/ Register

Newbie R Hand Question regarding sound

Discussion in 'Technique [BG]' started by Pierced Soul, Sep 6, 2006.

  1. Sep 6, 2006 #1
    Pierced Soul

    Pierced Soul

    Aug 29, 2006
    HI,
    I picked up the bass about 5 months ago. for the most part i've used a pick, I play metal so I ahve the need to go fast,and can pick reasonably fast and consistently.

    I've been experimenting with using my fingers over the past few weeks and this is what I eventually want to use instead of a pick.

    obviously my fingers arent as fast (i know that will come with practice), but my question relates to the sound. I've noticed that with a pick playing the notes fast can make it sound liek one continual note (if that makes sense). However using my fingers and playing fast (well fast for me) results in each individual note being more defined. To me this sound doesnt sound as good as with a pick as it doesnt seem to flow as well sound-wise.

    even playing to a metronome in time doesnt seem to allow the notes to flow as smoothly.

    anyone have any ideas on why this is? Is it my technique (prob contributes)?, is it to do with some form of physics of the strings and the continual plucking 'up' or 'through' as opposed to up and down of the pick? or any other ideas?

    I'm using the moving anchor technique if that makes any difference
     
  2. Sep 6, 2006 #2
    Albot

    Albot Sonoran Fury!!

    Sep 12, 2005
    Phoenix, AZ
    I believe it has to do with the fact that the pad of your finger stops the vibration of the string for longer than the rigid plastic pick does. Thus, separating the notes further apart and making them more defined. Also, when playing with your fingers the attack tone will be a little "bassier" than with a pick, giving each note a little more punch.

    as your fingers speed up, you will see the difference decrease, but not eliminated all together.
     
  3. Sep 7, 2006 #3
    Michael Henson

    Michael Henson

    Aug 1, 2005
    St. Louis, MO
    Exactly! I've learned to make a continuous note sound by using my index finger like a pick right by the bridge. The strings are more taut there and if you move your finger in the up/down motion fast enough it sounds like one continous note.
     
  4. Sep 7, 2006 #4
    Shawman

    Shawman

    Aug 23, 2006
    Kirriemuir/Dundee, Scotland
    i used a pick for the first few months of playing bass then i started using my fingers and never really looked back. then i got into metal and was tempted into going back to a pick but i resisted and started getting my 3rd finger in there for triplets etc. took a wee while to get used to but in my opinion it was totally worth it