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Heavy Playing

CBNJ

CBNJ

Sorry brother.
Feb 13, 2009
883
67
36
New Jersey
#1
Hey all,

Compared to other players, my playing style with my right hand seems to be on the heavier side, which results in pulling strings more. Meanwhile, others seem to just glide along the strings with a very light touch. Is this limiting me, or is this going to be my 'style'? Just seems slower/more rigid compared to other bassists. Any tips/advice? Attached is a picture of my hand, so you can fix it. My friend (a drummer :P) said I play like that cause my middle finger is 'A LOT' longer! Oy..

ga4yme9a.jpg
 
#2
I have a heavy right hand myself. For that reason I favor heavier strings and a bit higher action than lots of people.

I don't know if it's limiting per say, but the guys with a light touch that like super light gauge strings lying right up against the fret board really hate playing my bass. Conversely, I really dislike playing theirs.
 
#3
Play the way song dictates. You should be able to vary your dynamics per the band and the song.

You can still dig in with low action and thin strings, it's just not going to be like you are used to. I dealt with the same issues years ago as well.
 
#4
Play plugged in or with headphones. If you play acoustically you're gonna be all Steve Harris.

Listen to the tone you get with various attacks and also where you pluck the strings on the bass - near the bridge, near the neck, etc.

You'll be surprised what you can do with an extremely light touch. Experiment and see what works for you. But the most important thing is to listen!
 
#5
Nothing to do with finger length so forget that idea and learn to play with a lighter touch.

If it is the plucking hand.
Playing closer to the bridge will 'stiffen your strings' as we say, as there is more tension the closer you get to the bridge saddle. So find the spot where the tension suites you. This sound will be brighter so adjust EQ to suit

If it is your fretting hand.
Relax and do not grip the neck, just rest the thumb against it and let the fingers flow over the strings. if you are constantly gripping and re-gripping you will never flow, also add some curl to the fingers and address your bass height and your overall technique.

If you curl your fingers in gently you will notice the tips are generally level so finger length is not really an issue for you, but that point where they level out is a good starting place for both hands.

Maybe it is your set-up so get you bass checked out and set up for you...strings come in a variety of tensions and weights so maybe you are using the wrong ones for you?
 

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