Help a n00b out with some basics on finger technique!

[jscomposer]

Using a pick is a no-brainer, especially since I'm a guitarist. I've been trying to gain some proficiency using my fingers. Just a few questions...

Is it OK for the last joint to bend backwards when finger picking?

Does the proper tone come from picking hard or lightly? Closer to the bridge or closer to the neck? (I should add that I'm using flats.)

And in terms of recording, how do the above considerations play into dynamics? In other words, when setting up, do you pluck as hard as you can and set the input level accordingly (like I do with piano or guitars), or do you play at about the dynamic you'll play and set the input level accordingly (minus a couple db to play it safe)? Or do you leave it up to compression to get an even dynamic in the bass recording?

I suppose "it's all up to you" would be fair answers, but how do most good bassists play, and what kind of dynamics do they use to set up for recording?

[*insertcoolname]

As far as technique, you're right when you said it can be all up to you. I like to take advantage of all the different sounds I can get by just changing how hard a I strike and where. For instance, in a hard rock song I like to play closer to the bridge and really dig in. This gives me a great crunch that fits well in a more powerful song. Likewise, plucking very close to the bridge and with a much lighter touch gives me that classic jazzy burp for a good solo tone.

As far as levels, I usually set it about my average dynamic. I'll use a compressor on occasion but that's usually when I employ another style such as slapping or tapping. Again, it really is up to you. I hate to suggest an obvious idea but Wooten is exceptionally good at using dynamics to their fullest extent. Check out some of his solo stuff for a good idea.

[Andyrew]

As far as plucking, I just want to make sure that my entire right arm and shoulder are relaxed -- goes for the left hand too -- and that my fingers are moving as little as possible to still get the tone I like. I don't pay attention to what joints are moving... I don't know what you mean by "bend backwards". I think my fingers stay fairly straight anyway. I also try to keep my wrist as straight as possible, even if that means raising my elbow slightly. this can cause stress in the shoulder, so rotate your shoulder a couple times and let it relax.

check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPXqfsx0_2s

I don't know anything about him; I just searched for relaxed bass player and he came up. sweet.

This is Matt Garisson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB-RoEiq1uc
He's a monster.

[jscomposer]

When I say "bent backwards" I mean hyper-extended, as opposed to flexed.

Watching a couple of those videos I have another question. Seems like they have their fingers curled so that the actual plucking motion is away from the bass. I've been playing with my fingers relatively relaxed/extended, and so my plucking is towards the bass. Problem with that, is the strings end up getting smacked against the fretboard, unless I play very close to the bridge. What's the proper technique? Curled plucking up from the bass, or relaxed/extended fingers plucking down towards the bass?

[MalcolmAmos]

Coming from a newbie -- I think however you are comfortable is OK as long as you are in control of the fret buzz.

For what it is worth, I no longer use a pick. Thumb and palm mute mostly. Index with middle or ring mute is what I'm using right now.

[kr0n]

Originally Posted by jscomposer

When I say "bent backwards" I mean hyper-extended, as opposed to flexed.

Watching a couple of those videos I have another question. Seems like they have their fingers curled so that the actual plucking motion is away from the bass. I've been playing with my fingers relatively relaxed/extended, and so my plucking is towards the bass. Problem with that, is the strings end up getting smacked against the fretboard, unless I play very close to the bridge. What's the proper technique? Curled plucking up from the bass, or relaxed/extended fingers plucking down towards the bass?

You should pluck along the body of the bass, across the strings, brush over them. Like with a pick. Use less force, you don't need to dig them hard to produce a nice tone (Volume on your amp is for louder stuff). Imagine holding a piece of paper with your thumb and index. Now open up by relaxing your hand, place your thumb on the E string and keep your thumb perpendicular towards to bass. Now your forefinger should be quite near to the A string and fingertips pointing towards the body. Pluck away with 2 finger alternating plucking. Your fingers should touch your thumb after plucking and return to the A string ready for the next pluck.
Now you can pivot the thumb (usually so your hands moves toward the bridge) and find the perfect place for your fingers to pluck. Use relaxed, near straight fingers to brush over the strings. Also note that usually index and middle fingers are of different length so you might have to straighten index and curl the middle a little bit to get an even tone or pivoting your hand a bit to achieve similar result.

When fretting your fingers should have a natural curve and joints shouldn't 'bend backwards' either.

[jscomposer]

Originally Posted by kr0n

Also note that usually index and middle fingers are of different length so you might have to straighten index and curl the middle a little bit to get an even tone or pivoting your hand a bit to achieve similar result.

Yeah, I noticed that. I've been using my index and ring finger for that very reason. Though the middle finger is a bit stronger of course.

[kr0n]

Originally Posted by jscomposer

Yeah, I noticed that. I've been using my index and ring finger for that very reason. Though the middle finger is a bit stronger of course.

I suggest you start using your middle finger also. If you're already using your ring finger, 3 finger technique isn't that far away and a nice skill to have.