey. Any tips would be appreciated (except for telling me to practice, as I can't practice what I don't know). Thanks!

[Russell L]

Ok, just a basic idea here. This is what I do with my picking hand, for the most part. I generally rest the insde tip of my thumb on the corner of the front pickup (if the bass has two or more). Then, I use only my first two fingers to pluck the strings, using what is known as "rest stroke." That means that once the string is picked the finger then rests on the next string (except when picking the E-string, of course, since there's nothing behind it). rest stroke is more percussive sounding and gives notes more punch that "free stroke" which lets the finger go in the air after picking the string. Resting the thumb on the pickup gives you stability and a point of reference. You don't have to do it all the time, but it might help you get started.

Hope this helps a bit.

[sqadan]

Originally Posted by Russell L

Ok, just a basic idea here. This is what I do with my picking hand, for the most part. I generally rest the insde tip of my thumb on the corner of the front pickup (if the bass has two or more). Then, I use only my first two fingers to pluck the strings, using what is known as "rest stroke." That means that once the string is picked the finger then rests on the next string (except when picking the E-string, of course, since there's nothing behind it). rest stroke is more percussive sounding and gives notes more punch that "free stroke" which lets the finger go in the air after picking the string. Resting the thumb on the pickup gives you stability and a point of reference. You don't have to do it all the time, but it might help you get started.

Hope this helps a bit.

This is exactly how I play most of the time as well... When less punch is needed - I use more of "crooked" finger and a free stroke.

[JayfromDeeKay]

I pick by alternating my first two fingers. I think it gives me a very steady pulse to my picking. I move my thumb along with the picking fingers, so the thumb is usually resting on the string just above where I'm picking (i.e.: on the lower-sounding string from where I'm picking), thus muting these strings. Another reason for the thumb moving along is that my picking has a similar sound no matter which string I play; if the thumb stays anchored in one place, the picking will be different depending on how open or closed your hand is; different power and different angles of picking.

I also gently touch the string below the one I'm fretting+picking with my fretting finger, so as to mute any unwanted noise from that string.

Practice with a metronome at slow speeds. Only increase the metronome speed when you are able to play with clean technique and a steady, consistent pulse at the current speed. The secret to playing fast is to be able to play it slowly first.

[Russell L]

Oh yes indeed, Jay, the thing about angle of picking is something to tend to. Since I pick with my nails, too, the G-string can get nasally-sounding if I don't come off my anchor with my thumb and give that string the same shot angle as the others. Actually I have to lean my hand forward to get the sides of my fingers on the G-string for best results. Kind of annoying to have to do sometimes. Well, but then, I don't really stay anchored anywhere for long. Usually, it's a resting place for when the bass part is so simple that I can easily articulate it from a "sitting position" with my hand, so to speak. It helps beginners, too.

What you're doing sounds good.