Newbie Advice

Pantelis · #1 09-03-2006, 09:18 PM

Whats better for a newbie i just got the bass today is it easier with a pick or index and middle finger or what? Thanks!

ARCtrooper225 · #2 09-03-2006, 09:58 PM

Well if you're just starting, try finger-picking with your index and middle finger alternating, that's the "default" way, but more importantly, do what is most comfortable for you

gribuski · #3 09-03-2006, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ARCtrooper225

Well if you're just starting, try finger-picking with your index and middle finger alternating, that's the "default" way, but more importantly, do what is most comfortable for you

I second that. I'm also of the opinion that its better to start out fingerstyle, then learn to use a pick after that.

steveb98 · #4 09-03-2006, 10:08 PM

If new can be a good opportunity to do things other have difficulty adding later like 3-finger technique.

I would say start with fingers first, pick is more of a special technique mainly only used in a couple styles of music. Eventually you will want to learn to use the pick, but fingerstyle it the main technique used.

fryBASS · #5 09-03-2006, 10:09 PM

or never use a pick at all! :P

yes start off using your index and middle finger in the "walking" motion, then when you get that, you could even try throwing in the ring finger or even the pinky finger aswell.

PSPookie · #6 09-03-2006, 10:14 PM

Learn both at the same time. IMHO you should learn both techniques anyway. Why not learn them both concurrently? I mean, if you're starting from scratch anyway what's one more thing?

I make it a point to use both techniques whenever I'm practicing scales or excercises. If you get comfortable with both, then you can use whatever sounds best for each song. It can't possibly hurt to have one more tool in the box.

by_roe · #7 09-13-2006, 08:57 PM

ya learn the finger way. my bass teacher told me a funny, kinda weird way, of how to do it. act like you are trying to flick a spitwad off the strings, straight out. you should get a nice full sound.

Jimmy4string · #8 09-14-2006, 03:11 PM

Good begining bass advice - walk those fingers down at the begining keeping them spread from F-down to g# do the same thing down the A string, D string and G string. and then back up. then walk it down the other frets of the guitar in the similiar manner. you can even do this while watching TV. dong forget to hit the sweet spot at the end of the fret with you fingers. work on alternating fingers for each note and find your anchor. I like the pickup down to the E string but your mileage may vary. Play scales with a metronome and increase the speed as you improve. Wash rinse repeat