Question on Geddy's technique

[pringlw]

I'm kind of facinated by Geddy's playing technique.

I know that with his right hand, he moves his fingers together and hits the strings with all of them as a single unit - almost like its a beak.

My question is; does he hit the strings that way in both directions (ie: when he is pulling his fingers towards his palm, and when he is flicking his fingers away from his palm).

I'm not sure if its my eyes playing tricks on me, but I think he does. Kind of like a "double thumb" technique - but with fingers, and all of them moving together as a single unit.

[CayceG]

Yes. He hits the strings with the pad of his fingers and with the tops of his fingers.

It has been dubbed "flamenco bass."

[Bassman316]

Originally Posted by CayceG

Yes. He hits the strings with the pad of his fingers and with the tops of his fingers.

It has been dubbed "flamenco bass."

Check out the middle part of "Animate" off of Counterparts. I'm pretty sure it's not the only song that he uses that technique on, but it's one of the best early examples of his "flamenco bass" playing.

[OPBASSMAN1994]

Best example to me is Secret Touch from Vapor Trails. Lots of Flamenco going on there. Man I wish I could play like him....

[CayceG]

Originally Posted by Bassman316

Check out the middle part of "Animate" off of Counterparts. I'm pretty sure it's not the only song that he uses that technique on, but it's one of the best early examples of his "flamenco bass" playing.

You want an early version of Geddy's flamenco?

Try 1974.

Working Man with John Rutsey on drums:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB6sRQQBH6E&p

Starts at 3:41

On a P bass.

----------------------

But all of Counterparts had some amazing flamenco bass. Alien Shore especially.

[tedesco23]

I remember reading somewhere once that, when Geddy was a kid, he got his right hand slammed in a car door. His nail grew back thicker and harder, and it has been that way ever since, which allows him to use this technique.

I can't find a link for this... maybe someone can confirm?

[5StringBlues]

Originally Posted by CayceG

Working Man with John Rutsey on drums:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB6sRQQBH6E&p

Geddy,you can take your shirt off if you want to,or just tie it in a knot.

[pringlw]

Originally Posted by 5StringBlues

Geddy,you can take your shirt off if you want to,or just tie it in a knot.

?? I don't even get it.

[Rookwood]

Originally Posted by pringlw

I'm kind of facinated by Geddy's playing technique.

I know that with his right hand, he moves his fingers together and hits the strings with all of them as a single unit - almost like its a beak.

My question is; does he hit the strings that way in both directions (ie: when he is pulling his fingers towards his palm, and when he is flicking his fingers away from his palm).

I'm not sure if its my eyes playing tricks on me, but I think he does. Kind of like a "double thumb" technique - but with fingers, and all of them moving together as a single unit.

Check out this Guitar World interview. Geddy speaks about this technique, then demonstrates it at around 12:10:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...2195895010358#

This is a good casual interview worth checking out if you like to geek out on gear and technique.