Questions on finger picking technique

[Twenty2AcaciaAv]

I have some questions regarding finger picking. Through the year that I've been playing I've gotten into the bad habbit of striking the strings, causing clacking noises and such. I want to correct this. My quetions are:

1. When picking, are the strings supposed to go towards the directing of the fretboard, even slightly? Ultimately what direction should it be going int before the release?

2. Is it a matter of plucking or do I just roll my fingers on/off the string?

3. Does anyoen know of a good video on youtube that would show me exactly what I"m supposed to do? Whenever I put a search in youtube for finger picking on bass it usually just gives me exercises (which are good) but don't tell me exactly how my finger is supposed to go on and off the string.

Thanks in advance for any advice that can be given.

[Remus_Redbone]

It sounds like you are striking down on the string and slapping it against the frets before releasing the string. If that's the case, you should work on technique. If the string is rattling against frets after you pluck the string, you probably need some set-up work on your bass and some adjustment of your technique.

The direction of the string vibration would usually be at some slight angle to the fretboard, but depending on how long you let the note sustain, the string vibration plane changes.

I can't say I've seen any specific tutorial on this. You will probably be more comfortable if you work out your own method / style that eliminates the fret clacking.

[Pollinator95]

Have a bass guitar teacher look at your technique. Or maybe you could even get a local TB´er to help you if you ask nicely.

[queevil]

The above suggestions are great. I would add that you should consiously examine how your technique and how your fingers touch the strings. Experiment heavier and lighter touches and see how they sound. I mainly play fretless bass with very low tension strings and for that bass and the context of the music that I like to play I actually like a little bit of clacking noise but I find it undesirable on fretted basses.

There's a sticky in this forum on the floating thumb technique which I have adopted. I use that technique and I keep my fingers curved so that I'm pulling up on the string rather than striking the string toward the fretboard. When I feel like I want a little clack in my sound I straighten my fingers so that the strings hit the fretboard when I pluck. I also use a fairly light touch.

You just need to experiment. I hope this helps.