Keeping the bass steady when using the movable anchor/floating thumb technique...

[brymenez94]

Hey.

I've recently switched over to using a movable anchor instead of keeping my thumb planted on the pickup when I play. I've also started to keep my right hand lifted off the bass, too. It's only been a week and my progress with this technique has been good, but I'm having trouble when moving my fretting hand when changing position on the fretboard. I can't seem to keep the bass steady when I move up and down the fretboard. When I move my fretting hand, the notes come out sloppily.

Is this something that gets better with practice? Or should I press my wrist against the bass to hold it steady?

[Skitch it!]

For me the thing for practicing without neck movement for initially getting to grips with a new technique is resting the lower edge of the bass on the couch/sofa etc. while playing. It does keep it very stable, the only problem is the jack socket, I bought recessed right angle plugs for that (George L's) but there probably are a few different op's, I just like those particular skinny cables.

[Depth_Charge]

Originally Posted by brymenez94

Hey.

I've recently switched over to using a movable anchor instead of keeping my thumb planted on the pickup when I play. I've also started to keep my right hand lifted off the bass, too. It's only been a week and my progress with this technique has been good, but I'm having trouble when moving my fretting hand when changing position on the fretboard. I can't seem to keep the bass steady when I move up and down the fretboard. When I move my fretting hand, the notes come out sloppily.

Is this something that gets better with practice? Or should I press my wrist against the bass to hold it steady?

I'll presume you are standing up.
If the bass isn't too high you can pin the bass to you with your right forearm by letting the weight of the arm just sit on the body of the bass. This is still considered 'anchoring' I suppose. You want to avoid using the wrist to pin the body as this increases pressure on the wrist and can cause some discomfort.

Again, assuming you are standing, try tucking your left arm/elbow into your body and take the weight of the neck in your palm. Not lifting it up, just support its weight. This will angle the bass into your body alittle, helping anchor it a bit more. A good strap may also help keep it in place.

As you improve your floating hand, you will get used to the bass floating around on you. Keep at it man!

[Russell L]

My plucking hand floats sometimes, and it's anchored sometimes. There is a point at which I guess the neck is loose, but I can't for the life of me say what it is that I do about it. I have no problem playing, though. I suppose my arm is against the bass body most of the time, but I find myself playing with it in the air, too. Even then I have no problem. Maybe my basses are well-balanced? Anyway, what it tells me is that I must've never paid it much attention, but just kept playing on and adjusting for anything that ever felt awkward. I think you, too, will overcome this if you just go on playing.

[RJMiller]

There seems to be different "non-anchored" methods.

I use the method taught by Todd Johnson - see his section of TB - has an excellent technique video I used to learn the technique.

To dampen the strings the plucking hand is pressed against the strings - this steadies the bass. For moving to the higher pitched strings - especially when strings are skipped - the plucking hand has to be raised - but pressure is reapplied when the plucking hand is in position again. This momentary release of pressure doesn't seem to be a problem as far as the bass not being steady even when standing.

At least that is my interpretation of the technique.

Think this has been discussed in Todd's section of TB.

I highly recommend his technique video.

Good luck.

RJM

[Russell L]

There are indeed different ways to play unanchored. My way is not the standard floating thumb technique. Instead, my thumb mostly floats along the E-string (4-string bass), making a long dull track just below it and somewhat above it on the pickguard or bass body.

Now that I think about it, some part of my plucking hand is almost constantly touching the bass body in some way, even if it's only the tip of my thumb. Maybe that's where I get my stabilization from.

[basslust]

The way my bass hangs off the strap is with the back of the bass flat on the broad part of my ribcage. This puts it in perfect position for the elbow to rest on the rounded edge that seems to be rounded for this very purpose.

[enricogaletta]

I'm not sure to understand your problem, anyway if you have a webcam I'll be happy to help you in videochat.
Cheers. Enrico
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[warnergt]

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

I'll presume you are standing up.
If the bass isn't too high you can pin the bass to you with your right forearm by letting the weight of the arm just sit on the body of the bass.

+1 Some light pressure from your right forearm should keep
the bass plenty steady. It also makes it easier to position your
floating hand/thumb.