New to Upright -- Help?

[MikeyFingers]

Hey guys! I've played bass guitar for about 8 years, but recently I've been getting very interested in the upright. A band-mate of mine has a 3/4 size upright and every time we practice I try to mess with it a little bit. We really want to start incorporating it into our music a little, but I need help. We have 2 songs that would sound great with an upright (normally I use my fretless on those) but it needs that upright sound.
So I need a few pointers on my right hand technique. Since I've played electric for so long my hand wants to pluck the strings in the same fashion, but I know that's incorrect, not to mention uncomfortable. So basically, could someone just give me a nice simple explanation of what to do with my right hand?

[Mesmerize-16]

i'm not an upright player but from my experience it's more of a "pull" than a pluck, almost with your whole arm. i can't really describe it. have you tried youtube?

[Jake deVilliers]

Use the Search function in the 'Jazz Technique' section - there's a LOT of information there!

[Eric Hochberg]

If you don't have the opportunity to see live double bass performances, go on Youtube and watch videos of fine double bass players. Check out their techniques. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth... Pointers in person with a teacher will be more beneficial than this words only format.

[TroyK]

The simple answer (though it's not a simple answer in fact) is to use as much of the long side of your index finger as possible instead of the tip, like you would on a BG. Your right hand should be as near as possible to the end of the fingerboard. The same technique up higher will not produce the same sound. And yes, it's more of a pull. At faster tempos people do use a two finger technique similar to what you're likely used to, but the sound you want comes from more meat and more pull. Your thumb will rest on the edge of the fingerboard and give you some leverage.

The not-so-simple part is that you have to be standing right and holding it right and relaxed and in position. It's a very physical instrument and it's tough to get through a tune or two unless you're set up right with reasonable technique to begin with.

Start by setting the end-pin so that the nut will be at about eyebrow level and yeah, watch some videos of Ray Brown, Sam Jones, Butch Warren and memic their technique. There used to be some video of Ray Brown giving lessons on YouTube, that would be helpful.

If you're serious about making the switch, it takes some deliberate effort that is best aided by a good teacher.

Enjoy