Howdy All!

[DreamFish]

First off, I've been playing Bass for about 3 months now. My brother asked me if I wanted to join his band as Bassplayer, I agreed without ever playing Bass before (tried out guitar, semi-decent, though gave up). I normally play with a plectrum as I'm guessing that's what I was used too, but during rehearsals and gigs, my right thumb/hand/forearm really would tense up! You could literally feel where the muscle had tensed just above my wrist. I can sometimes overcome this by doing various stuff, but what I'm really trying to learn to play with my fingers. I've been going through our songs trying to play and I guess I would say I'm not bad for something who only started this around 2 days ago. However a couple of problems:

1. It seems I can't quite act out the floating thumb method, my thumb just doesn't seem to follow my fingers onto the above strings. Is it just practice that I need?
2. The Bass I have (Fender imitation, called an 'Encore') I got for around £40 secondhand. I am trying to anchor my thumb on the pickups but there is an annoying bolt there which makes the digit on my thumb hurt. I am looking to get a new bass in the next couple of months but I wan't one that has a shorter neck/scale. Any recommendations?
3. Can someone please point me in the direction for fingerplucking etc exercises?

Sorry for the extremely long introduction guys! I think I'm gonna enjoy it here!

Thanks.

 

[GilroyBass]

When youre playing do you use one finger or two fingers alternating?

Also, when ypu learn slapping techniques your thumb should naturally be in a more comfortable position, like it is ready to slap. At least thats what happened when I learned to slap

 

[DreamFish]

I use two fingers when playing. I find it easier for speed etc.

And thanks for replying!