Beginner Bassist Looking for Advice on Right-Hand Technique

[AhlyxMU]

Hey everyone!

I bought my first bass guitar a little over a month ago and have been practicing pretty regularly during my spare time. Although I feel like various aspects of my playing have improved these past few weeks, my right-hand technique still feels off. I should note that I’m currently trying to learn the floating thumb technique since it’s what feels the most natural and comfortable for me. With that said, I have some questions regarding my forearm position and how bent my wrist should be when using this specific technique.

I’ve found that the most comfortable position for me when holding my bass is when I’m resting my forearm on the body. This also allows me to create the counter-pressure needed to fret notes without using the thumb on my left hand. However, when looking into whether or not I should rest my forearm on the bass body on different forums and sites, most advise that I shouldn’t. If that’s the case, are there any ways that I can avoid resting my forearm when playing? Does it even matter?

Regarding the wrist, I’ve found that it tends to bend significantly when playing on the higher strings. I know that the whole point of the floating thumb technique is to keep your wrist straight to reduce strain, but I find this pretty uncomfortable, especially when trying to cross strings since my forearm is constantly shifting/sliding up and down the body. Are there any ways to address this issue? Should I think about changing up my right-hand technique entirely?

I know this is a pretty lengthy post and all, but I’d really like to gather as much information and advice as possible to improve my bass playing. I posted a link to a video of me playing for you guys to check out and critique. The angle is pretty bad and there isn’t any audio, but it should be enough to see my current technique with both hands.

 

[fearceol]

Hi, and welcome to TB.

My first piece of advice would be to avoid sitting on a soft couch, bed, or armchair when playing. Instead use a hard chair with a back rest. Also, always wear a strap, even when sitting. Ideally the main body of the bass should be around belt buckle height for both standing and sitting.

The floating thumb technique is great for both muting unwanted sounds and for avoiding potential injuries later on. Naturally, it is going to feel strange and uncomfortable to begin with. Time and patience are required in abundance. Looking at the clip, you need to raise the plucking hand elbow until the arm becomes parallel with the body of the bass. You only have your bass for one month. Some people take this long to get used to just holding the bass, let alone mastering a technique like the FT. It can take months to get comfortable and proficient with the FT technique. An alternate, but similar technique is the "Moveable Anchor". Look it up on Youtube and give it a try if you wish. Time and patience applies here too.

Here is a good demonstration of the FT. Best of luck...and welcome to the low end.

 

[JKos]

Looking at the clip, you need to raise the plucking hand elbow until the arm becomes parallel with the body of the bass.

This is the first step. Instead of your right elbow being back behind the bass, it should be more up and forward. Lay your right hand across the strings with your wrist straight. That’s more where your elbow should be.

As to your foreman resting on the bass, a light contact that moves easily should be ok. You don’t really want to be clamping the bass with your right forearm.

 

[maturanesa]

In my opinion, floating thumb is not the best technique to begin with.
Since your are a beginner, dont having an anchor point will make the fingers do all the work and the hand positioning could be off because you are not familiar with string distance and hand placing at this stage.
I would try a movable anchor technique (moving the thumb anchor up and down) until you feel comfy with that, and later start to float if you want.

 

[Les Fret]

If I see it correctly on the video you are not really using FT but movable anchor. For FT you don’t have to bend your wrist at all and you have your thumb flat on the strings pointing down. Like in that video in post #2.

Also try the ‘standard’ technique where you keep the thumb on the E string (or pickup when you play the E string). Both techniques are equally good. And for a 4 string you don’t really ‘need’ FT, but you can. It becomes especially useful with 5 strings or more.

 

[TOOL460002]

I’ve found that the most comfortable position for me when holding my bass is when I’m resting my forearm on the body. This also allows me to create the counter-pressure needed to fret notes without using the thumb on my left hand.

You don't use your left (fretting) hand thumb? You definitely want to use it. As for wrists: Straight is the best for your body.

 

[Les Fret]

Where is the OP? I will stop replying to these topics. People want to help someone with technique questions, invest time in it, and then the OP disappears and doesn’t reply to his own topic. Happens quite a lot here…fairly annoying and ungrateful.

 

[Chris Chong]

You just have to try the techniques and check which one is for you.

I know pattituci’s technique is not for me though