Playing Heavy

[Samsound]

So, playing this heavy song tomorrow ("You Decide" by Fireflight). I normally play fingerstyle almost exclusively. I decided to try a couple different techniques to see which sounds heavier/more aggressive.
1. Fingers only
2. Thumb and index finger
3. Pick (Tortex 1.14)

I thought #2 would take it, using my thumb to really bang on the accented noted. It was actually difficult at first, getting a hard thumb hit without raking the muted strings (5-string, narrow spacing). After I got the hang of it, I thought it sounded pretty good as long as my accuracy held out. Tried #1 again, and ALL the notes sounded more aggressive. Hmmm....tried #3, a pick - really hammering the strings. Nope, all fingers still sounded the best. For me, that was surprising, but a relief.

What about you all? Do you find one of these makes a more aggressive tone for you?

[DwaynieAD]

heavy is more about the attitude than the technique

[pnut166]

Depends on the song, for me.

[brndn123]

Originally Posted by DwaynieAD

heavy is more about the attitude than the technique

+1000

I know it sounds ridiculous but its absolutely correct. Playing heavy is all about being loud and obnoxious. You don't think, you just perform and what happens happens.

For punk material, I typically throw my bass to the neck pick up, grab a really thick pick, and down stroke as much as possible.

For metal, fingers all the away. I tend to blend the bridge pup a bit to cut through the mix, keep the signal dry for the most part and kick in my tubescreamer for backing a solo or for a generic gallopy parts. Other than that, let the music take you!

[Samsound]

Yeah, I changed from bridge p/u to neck/bridge. Neck alone was just not growly enough. It's more of a metal tune, and I did jump around like a maniac. Though I'll probably simmer it down for church tomorrow, lol.

[FretlessMainly]

You can play heavy or light with any technique. Personally, I only use fingers on a bass, and I can rip the strings off or make them smooth as velvet. Just do what works for you and make the song your own with whatever technique works for you.

And I don't know about playing heavy being all about loud and obnoxious. I have a very heavy right hand and I've used that on jazz standards to great effect. Also on upright in a symphony situation (scrape that white Russian horsehair). Man, just make it sound right for what it is.