What is Geddy's technique on older albums?

[Limelight]

I.e. Moving Pictures/Exit stage Left/2112 ect.

I know nowadays He pulls the flamenco style.
It seems like he hits the strings with his whole hand...any info would be appreciated.

[73jbass]

Pretty much just straight fingerstyle.A little more agressive than normal,but that's pretty much it.

[Limelight]

really? huh...I guess, I need a little more advice on aggressive fingerstyle...anyone got any references?

[73jbass]

Just hit'em hard and make sure the string hit the frets. I've been playing Rush since 76,and that's all there is to it.

[xlows]

He said he wanted to get a pick sound from his fingers. So just think pick.

[Limelight]

so he uses 2 fingers and double hits the notes like most peeps do? cause it seemed like he didn't.

[maxgrant]

Play the first few chords of Hemispheres. Listen to how hard he's slamming that first f#. Play every note like that.

Break strings.

[mulambo]

Geddy uses only on finger to play, on most of his playing....only at speed sections, he uses two fingers....Low action also helps get his "slaped sound".

[John Wentzien]

I've heard he grows his finger-nails a little longer than usual for attack.

[Limelight]

Well, does anyone have any links/refs on fingerstyle? All the ones I see don't give much info, or they play more of a low thumpy sound, not a geddy growl sound.

[jenderfazz]

In my experience, play with medium-gauge strings and low-ish action. Play around till you get a configuration that's good for you. Basically, you should be able to play cleanly but control your finger plucking so that you can get some fretbuzz on command.

One of the techniques I use is to play right behind the neck pickup (ie. towards the bridge) for clean playing, and move my right hand towards the neck slightly when I dig in. It's easier to get some fretbuzz/clank if you play closer to the neck.

So, to me, it's a matter of hand position and plucking strength (together with setup). After some time you'll figure out the threshold of attack to get a growly buzz. Also, your finger will callous a little more (which helps to give a brighter sound ).

[prattguy]

+1 on the figernail suggestion
+1 on the fret buzz on command
+1 on the breaking strings idea

Somehow you have to get some distortion to obtain his gritty top end, get a Fender Geddy and pound the little sucker at will.

[Rocinante_x1]

he doesnt quite Pull on the strings either. He kinda hits them, and they go down towards the pickups.

[Slax]

As far as my knowledge, in the older days he used to play a Rickenbacker 4001 finger style by the bridge with what sounded like the bridge (treble) pickup soloed. Also a hard, yet controlled, touch while playing.

I can get a decent "YYZ" sound out of my Ric by playing this way...

[Nicka]

Originally Posted by Slax

As far as my knowledge, in the older days he used to play a Rickenbacker 4001 finger style by the bridge with what sounded like the bridge (treble) pickup soloed. Also a hard, yet controlled, touch while playing.

I can get a decent "YYZ" sound out of my Ric by playing this way...

YYZ is definitely a great example of how dexteritous and controlled Geddy's playing is. To keep that biting attack yet still cleanly finger pick those 16th notes is very difficult. The times I've heard bands / bassists play YYZ they will usually leave out those ghosted notes.

[musicmedic]

Watch alot of videos of Geddy playing. If you watch closely he uses his middle finger alot (on one of Rush's DVD's he refered to it as his "main noisy bastard"). He also has a very aggressive right hand. Smack 'em hard in various positions along the strings. You'll find it.