Two-Finger Walking Method

[FriboRage123]

I've just started playing the bass recently, and when I started to try instructing myself, I was using my thumb to hit the strings.

However, I saw some videos here, and Dmanlamius suggested that the two finger method was the way to go, and I could clearly see the merits to it, so I wanted to try it.

I've been trying to do it for a week now, but as I walk the strings, practicing something as simple as twinkle twinkle little star, my finger nails keep hitting the strings and giving them a weird tone. Sometimes I can avoid it and sometimes it happens no matter how slow and carefully I go. It's so frustrating, I even cut my nails down and it did little to help.

Any suggestions?

[Chris K]

Had to smile reading that you 'even' cut your nails... for that is step 1. Hope your nails are on the upper side of your fingers...

Ok, let's cut the crap. You bend your fingers far too much, I suppose. Keep your fingers in a long bow, so not fully stretched, but almost.

Good luck.

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by Chris K

Ok, let's cut the crap. You bend your fingers far too much, I suppose. Keep your fingers in a long bow, so not fully stretched, but almost.

+1. Keep the fingers fairly straight, and play from the knuckle nearest the hand. In your spare time, watching TV etc, sit with the bass unplugged, and alternate on open (unfretted) strings. Start slowly and only build speed gradually. After a while, muscle memory begins to kick in and it becomes second nature. Be patient, keep at it and you'll get it.