Switching to fingers from thumb...help!

[Jewbass]

So, for the past year and a 1/4 (how long I've been playing bass) I've played with my thumb. Now, I'm taking upright bass, and I'm beginning to just play electric with my fingers, without even really noticing. Problem is, I'm getting worse with my thumb, and I'm not great with my fingers yet. So what are the best exercises to really get your fingers pluckin' dem strings?

[J. Crawford]

Do exactly what you would do with your thumb, just move it to fingers. Nothing flashy, but letting your body adjust to the new style will take time, it wont be a quick fix.

Also, split it up. Play slower songs with your thumb, and faster with your fingers, or vice versa, etc.


YMMV, of course!

[Pilgrim]

Yes, just give it time and keep working at it, and allow yourself to go slower at first. Speed will come.

Like I tell my daughter who is taking guitar, anything is hard the first 100 times you do it - but eventually it gets easier.

I keep telling myself the same about learning to use a pick - and I'm slowly gaining on it.