Picking Technique - Bass / Arm Positioning
 

After a year of playing bass, and only playing fingerstyle (whoops), I'm buckling down and forcing a plectrum into my hand.

I have an upcoming audition for a band, and I want to be as versatile as possible with my tone.

POINT BEING

I can't get comfortable.

How do YOU position your bass and right arm? (I know this will vary based on comfort, tone, whether your palm muting, playing over the neck, etc)

From the height :(i.e. Below your chest)

To angle of your bass:

To right arm: (i.e. parallel with the neck, elbow at the bridge, etc)


Also, do you vary your stance when switching from fingerstyle to a pick? Because I swear I can't play in the same position I've gotten used to playing fingerstyle.

Thanks :bassist:

I don't think copying what seems comfortable to me is likely to be comfortable to you. Keep practicing with your pick and you will eventually find a comfortable position.

Suppose that's well put. It's not necessarily that I'm trying to copy anyone, just struggling finding a happy medium.

Let your right hand go limp with the bass on, then just put enough energy to get to the strings. Closer to the bridge is generally better with a pick. And wide stance, narrow, it doesn't matter. Pick playing gets some getting used to and itll fall in place as you do it. Right hand as relaxed as possible is the only thing you should be conscience of for now. And of course start playing Megadeth, then youll get really good.