Arco techniques

[bassliner50]

"Arco" ( of course means played with bow in music nomenclature.) is usually directed to upright DB players who have that clear option. Here in bass guitar land, when I read the call for arco, I approximate it as best I can using my index and middle finger near the bridge to create a fast trill. The effect sounds passable but not nearly as authorative and resonant sounding as a bowed DB. I have done this for decades without thinking there might be an alternative technique for finger style bass guitar players. The thought occurred to me yesterday while going over a chart in prep for a Sinatra tribute project that hopefully will not be impeded by covid-19 restrictions. The intro to the tune is indicated Straight arco (then an eight note is depicted) Con Moto (with motion) How do you guys do it? How often do you use it in different genres?

 

[ole Jason]

I do a similar effect by doing flamenco style rolls with thumb, index, middle, & ring fingers. I usually do it in jazz trio settings so I'm fretting a chord instead of sustaining a single note like you would with arco. Works well for long sustained tones and you can also do swells which are nice.