Questions on bass technique

Space_Ghost · #1 10-01-2011, 09:52 PM

Hello all,

I am a beginner bass player and have been playing for around 3 weeks. I started leaning from a very good book called
The idiots guide to bass guitar, I found this to be excellent beginner material. After a few weeks I found a local metal bass teacher who is well respected. There were very controdictary techniques I was given.

Firstly, the book told me to fret with my finger tips. This I find very comfortable and smooth. My bass teacher said this wasnt right, and I was supposed to be fretting with my finger pads instead. What do you think?

Secondly my thumb position. The book clearly state that your thumb should be positioned relaxed, "the bass sitting upon the thumb, the thumb will take care of itself." My bad teacher told me to nearly anchor my thumb over the neck, Which is the complete opposite.

What are your views on these?

Space_Ghost · #2 10-01-2011, 09:54 PM

A few spelling errors sorry - I'm on my iPhone!

alec · #3 10-01-2011, 10:08 PM

Your teacher is using the rock method and the book is using a more classical approach.

The book's method will give you more articulation, speed and control.
The rock method will let you play harder and not have to concentrate as much, freeing you up to rock out more. It looks cooler too, if that's what you're into (Nikki Sixx style).

They're both valid techniques but for a beginner, I'd suggest using the book method. It will get you off to a better start.

What sort of music do you want to play?

Muzoid · #4 10-01-2011, 10:13 PM

Respected bassist or not...I hate when people claim "this is the only proper way"

I use a combination of pads and tips on my fretting hand, and my thumb goes wherever it feels like at the time.

Space_Ghost · #5 10-01-2011, 10:43 PM

@Alec, yes thanks for clarifying this. I am looking to play many types, I like metal though love bass of all varieties!

I will continue with both the book and the lessons and see how it goes. I'm finding it very difficult to play with my finger pads, if he won't accept me playing with my finger tips should I find another instructor?

**jmattbassplaya** · #6 10-01-2011, 10:51 PM

Thumb should always remain around the center of the back of the neck.

alec · #7 10-02-2011, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Space_Ghost

I'm finding it very difficult to play with my finger pads, if he won't accept me playing with my finger tips should I find another instructor?

Ask him to explain why, and if it doesn't sound 100%, find someone else.

sammyp · #8 10-02-2011, 12:22 AM

bass strings are so large compared to guitar it's kinda difficult to pair it down to finger tips....but you definatley want to lean on the side of finger tips rather than pads i guess.....playing bass is certainly more flat fingered than guitar IMO ...

anonymous122511 · #9 10-02-2011, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmattbassplaya

Thumb should always remain around the center of the back of the neck.

Unless of course you're a total hack like:
Stanley Clarke

Jaco Pastorius

Anthony Jackson

John Entwistle

Victor Wooten

Lee Sklar

Tony Levin

Rocco Prestia

or
Will Lee

In case the intended humor eluded you here yes,
it's beneficial to a beginner to cultivate left hand technique more like this:
Steve Swallow

waleross · #10 10-02-2011, 02:48 AM

Beautiful pictures..........................

**peledog** · #11 10-02-2011, 03:59 AM

Looks like most of those are the players muting or reaching higher register notes to me.

jabsys · #12 10-02-2011, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muzoid

I use a combination of pads and tips on my fretting hand, and my thumb goes wherever it feels like at the time.

and me, depending on how I'm playing and what needs muting, with a pick I use my thumb to mute the E & A string, fingerstyle it generally stays on the back of the neck.

Diplowmatt · #13 10-02-2011, 06:34 AM

I think you should play the way you're most comfortable.

Randyt · #14 10-02-2011, 06:46 AM

hand technique is very important...Use finger tips...keep hand arched...this will reduce carpal tunnel syndrome(spl?) later
I say go with the book...and personally find a bass teacher that has a Jazz background

My 0.02$

BIG97BEN · #15 10-02-2011, 06:57 AM

I found a good instructor who can teach me anything from Tower of Power to Slayer. He also works with me on different techniques especially when one isn't so comfortable or helps me learn it when I don't want to because it's not comfortable. A good teacher is definitely key.

Kubicki440 · #16 10-02-2011, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Space_Ghost

Hello all,

Firstly, the book told me to fret with my finger tips. This I find very comfortable and smooth. My bass teacher said this wasnt right, and I was supposed to be fretting with my finger pads instead. What do you think?

I think it could depend upon the style of music you are playing. For example, I tend to use the broomstick style (thumb over the fretboard) when going for a blues style more for muting of the strings.

If I am performing more of a finger style that requires faster playing I take the classical form approach using the pads and having the thumb closer to the bottom of the neck (backside). I find that not anchoring the thumb it just is easier to move up and down the neck. This form also helps when stretching for those notes in the upper register.

I use both.

Mayers · #17 10-02-2011, 07:31 AM

Well in those pic, they all have a very weird bending in their plucking hand. When putting your thumb over the neck you limit yourself moving up and down the neck and you can't cover more than 3 frets like that.

Yeah I know that I'm very strict on that but I think putting your thumb over the neck won't help you acheiving your max potential.

oleskool · #18 10-02-2011, 08:11 AM

Ok as a very old beginner i am still going to chime in, although this may not exactly right. I'll start with my story. When I was about 12yrs. old a very busy working bassist took a liking to me and would come by and give me pointers. Free of charge. I didn't like what SHE was saying and just wanted to learn to play songs. She compromised, taught me one song, but said you must play it correctly then we can do it your way. I got that song down perfect (or so I thought ) she would come by move my fingers do all this counting stuff, and say it was not right. Anyone who can play knows what was wrong, and what I didn't understand. I lost interest and, I not she gave up. Fast forward 30yrs. i'm a beginner again.
I say this to say talk to your instructor. Find out why he or she wants you to do it that way. The instructor is sitting there with you observing. Can see your faults. Are you reaching all your frets properly? Ask WHY this is correct. You pros can blast away at me now

BassChuck · #19 10-02-2011, 09:18 AM

Once you get the sound in your ear (head) that you want, your body will give you want you need. Pay attention to pain, and listen to your sound.

AmadeusXeno · #20 10-02-2011, 04:11 PM

I personally play with my thumb both anchored and about the middle of the neck. I switch back and forth. I all goes by which strings I'm playing. I play a 6 string bass so if I'm playing the low B, E or A my thumb is usually on the middle of the back of the neck. If I'm playing the D, G, or C strings I usually anchor my thumb around the neck. I always tend to use the pads of my fingers on the strings because it's more comfortable for me. If using the tips of your fingers is more comfortable for you then keep with it.