Thumb Pickers?

Rocks · #1 08-27-2010, 11:37 AM

I'm just curious how many of you pick with your thumb often. I'm not talking about slap bass, I'm talking about old school thumb picking. I've been playing with my fingers for about a year after playing with a pick most of my life. I played in a metal band years ago and always used a pick as my fingers were not fast enough back then for metal finger picking. So I kind of gave up finger picking.

My fingers have gotten much faster from the metal band days as I gave up the pick completely about a year back to solely work on my finger picking. I can make it through 3 full sets at a gig with finger picking alone but they are slowing down and I have to push myself towards the end of the night. Lately I've been using my thumb more and more as I can pick almost as fast with it as I can with my fingers. I can now easily switch back and forth mid song from finger picking to thumb picking. Using my thumb gives my fingers a break and keeps them much fresher throughout all three sets and long band practice.

Plus switching between the two techniques has added a lot more dynamics to my playing. By doing this I've found my playing has really improved very quickly as I groove different with my thumb as its a different feel.

So who else out here has learned about the value of adding thumb picking?

MalcolmAmos · #2 08-27-2010, 06:56 PM

If you are talking about Travis Thumb Picking, if so can't talk on that subject, but, if you are talking about using your thumb instead of your fingers - I use both a thumb pick and/or just my thumb on the bass. I like just thumb best, but, after awhile I normally switch to the thumb pick to give the thumb a rest. My thumb is 75 years old.

Rhythm guitar I use a thumb pick and hold the back side of the pick with my index finger - can get up strums this way. I also use a normal plectrum pick and change between the two depending on the song.

So yes I understand what you are saying, in both cases when my hands get tired I revert to the thumb pick.

BassesForTheWin · #3 08-27-2010, 07:01 PM

so your saying using your thumb as a pick? i do that every so often.

Rocks · #4 08-28-2010, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassesForTheWin

so your saying using your thumb as a pick? i do that every so often.

Yes, I use my thumb as a pick, I don't use a thumb pick. Like you see in the old Carol Kaye beginner bass books.

snyderz · #5 08-28-2010, 07:39 AM

I'm a thumber. Finger injury years ago. Developed thumb technique and stuck with it ever since. I double-thumb for quickness, and do just fine.

bassbrad · #6 08-28-2010, 08:48 AM

It is a technique i use as well, usually for the big round tone and slower attack.

laboitenoire · #7 08-28-2010, 09:00 AM

I use to exclusively play with my thumb, until I started playing faster. Now I generally play with my index and middle fingers, but if I need it I'll throw in the thumb and an occasional ring finger.

FromBeyond · #8 08-28-2010, 09:09 AM

I play with a pick, and fingers mixed with thumb, so yeah.

makkE · #9 08-28-2010, 09:27 AM

I have re-installed the tugbar on my bass recently (squier 50s cv).
Had taken it off the day I got it, because I tought it would get in the way with slapping (wich I planned to learn but have lost intrest in).

Anyway, I love playing like this - especially for things that are slow or have to have a relaxed feel (reggea). Also I love the tone I get. So mellow.

Planning on integrating it more into my play, and it also forces to learn more muting.
I did use the thumb on a few things before as well, but the tugbar makes sure my thump is always in the same sweet spot just over the 20th fret.
Gives the fingers and wrist a break too.

crobasster · #10 08-28-2010, 09:34 AM

Oh,I thought that I am the only one playing with the thumb only.
Allways got the strange look by the other bass players.
I play also with my other fingers (mostly),but I started playing with thumb since I was gigging with classical guitar and letting the nails grow for playing nylon,and normaly,with nails comes that "zing" noise on the bass,so I started using thumb and I liked it,never lack of speed or precission and other stuff using thumb.

Nice post.

Tim Skaggs · #11 08-28-2010, 09:35 AM

Here's some inspiration for thumbers. There are several places, but 4:32 is the solo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lEwOQmpcGI

Rocks · #12 08-28-2010, 03:50 PM

a big thumbs up to all of you! I knew there were others around. Yes, I've also gotten some strange looks from other bassists watching me thumb my way through a fast song. I even had one ask me how I got my thumb to move so fast, simple - practice!

Low End Lover · #13 08-28-2010, 03:51 PM

Has anyone tried using an actual thumb pick? I have always been intrigued with the idea of trying this out...

Rocks · #14 08-28-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low End Lover

Has anyone tried using an actual thumb pick? I have always been intrigued with the idea of trying this out...

I have, but it felt weird unless I held it like a normal pick even though it was wrapped around my thumb. I never really gave it much of a chance to get used to it as I was really trying hard to stop using picks while I worked on my finger picking.

Low End Lover · #15 08-28-2010, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocks

I have, but it felt weird unless I held it like a normal pick even though it was wrapped around my thumb. I never really gave it much of a chance to get used to it as I was really trying hard to stop using picks while I worked on my finger picking.

Interesting. Hey, I know this is a bit random, but I saw the name of the town you live in. There is a cool old Twilight Zone episode where a town of the same name figures largely into the plot. It is one of the trippier episodes of the show IMO.

LEL

Greevus · #16 08-28-2010, 04:17 PM

I use Herco Extra Heavy thumbpicks. Has really helped with my right-hand carpal tunnel issues. I play with fingers for fun, and I will use my thumb and three fingers like a classical guitarist at times. That makes me sound like I am good

Rocks · #17 08-28-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low End Lover

Interesting. Hey, I know this is a bit random, but I saw the name of the town you live in. There is a cool old Twilight Zone episode where a town of the same name figures largely into the plot. It is one of the trippier episodes of the show IMO.

LEL

I've seen it! Next stop is Willoughby! I always wondered if they were referring to this city.

Low End Lover · #18 08-28-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocks

I've seen it! Next stop is Willoughby! I always wondered if they were referring to this city.

Well, just stay off the train and you'll be good!

SurferJoe46 · #19 09-01-2010, 11:13 PM

Rod Serling stayed in Huntington Beach, California for a Summer and up on Warner Avenue to the West of Beach Boulevard (where the old Warner Drive-In was) there was an old train station from the 1920s.

It was called "Willoughby" and that was supposed to be the inspiration for that script.

Maybe?

Tim Skaggs · #20 09-02-2010, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low End Lover

Has anyone tried using an actual thumb pick? I have always been intrigued with the idea of trying this out...

I used to keep a thumb pick "clipped" on the afterlength of the strings on the headstock of all my basses. There are those few songs that had one section or just one lick that required a pick. (for me anyway). A thumb pick is the only way I've found to switch between finger style and pick in the middle of a song. I use wide National thumbpicks with the tip of the pick filed to more of a round point, which also shortened the length a little.