Open Strings?

[paf77]

Originally Posted by klokker

Rarely play an open unless there is no other option.

+1 My bass teacher tought me to avoid open strings because you don't have as much control over your playing when you use open strings. It's harder to keep them from ringing out. I will use open strings once in a while though, but only when it's just more practical. And of course you want to be able to use your low e, so that's the only open string I play all of the time.

[mambo4]

I use em a lot, mostly for passing tones or big sustained notes. I had avoided then until getting in to jamerson, and playing URB. Now I love them.

I think learning to incorporate open strings with the same level of control as fretted ones is valuable to practice.

[chuck3]

It really depends on the song. Open strings work well for some songs, especially slower ones with an open feel where you don't need or want the percussive effect. On faster or more rhythmic songs, I fret it to get the more percussive effect.

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by mambo4

I use em a lot, mostly for passing tones or big sustained notes. I had avoided then until getting in to jamerson, and playing URB. Now I love them.

I think learning to incorporate open strings with the same level of control as fretted ones is valuable to practice.

That's right - the best players will incorporate open strings with no noticable change in sound if that's how they want it - it's all about control of the instrument, through muting and technique.

If you avoid open strings you are just limiting your possibilities and you can see how players like Jamerson and Nathan Watts use them to create more interesting lines that don't lose the groove or feel.

If you can consistently incorporate open strings it allows you to be more relaxed about positions shifts and to play more evenly across the fingerboard!

If you always play fretted notes in patterns, you can get trapped in these and start to repeat yourself - whereas incorporating open strings makes you think about things freshly when you shift or change key.

[cat_saltnpepper]

depends on the situation and music I guess. upright players tend to use open strings a lot so it is natural to have some technique and bass line that involves with open strings in jazz music. whether you play open strings a lot or not, who's going to care as long as it sounds good?

[TortillaChip520]

it depends. usually i won't play an A on the fifth fret of the E cuz i'll get some fret buzz, but i'll most definetly play D on the 10th fret of the E. It just sounds so much fuller.

[Gearhead43]

Originally Posted by mambo4

I use em a lot, mostly for passing tones or big sustained notes. I had avoided then until getting in to jamerson, and playing URB. Now I love them.

I think learning to incorporate open strings with the same level of control as fretted ones is valuable to practice.

+1

I use open strings all the time. Playing upright bass has changed my electric playing style to incorporate more economy of motion, and open string use.