Galloping motion

[icarus88]

I'm playing especially near the bridge right now, the string is tighter, and for me it's more comfortable than being closer to the neck (less string flex). I agree with everyone here that guy is sloppy, I wonder if he has a different technique. Thanks!

 

[Hawk256]

Never needed 3 fingers to reproduce Harris's music. Feel is a lot of it but also a little hard to explain technique. Instead of plucking the strings and pulling up or out, you strike the strings from the top pushing towards the pickups like using a mallet on a xylophone. You will get more of the signiture clanking but the speed increase of that one change is worth it and fits the feel of his music better. IMHO.

 

[icarus88]

Never needed 3 fingers to reproduce Harris's music. Feel is a lot of it but also a little hard to explain technique. Instead of plucking the strings and pulling up or out, you strike the strings from the top pushing towards the pickups like using a mallet on a xylophone. You will get more of the signiture clanking but the speed increase of that one change is worth it and fits the feel of his music better. IMHO.

Harris' technique does not allow the strings to be pluck outwards or upwards (allows towards the pickup).

 

[Hawk256]

Harris' technique does not allow the strings to be pluck outwards or upwards (allows towards the pickup).

That is the point but so many people don't make that transition well or they weren't taught the correct way to do it to start with.

 

[40Hz]

You might want to consider giving a bass ramp a try. Many players have reported significant plucking speed increases when using one. You can either purchase one (often expensive) or build one for yourself which is more work but far less expensive. I took the DIY route and found it can help for certain things even though I don’t consider it to be an essential or even use mine all that much.

Here’s what’s basically involved in building one for yourself - in baby steps no less!

 

[Drop1]

Is that considered a "gallop" it doesn't sound like it to me more like playing 16ths with one removed. Is there a difference? I honestly don't know but that's not what my gallops sound like.

 

[moon-bass]

Never needed 3 fingers to reproduce Harris's music. Feel is a lot of it but also a little hard to explain technique. Instead of plucking the strings and pulling up or out, you strike the strings from the top pushing towards the pickups like using a mallet on a xylophone. You will get more of the signiture clanking but the speed increase of that one change is worth it and fits the feel of his music better. IMHO.

He uses two fingers as well, and he's pretty clanky. Seems to me that the clank would be an advantage if you're trying to cop some Iron Maiden

Harris' technique does not allow the strings to be pluck outwards or upwards (allows towards the pickup).

It's also the setup on his bass - it's set up to accommodate his technique, which might be something that the OP is missing.

That is the point but so many people don't make that transition well or they weren't taught the correct way to do it to start with.

I learned a ton of Iron Maiden from ear, waaaaaaaay back in the day - I didn't have the benefit of the interwebs or Youtube or lessons or interviews, so I learned to gallop using three fingers, typically with my thumb anchored on the neck pup. What works for one might not work for everyone. I tried the two finger approach, and I'm just too ingrained with three fingers

 

[factory presets]

Is that considered a "gallop" it doesn't sound like it to me more like playing 16ths with one removed. Is there a difference? I honestly don't know but that's not what my gallops sound like.

Have you ever heard a horse in a hurry? Like if it wanted to run for the hills?

 

[icarus88]

He uses two fingers as well, and he's pretty clanky. Seems to me that the clank would be an advantage if you're trying to cop some Iron Maiden

It's also the setup on his bass - it's set up to accommodate his technique, which might be something that the OP is missing.

I learned a ton of Iron Maiden from ear, waaaaaaaay back in the day - I didn't have the benefit of the interwebs or Youtube or lessons or interviews, so I learned to gallop using three fingers, typically with my thumb anchored on the neck pup. What works for one might not work for everyone. I tried the two finger approach, and I'm just too ingrained with three fingers

You know exactly what the right bass setup is for this? Here's what I know: low action, flat heavy gauge strings, of course Fender P bass (the effect of maple on the tone)

 

[moon-bass]

You know exactly what the right bass setup is for this? Here's what I know: low action, flat heavy gauge strings, of course Fender P bass (the effect of maple on the tone)

I don't. All I know (and this is from memory) is that he said he has a setup to accomodate how he plays, which isn't how a typical setup would be.

