Free-Float vs Anchor Finger Technique

[Fret Boiler]

I've been using the floating thumb technique, however, I just started taking lessons and my instructor is encouraging me to anchor my thumb on the pickup. He says you can get much more speed moving down the strings (from G-> D-> A-> E) this way by "dragging" your plucking fingers on the way down.

I'm trying to get proficient in both. Seems like a cool idea.

Cheers

[CJK84]

I'm working on developing a floating approach on my Cirrus 4.

Seems to work really well when I move from top of PUP to E string. Muting of E string and not having to stretch to pluck D and G strings are benefits.

This feels natural after only 4 weeks - it's great.

When I move my thumb down to the A string, however, the E is left open and it often rings. I've tried positioning my thumb so that it covers both the A and E, but haven't had much success yet - doesn't feel right.

Don't want to take the thread in an unwanted direction, but any suggestions?

[DaemonBass]

About "dragging" your finger in an upward rake, I am self taught and that's how I learned to play. It's good to hear that's it's a "good" and "respected" technique that I see many people using, for a minute I thought I had gone astray. It's certainly better in most cases than trying to alternate going up. Of course going down is a whole nother story, or skipping strings even, those call for alternative plucking finger approach in my style. Anyways, that method can be used either floating thumb or anchored, imo it is the biz-omb!

[Edwcdc]

I had used the anchored thumb method for 20 years until I started playing 6 string. I had problems with the b and e strings ringing while I was playing the others. I read in a TB post about guys using the floating thumb. It wasn't really too much of an adjustment and it helps control all those strings.
I still play both ways and sometimes catch myself not muting properly but that will take more pratice.

[Fuzzbass]

Originally Posted by Edwcdc

I had used the anchored thumb method for 20 years until I started playing 6 string. I had problems with the b and e strings ringing while I was playing the others. I read in a TB post about guys using the floating thumb. It wasn't really too much of an adjustment and it helps control all those strings.
I still play both ways and sometimes catch myself not muting properly but that will take more pratice.

I had nearly the same experience, except I naturally fell into floating thumb method when switching to wide fives. I still anchor some of the time, but as you say, floating is better for keeping strings muted.

[FeedBack]

thanks for the responses. this happens to be my first 'successful' post here.. hahaha

[Chiefbass]

I usually float, moving my anchor between the pickup, E- and A-string. My hand is quite small and if I anchor on the pickup and play on G-string it feels kinda awkward.

Here is a good article on the subject:

http://www.adamnitti.com/bass_player_02.shtml