Ed Friedland right hand technique

progrmr · #1 07-22-2009, 01:36 AM

ok, so we all know Ed Friedland and his awesome youtube video reviews. Clearly this guy can rock the bass.

But after watching this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zOCsxlqd4s

and being a new bass player (< 1 year ), it looks like his right hand technique is exactly what I've been told to avoid!

I'm not judging the guy - he's 100X the bassist I will probably ever be. But his elbow is dropped, he anchors his thumb on the top string and doesn't move it and his wrist is totally bent. Grant he is sitting down - and like I said, he can play how he wants. But I look to good players like this and examine their technique to see if I might benefit from what their doing. And pretty much everything in the video is what people say you shouldn't do.

So what's more important - play how you feel comfortable, or try to conform what players say is the "correct" way to get the most out of a players right hand technique?

line6bassist · #2 07-22-2009, 01:39 AM

i vote for comfort!

Angus · #3 07-22-2009, 01:47 AM

His right hand technique is not great, no, but it's probably just become habit for him. I wouldn't recommend emulating it, and he'd probably say the same thing! Old habits die hard.

Great player, though.

needmoney · #4 07-22-2009, 04:04 AM

If you watch a few more videos you'll see that Ed often moves his thumb to the A-string when playing on the G-string, so he isn't always anchored on the pickup or E-string.

If you play with a light, consistent touch, and maintain a technique like Ed's, even though the wrist is slightly bent, you won't run into any problems. It's when you start using a heavy touch that tension is introduced and could lead to wrist problems.

Toyoman · #5 07-22-2009, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needmoney

If you watch a few more videos you'll see that Ed often moves his thumb to the A-string when playing on the G-string, so he isn't always anchored on the pickup or E-string.

If you play with a light, consistent touch, and maintain a technique like Ed's, even though the wrist is slightly bent, you won't run into any problems. It's when you start using a heavy touch that tension is introduced and could lead to wrist problems.

I agree i have played with the same right hand technique as Ed for over 30 years and never had a problem.