I used to do a Maiden cover band (not a tribute band - we didn't dress like them or do the props or stage show or anything like that) - I mean, the stamina needed to pull that off. I would think that the setup would accommodate that! The dude is super-human

 

[Drop1]

Have you ever heard a horse in a hurry? Like if it wanted to run for the hills?

Thats what i mean. My gallops sound more "horse in a hurry" than this Lol. Something about the micro timing of a good gallop makes it feel a bit different than what I'm hearing here.

 

[TOOL460002]

To me a gallop is generally messier wirh regard to time, so I'd argue that is just IMR, but there is zero benefit to moving your hand position when doing something that is already more taxing that two finger playing. None at all. I'll do it if I'm really getting into whatever I'm playing, but more movement is just not needed. I also only play 3 fingers over the pup or neck so I can't speak to floating thumb stuff but that is also less efficient. Other than that, tap out groups of 4 with 3 fingers until you go crazy. Then try it on bass until you go crazy. At some point sanity sets in. You'll be fine.

 

[factory presets]

Thats what i mean. My gallops sound more "horse in a hurry" than this Lol. Something about the micro timing of a good gallop makes it feel a bit different than what I'm hearing here.

Well the faster they go, the more space between the triplet. Maybe what you're playing is more of a canter. TBH I'm more about matching up to the drummer than the charge of the light brigade. Always figured it was just a descriptive term. If the whole band is playing something more equestrian than basic 4/4, I doubt I'd notice. Better tight than right, as John Wayne might have said.

 

[T748]

This is strange. I've always galloped with 4 fingers and never tried three. Three gives better clarity. That Bryan Beller video has some interesting techniques to try too. This thread is TB awesomeness!!! -Tom.

 

[moon-bass]

Following up ...

I have been recovering from a hand injury and have been working on building up my stamina, and one of the best ways is by playing Iron Maiden! I tried a few of the different techniques listed here and I'm most comfortable (and I can play the longest) on a P bass, thumb on the pickup as a rest, three fingers.

I tried different basses and different techniques, two fingers, three, four, playing closer to the neck, the bridge, anchored on the pups, the thumbrest, etc. I tried a number of different ways.

I typically use floating thumb technique, but IMO one of the best reasons for floating thumb is muting and ease of moving among strings and hand positions. When I'm galloping - mostly playing one note a bunch of times very fast, I like the thumb anchor as it adds stability and takes pressure off my wrist/forearm. Playing over the pickup (as opposed to closer to the bridge) forces me to play with a lighter touch to avoid clank - playing with a lighter touch means less hand fatigue. Also, by resting the thumb I get a great angle of attack, allowing me to almost brush past the strings instead of fully plucking them - which saves time and energy.

I know that this isn't how Steve does it, but it's worked great for me for years.

 

[Dillion Hanahan]

I know this struggle. Try using your top knuckle and just skin the string with your finger on the way by. Its a different feel for sure. Also consider floatiing your wrist and stay loose.This with mucho gain, practice you’ll get there.

I have also tried 3 fingers and his lines are much easier.

^^^^this^^^^
Light touch
When he says “top end” of the knuckles that is spot on. Where you want the tension to be in your hand. Never could explain it like that, great verbiage.
Try practicing three finger technique in the car while driving or at spot lights on your center console. There are a lot of dif ways to do it. Index to Ring finger assigned #’s 1 2 3
I like to do 3-1-2-3-1-2-3
But any way that works for you is solid. Try different finger rhythms of 123 till one feels ~right~

 

[Ritter667]

As others have suggested use 3 fingers.
I've found that the gollop rhythm almost comes naturally as soon as you introduce the third finger.

And as others have pointed out light touch is the way to go, and as far as I am concerned actually result in a more aggressive tone (think a clankier, almost bell like, sound, instead of dull thud sound).
I stroke, or brush if you will, the strings with the outmost tip of my fingers/nails, rather than really striking or pulling the strings, in a slight inward light slapping motion.