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'Hit a wall' with my technique

A

AzzaKnoldy

May 29, 2011
53
0
#1
Put simply I'm in a rut. I need to know where to anchor my thumb, whether the movable or stationary anchor is better. I'm not bothered about what's comfortable for me, I want a technique that works, and doesn't limit my speed. I just want to get my technique right before I start getting serious with my playing. Can any of you guys help me?

Cheers.
 
#6
pbd said:
some lessons may help, how about listening to some different types of music, something way different from what you usually play, try playing acoustically for a bit, sometimes a different sound can get you moving again

my 2 cents,
Todd :)
Click to expand...

It's not the whole 'lack of inspiration' thing, I just want to know Where my right thumb should be, and I'll be very, very happy :)
 
#9
IMO lessons REALLY help. However the fact that you KNOW you're hitting a wall is a valuable thing! You are always your best critique in terms of your "feel of progress". And if you aren't looking ahead to newer venues then you know you need more input. It's not necessarily a negative thing.
Your anchor is so opinionated because we all have different ways of moving, etc. IMO - Your anchor should be in a position where it comfortable enough to move if need be but solid enough (& consistent) to not have to look or adjust with anything but feel. A great deal depends on the Bass. It's too subjective without a teacher watching what you are dealing with, type of instrument design & some generalities (like musical style).
 
#12
I've been playing several years, gigging and practising seriously for a couple. Speed, clean playing, and general dexterity have always been problems for me.

The last few months I've been slowly working on resting my thumb on the string above/below (you know what I mean) the one I'm playing. I'm finding the following:

- Very very gradually this technique is entering my live playing. Tricky rhythmic figures getting easier to pull off correctly. I must stress however that this is taking MONTHS of regular practice. I would expect to be using the technique correctly by this time next year.

- Playing of ghost notes has somehow entered my repertoire since starting to do this. Something to do with the consistent hand position.

- Most important point: I carefully watch all the bassists I can, wherever I go. I note that very very few appear to rest there thumb anywhere else but the pickup, i.e. almost nobody moves their thumb as they play. While I may get the thumb technique down, that will not grant me ANY of their groove, note choice..that, for me at least, is coming very very very gradually through:

- practice
- gigging
- listening
- maintaining a musical, open frame of mind
- acceptance that Rome was not built in a day
- knowing that there's a wall there but no being afraid of it

My point is: don't overly worry about technique. And don't expect to nail a technique today, tomorrow, this week...
 
#13
schmig said:
I've been playing several years, gigging and practising seriously for a couple. Speed, clean playing, and general dexterity have always been problems for me.

The last few months I've been slowly working on resting my thumb on the string above/below (you know what I mean) the one I'm playing. I'm finding the following:

- Very very gradually this technique is entering my live playing. Tricky rhythmic figures getting easier to pull off correctly. I must stress however that this is taking MONTHS of regular practice. I would expect to be using the technique correctly by this time next year.
Click to expand...

Funnily enough, I've just started learning that technique too. Just a question about it, where do you tend to rest your thumb when playing the E/B string?

Thanks alot, exactly the answer I was looking for :)
 
#14
IMV, you want to build up the dexterity in your plucking fingers. Rest them on top of either pickup, if your hand is big enough. Resting on the E string is fine too.

Get these two fingers of yours accustomed to plucking between all strings. Over time, you will find your voice. It may be found by resting on the neck pickup or, as I do most of the time, depending on the style of music I am playing, resting on the bridge pickup.

I hope this helps.

Brian
 
#15
bmc said:
IMV, you want to build up the dexterity in your plucking fingers. Rest them on top of either pickup, if your hand is big enough. Resting on the E string is fine too.

Get these two fingers of yours accustomed to plucking between all strings. Over time, you will find your voice. It may be found by resting on the neck pickup or, as I do most of the time, depending on the style of music I am playing, resting on the bridge pickup.

I hope this helps.

Brian
Click to expand...

Thanks alot :)
 
#16
I've been playing semi-pro bass since 1988, previously classically trained on upright and played in an orchestra, as well as played guitar full-time pro in the '70s, and if there's one thing I've learned is that I don't do things just like everybody else does, or the way they say it should be done. Take the suggestions you get here and check them out, but ultimately the choice is yours as to what really works for you.

For instance, I do the floating thumb technique, but not the standard version. My thumb ends up floating along the outside edge of the E-string (4-string). It's even made a track on the pickguard of my Jazz Bass. But, sometimes I'll anchor on the front pickup, sometimes even on the end of the fingerboard when I want a deep sound. Seldomly do I anchor on the bridge pickup, but I might once in awhile. It's all about the tone I'm after.

How did I learn this stuff? Easy, I just played and let my body do what felt natural. maybe a teacher coulda gotten me through a few stages quicker, I dunno. Well, he did as far as upright goes, but I've had no lessons on electric.

My point is, don't take a piece of advice as if it were written in stone, like it is the ONLY thing to do. Don't get me wrong, though, all the advice you're getting here is good stuff from good folks. I'm just saying don't forget to feel out what works best for you as an individual. And, sometimes you just have to let it happen rather than try to make it happen.
 
#17
AzzaKnoldy said:
Funnily enough, I've just started learning that technique too. Just a question about it, where do you tend to rest your thumb when playing the E/B string?

Thanks alot, exactly the answer I was looking for :)
Click to expand...

Now that you ask...I hadn't thought about it before. It floats in thin air..I like to play by the bridge for tone and speed sometimes, where tension is higher, and I don't modify my technique there..I've never touched my thumb against the pickup as it makes me feel squeamish...

Again, if it feels wrong but you want to stick with it: this has taken me MONTHS and I still revert to good ol thumb on e string 90% of time during performance...but in practice am sounding like twice the player I was.
 
#19
schmig said:
Now that you ask...I hadn't thought about it before. It floats in thin air..I like to play by the bridge for tone and speed sometimes, where tension is higher, and I don't modify my technique there..I've never touched my thumb against the pickup as it makes me feel squeamish...

Again, if it feels wrong but you want to stick with it: this has taken me MONTHS and I still revert to good ol thumb on e string 90% of time during performance...but in practice am sounding like twice the player I was.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know. I've seen leaps and bounds in my playing within days due to it. I'm gonna stick with it. Thanks for your help! Much appreciated.:smug:
 

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