Is it considered bad technique to clank?

[JimmyM]

This is a good point, but though I like to write rock bass lines I am not quite to the clank end of the rock spectrum.

Nothing wrong with that. Plenty of rock bassists don't clank.

 

[BusyFingers]

Better than "THUD"

Myself? I like "THUMP!"

 

[BusyFingers]

THUD!

THUMP!

CLANK!

 

[john_g]

Growing up I considered that clank to be poor technique. I played with a pick for the first 22 years mind you, so my sound was very clean and got me lots of gigs because of it. Now I play with my fingers 99% of the time and can appreciate some hard playing where applicable.

 

[D M C]

When I need to clank, I clank.
When I need to thump, I thump.
When I need to mwah, well, I can't really. I don't play fretless.

 

[kulit17]

Or a bit of a wank.

Indeed! So funny I laid a stank.

 

[Bent77]

THUD!

THUMP!

CLANK!

Thud thump and clank!

 

[lostinjanuary]

As long as it doesn't turn into a thunk with a fizz I think you're good to go

 

[BusyFingers]

Not funny

Good sir, it was not my intention to offend. If it pleases you,I will delete the original post. A thousand pardons...

 

[kat888]

Depends how long your fingers are...

 

[JimmyM]

Hee hee...if I'm not mistaken, the bottom blue Jazz is Herbie Flowers' bass, and he is so not a clanker!

 

[Helix]

Good sir, it was not my intention to offend. If it pleases you,I will delete the original post. A thousand pardons...

Your a good guy @BusyFingers....unlike myself....alway try to show some Class my friend.....and BTW, clank away!!

 

[BusyFingers]

Hee hee...if I'm not mistaken, the bottom blue Jazz is Herbie Flowers' bass, and he is so not a clanker!

I just chose it from a google image search because... well...
IT'S FREAKING AWESOME!

 

[1954bassman]

The clank that I here from the local talent pool in my area is pretty well all a result of poor technique.

 

[Toptube]

Entwistle says "what"?

 

[Grumry]

What's the best metal to clank?

 

[GBassNorth]

OP - There are clankers who purposely leverage that unique style of music for great effect - think Entwistle or Trujillo. Don't confuse that with a clanker who doesn't know how or when to use the technique properly. That clanker is a wanker.

If you're currently a clanker wanker and want to leverage the style for effect, then practice the technique with your stubby little fingers. It's both a left hand technique as well as right. And if it helps, don't forget that tone knobs, string selections and even a proper set up can go a long way towards shaping your sound and allowing you to get more tones out of your bass.

 

[Laurent]

It's often the symptom of a bad set up unless you're a pro and do it on purpose.

 

[swafran]

Can you clank when you want to, and the rest of the time not clank? If yes then you're using it as part of your sound, otherwise it's bad technique, learn to control it.

 

[pie_man_25]

good technique is like good seasoning: if you're good at it, you'll know when to use it and when not to.