Pizz and the E String

bassist1962 · #1 03-09-2007, 04:21 AM

I have a question regarding pizz playing and sound. In my studies (I still haven't found a teacher) I have learned that when playing the G - D - and A strings, your finger comes to hit the string below it as a stopper. This created a audible thunk which is part of the sound. What am I supposed to do on the E string where there is no other string to use as a stopper? I have a tendency to overplay/underplay this string and and am looking for advice on how to correct this to become a bit more consistent in my sound. Any advice is greatly appreciated as always.

Johnny L · #2 03-09-2007, 05:34 AM

I think there are a variety of strategies. Personally, I don't know what I do...but it's likely that I'm using some part of my hand as a tactile reference for my plucking finger.

I keep my thumb resting on the fingerboard when I pizz, and I probably use a part of that thumb as a "stop" when plucking the E string. But really I don't know right now, I'll have to pay attention next time I do it and see if my own answer still jives. Maybe my thumb isn't on the fingerboard when I pluck the E string, especially if I'm really trying to get some volume out of it.

Others may have a better answer and/or offer methods to deal with the matter.

fingers · #3 03-09-2007, 08:34 AM

It depends on your playing style. If you do more of a 'hook' one finger pizz thing think of turning a key when you play the E string. Do a slight rotation at your wrist. If you do a two finger method you can use Johnny's suggestion if using your thumb as a stop or just practice letting your hand float.

JazzDude · #4 03-09-2007, 11:14 AM

I agree with the OP that there is a difference in sound. The other strings have an audible, percussive thump from the fingers striking the next lower string.

I hadn't realized until now what a big difference it is. I'm not sure there's anything to be done about it - unless you can work a thumb stroke, or you can try to slap and release, or pop the E string.

bassist1962 · #5 03-09-2007, 07:31 PM

Wow! I guess I started something I didn't intend. So I am not alone in this thought. I do occassionally use my thumb as a stopper, but there is a difference in the sound of the E, and the other strings. I appreciate this much guys. Please keep posting, maybe we can come to a conclusion together.

tzadik · #6 03-09-2007, 10:06 PM

You are SO not alone.

I am STILL to this day learning how to play my E string. If I happen to miraculously have a revelation, I'll post it. Don't hold your breath. I alwasy prefer the other strings...

Uncletoad · #7 03-09-2007, 10:08 PM

There is a big difference in perspective on the E string of a double bass vs. an electric bass.

Electric bass thinking is E string centered moving up and across, Double Bass thinking is G string centered moving down and back.

I tend to pull with my shoulder from the middle of my back around through my pinkie finger in an arc. My index is parallel to the string across the first two knuckles often all the way on 3 knuckles almost using the whole side of my finger. The stroke starts and ends on the fingerboard pulling through the string and in the rough arc of the fingerboard so that I'm landing on the other side of the string back on the board.

My Thumb is an anchor point at the side of the board or between the E/A strings or floating across the top of them depending on what I'm doing and where I'm headed.

On the E string Like Fingers said I pizz around the arc off the fingerboard like turning a key if I want a clean pizz with medium volume. If I want it to growl I'll pull down towards the fingerboard more so the string rattles on the board. Sometimes I'll just spank it like a rockabilly slap.

Most of the time I'll pull my hand way off the board without my thumb anchoring but rather pushing off the fingerboard. I give the stroke a real long follow through that gives the E string a real big fat sound. I can use that stroke when tempos are slower and the groove is deep and the volume is up. That is a clean articulate pizz with a ton of energy. Can't do that past A or B on the E string or I'll hurt myself.

Usually I'm near the end of the board to up about 2 or 3 inches. Sometimes I'll choke up on the E string near the neck joint to get a big fat round note when I'm really shaking the floor or want a big fat whole note. That note has little front end and lots of body compared to the neck end which is the other way around.

I rarely get up on the fingertips cause the sound gets real thin and has no power. As such I'm not much for blistering tempos. I can't get enough arm movement to get my sound. If it gets two quick I cut time in half and play the half note bounce. That way I never sacrifice that big note.

Audiophage · #8 03-13-2007, 08:41 PM

I've never really thought about where my finger rests when playing the E string, it just kind of happened. Maybe I should contemplate this.

Alan Vorse · #9 03-15-2007, 08:23 AM

I have recently been concentrating on getting a good sound out of notes on the E string. Like Unc said, I've found that follow through is the key. After I hit a note, my hand keeps going toward my pocket with my thumb coming off the side of the neck. I also have been experimenting with using two fingers together for the E string. Helps get a bigger sound.