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Fingers getting caught

W

wishface

Jan 27, 2012
538
53
#1
Not sure where else to post this but here.

I'm experiencing a weird phenomena where my fingers occasionally get caught on the string as I pluck. This isn't something I recall being a problem on any other bass I've played. It's not the strings (or I've gotten really unlucky with the two sets i've used thus far, along with an old set i swapped from my previous bass to my new Sire M2).

I don't know what can really be said about this, but I'd be interested hearing from others if they have had similar issues with a new bass. It's quite disconcerting and I'm not sure how to overcome this unless i go full plectrum!
 
#3
Nashrakh said:
What do you mean by getting caught exactly? How different is the string spacing between your basses?
Click to expand...
When i play a run, for instance, instead of raking smoothly (more or less :D) as I normally do, my finger just seems to get caught, stuck momentarily. I don't really know how to explain it any better.

String spacing seems normal. The neck i'm playing on now is longer and less wide.
 
#7
wishface said:
Not sure where else to post this but here.

I'm experiencing a weird phenomena where my fingers occasionally get caught on the string as I pluck. This isn't something I recall being a problem on any other bass I've played. It's not the strings (or I've gotten really unlucky with the two sets i've used thus far, along with an old set i swapped from my previous bass to my new Sire M2).

I don't know what can really be said about this, but I'd be interested hearing from others if they have had similar issues with a new bass. It's quite disconcerting and I'm not sure how to overcome this unless i go full plectrum!
Click to expand...

This kind of problem is what finger ramps were designed for.

It’s a simple block of wood that sits between your pickups and prevents your fingers from digging in too far when you pluck. I’ve got one I’m one of my basses and it seems to help quite a bit.

Also if you have a bass that has large soap bars or humbucker pickups, your fingers will rub against those as you’re playing and not too far in towards the body which gives you the same result.
 
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#19
For about 95% of my playing, using the Jerry Scheff and James Jamerson method of plucking with just the index finger works best for me and perhaps if you keep having this problem.............it might work better for you too.

Jerry-Scheff-Playing-620x413.jpg


faade3f5fc002b53746fadf068175dad.jpg


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Last edited:
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#20
That would lessen my options given the style I play so hopefully it won't have to get to that point.

However, I notice, in the first pic, a number of players have their right hand at that angle. Jess Berlin, for example, and, I think, John Pattituci. I don't know how they physically play that way.

Anyway, I'm not sure what the solution is. Perhaps it will work itself out over time
 

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