Does anyone play the E string on a bass guitar with their thumb?

[jpot81]

I rest my right thumb on the E string. To play an open string E or any note using the E string, I pluck the string with my thumb. I was wondering if this is good practice? Has anyone else done the same?

[WJGreer]

Originally Posted by jpot81

I rest my right thumb on the E string. To play an open string E or any note using the E string, I pluck the string with my thumb. I was wondering if this is good practice? Has anyone else done the same?

Yes, I have come to do that in certain situations as well, especially playing octaves. I think it is a perfectly legitimate technique.

[p-nut95]

Originally Posted by WJGreer

Yes, I have come to do that in certain situations as well, especially playing octaves. I think it is a perfectly legitimate technique.

+1

[crazyguy832]

I do it all the time. Of course, I use my thumb on all the strings as well. Gives such a nice, round sound.

I also use my thumb on the E as part of a hybrid picking technique (using my thumb instead of a pick).

[jaywa]

I do on octaves. Seems like the easiest way by far.

[JEDI BASS]

Yeah, use whatever finger, pick, slide, ebow, elbow ....whatever you want to express yourself thru your instrument.

[Dogbertday]

I think i saw pino paladino using this tequnique when I was youtube-ing the other day

[Rattman]

Sure ... with my big hands, short or long scale basses... I do alot of 'thumb work'. Thumb gets used the most, then index, middle finger.. never the ring finger.. I don't have enough room!

[jpot81]

Awesome... thanks for all the input.