A collection of 'bad' bass techinques?

[Aaiieeee]

I was wondering if we could have a collection of general 'bad' bass playing techniques?
I know everyone has their own style and thats totally cool but I want people to post so I and others can check their own playing and improve themselves. This isnt a thread to discourage people, but for improvement!

Post anything from stance, to either hand technique or general equipment setup.. absolutly anything and everything!

I want this to be an advice thread I suppose.

Anything that is generally not a great idea or might lead to bad practise in the long run.

Edit: Please include positive stuff too, anything that people can benifit from (but not specific style/technique related stuff).

[Ampeg SVT]

Ok well first of all, this is inevitable but picks are not bad technique so please do not start an argument over it.

as for bad technique i can only say using all of your fretting fingers except the pinky can be bad and using fingers is also very bad!!!!.........Im kidding...right?

[salcott]

Here's a starter: wearing the bass so low you have to lift it with your knee to reach the A string.

[Aaiieeee]

Dont play with long finger nails! (that is to say, keep them short)

[Siegy]

One thing if you are playing with a pick: make sure you're hitting the strings with your pick parallel and not at an angle. It makes a weird sound imo.

[Infernal Affair]

Originally Posted by Siegy

One thing if you are playing with a pick: make sure you're hitting the strings with your pick parallel and not at an angle. It makes a weird sound imo.

This is very debatable.

[EADG mx]

slap

[Aaiieeee]

No debates about picking, state your advice and let the reader decide whats best (arguing will just put people off reading this tread).

I also found keeping the head of the bass quite high helped, instead of level with the floor.

[EADG mx]

neck at 30 degree angle

[Ampeg SVT]

Ok I think the only problem with this thread is that a person could state an opinion that is viewed by some people as "ridiculous" or "idiotic". I think this thread is flammable.

[Aaiieeee]

Originally Posted by Ampeg SVT

Ok I think the only problem with this thread is that a person could state an opinion that is viewed by some people as "ridiculous" or "idiotic". I think this thread is flammable.

As I said earlier, state all oppinions and let the reader try them out and do what suites them.

Try not to bend the wrist at a 90 degree angle and rest your arm on the top edge of the bass, keep your arm straighter instead.

[elpelotero]

don't hit too hard. You wear out bass headroom and your endurance.

[KrisH]

Don't get very drunk or high . . .

[visa]

about the pick at angle- if palm muted, it can sound good. if you touch the string before you pluck, it can sound good too. it gives you a whole range of tones with one pick.

[Seussbass]

Don't hook your thumb over the top of the neck - It'll restrict the movement of your fretting hand.

[colorblindbass]

Originally Posted by EADG mx

slap

+1

[morf]

There are many things beginner players try out in order to see whats most comfortable to them, but unfortunately these aren't always good techniques to use in the long run.

I think instead of asking what you shouldn't do, it would be better to concentrate on what to do. Use the internet, do the research, ask for opinions. There is enough information out there to last you for years.

IMHO, finger/hand/wrist dexterity is very important. Use all 4 fingers on your fretting hand, one per fret, and put the thumb in the back of the neck, not above it. As far as right hand goes, two fingers alternating works really well, and makes it easy to develop your overall technique in the long run.

[MaxZolt]

Here's a collection to start you off: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B5kPYCqGC4

[Erick Lam]

Whatever comes from a "Expert Village" video is bad technique.

[Lalabadie]

Originally Posted by Erick Lam

Whatever comes from a "Expert Village" video is bad technique.

You mean like when they show that hammer-ons can only be played on open strings?

My contribution: sometimes, this funky note you're looking for is just a dead note.