Beginner needs advice on plucking technique

[Let's Dance]

I am a beginner because I am finally trying to be a true student of the instrument after many years of noodling on bass and 6 string. I have been trying to learn the floating thumb technique and my fretting hand and brain are just way ahead. Moving my thumb off the pickup is stoping me dead in my tracks.

Is it ok to continue my development and studying and playing with anchoring my thumb on the pickup or am I missing a fundamental must to become a proficient and solid bass player? Do all the greats use floating thumb?

Thanks for your help.

 

[chungweishan]

It took me a while to get accustomed to the Floating Thumb technique. I played different phrases slowly until I was more comfortable and proficient with synchronizing my hands. It's usefulness is muting the lower string as I switch to a higher string. It also keeps me slightly aware of what strings I am playing. I still anchor my thumb on a pickup, especially when playing the lowest string.

There are many players that still anchor their thumb and do very well. I can only assume they're better at muting strings with their fretting hand.

I recommend learning many different techniques to play. I always make sure my techniques are comfortable and consistent so I'm not straining my hands for extensive playing sessions. The Floating Technique means I'm not stretching my hand when plucking the top strings.

 

[MCF]

I started playing again about a year ago after a (very) long hiatus. Back in the day, I used the anchored thumb technique almost exclusively. This time around I was bound and determined to get used to using the floating thumb for better muting. It took time and a lot of practice, but now it comes naturally. I started slowly with major scales, 12 bar blues patterns and easy songs like "Down On The Corner" and "I Fought the Law." The key for me was going very slowly at the beginning. I try to practice at least an hour every night and two to three hours on the weekends. Be patient and you'll surprise yourself.

 

[StyleOverShow]

Working on playing in the space between the neck and the pickup, thumb is out there, kinda floating.

I'm digging the enhanced tonal qualities of that sweet spot.

 

[BazzTard]

It's perfectly fine to keep anchoring on the pickup.

But, start practicing the floating technique and you'll get there.

It's another tool for us to use, like using a pick, or picking with your thumb. They add variety to our style and sound.

 

[fearceol]

Apart from muting unwanted string noise, the FT is also excellent in that it drastically reduces your chances of experiencing injury problems in the form of carpel tunnel syndrome etc. This is because the wrist is straight, unlike when playing with the thumb on the pick up.

By no means do all the greats use the FT technique, but that does not render it any less useful or beneficial. I have seen many world class bassists play at concerts, and sometimes I can almost feel the pain in my own wrist, just by looking at how bent their wrists are when they play. Some get away with little or no injury problems, but others are not so lucky. Personally, it is a gamble I am not prepared to take, just for the sake of a little time and effort to change my technique. Also, the thing with CTS is that it can take years to become apparent, by which time the damage is done and a visit to the doc or physio is the order of the day. So just because you may not feel any pain now, does not mean that you will not do so at some later stage.

How long have you been practicing the FT ? IMO it can take around three or four months to become comfortable with it.

Time and effort well spent IMO.