my technique - what you think?

[Chriso21]

Hey guys,
I am in a state of limbo at the moment with regards to playing in bands as I am emigrating to Texas in about 6 months and have just finished my degree here in England, it would be pointless starting something up or wasting others' time by joining something else that’s up and running (its ultimately what I want to do full time).
I just wanted to check to see if you thought my technique was ok (in terms of rick of future debilitating ailments, rsi etc). I recorded a couple songs and put them on you tube. If you could tell me what you think I would be much obliged.

Bare in mind though (with respect) - I want to be a professional thrash metal bassist, so of course the whole 'finger vs. pick' advice and 'change genre' opinions would be not be that helpful.
Thanks again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ButS80rzitw

Chris

[Asomodai]

not sure about the picking technique as i am a finger player, But your fretting technique seems fine. you might want to improve your reach possibly but its not really needed.

Out of curiosity are you a finger player as well?

[bikeplate]

HI

Nice. Keep at it and good luck

Rob

[Pacman]

Do you ever fret with your pinky?

[TheInsane]

It sounds good. Im no expert but I wish I could play as smooth as that. Unfortunately Im alot more sloppy. I guess its all about training and focus.

[EBMatt]

Originally Posted by Pacman

Do you ever fret with your pinky?

+1 - Get that left hand pinky going. It will really help in the long run. Also, try alternating up and down picking instead of just down. This will help out alot too. Just practice some finger exercises with also focusing on alternate picking and you'll see a big difference. Overall it sounds solid though.

\m/

[lowerclef]

Solid metal picking - your wrist is nice and flat and you look relaxed. You shouldn't get injured at all playing like this.

[Chriso21]

Thanks a lot for the feedback guys - I will be sure to work on my pinky fretting. I can play up and down picking, but I tend to try and down stroke as much as possible to keep the strums exactly the same - chug-chug-chug-chug rather than chug-a-chug-a-chug-a, if you know what I mean. I learned to play with fingers, and got to the stage of using three/four pinkers to pluck, but just couldn't get my bass to sound clicky like David
Ellefson or Rex Brown - so I tend to use pick nearly all the time now. I guess I just prefer the picky clicky hard attacking sound rather than a softer sound. I know steve harris and The antrax bassist use fingers, but they seem to be a different style of plink...

[BullHorn]

Nice playing. Good luck... with your stuff!