Pick Technique

[cool breeze]

Since I'm learning to play with a pick again I have a question. I'm using the thumb wrap technique around the neck to keep the E string muted when playing the ADG strings. This goes against all I hear as they say your thumb should rest on the back of the neck pointed towards the tuners. So what do you pick players out there do? Thanks for your advice!

 

[ASQTec]

No matter how hard I've tried not to (not too hard, really), I always end up using my left thumb to mute when picking. I even do it while plucking with my fingers.

I say use whatever you got.

 

[cool breeze]

No matter how hard I've tried not to (not too hard, really), I always end up using my left thumb to mute when picking. I even do it while plucking with my fingers.

I say use whatever you got.

I hear ya. I've learned to float my thumb on and off the E when plucking. It is a bit easier on the left hand.

 

[1stnamebassist]

I use my thumb to mute the E and A while using a pick. And I learned to play bass so called properly, which means thumb anchored at center of neck, finger per fret etc... but that was long ago, and now I use what works. I also lightly wrap a gruvgear fretwrap around the nut and slightly over onto the fingerboard. That helps a lot. Use what works!

 

[cool breeze]

I use my thumb to mute the E and A while using a pick. And I learned to play bass so called properly, which means thumb anchored at center of neck, finger per fret etc... bUt that was long ago, and now I use what works. I also lightly wrap a gruvgear fretwrap around the nut and slightly over onto the fingerboard. That helps a lot. Use what works!

Nice tip. Thanks for that.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Still keep my thumb on the back of the neck. Use flats and foam rubber at the bridge and if needed a palm mute for that thump sound. I have small hands and wrapping around is just not an option.

The flats and foam take care of most of the muting and I like the sound they give - close to an up-right sound. I use the foam from a foam rubber paint brush and cut it to size.

 

[cool breeze]

Still keep my thumb on the back of the neck. Use flats and foam rubber at the bridge and if needed a palm mute for that thump sound. I have small hands and wrapping around is just not an option.

The flats and foam take care of most of the muting and I like the sound they give - close to an up-right sound. I use the foam from a foam rubber paint brush and cut it to size.

Thankyou Malcolm. I too have small hands which is why I chose the sub for its thin nut width. I currently play flats and will experiment with the foam as an option. Nice to know I'm not the only one with this issue.

 

[two fingers]

I do more right hand muting. But, yeah, what they said. Whatever is comfortable for you.

Most major league pitchers throw side-arm. In other words, their arm runs parallel to the ground when they throw....not overhead. My whole childhood playing baseball I was taught that was "wrong". Yet they are the best pitchers on the planet.

Don't injure yourself. Use a technique that allows for fluid motion of the left hand fingers. Other than that, have at it.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Until you can get some foam stuff a sock under the strings at the bridge, it'll give you an idea what foam will sound like.

 

[Michael B]

Consider picking hand as a mute as well.

Plenty of accomplished players wrap the thumb to mute. If it feels right go with it.

 

[cool breeze]

Will do scatabrain. Thx

 

[JMacBass65]

I never use my left hand thumb, so I guess I must use my right somehow, but I've never thought about it, not practiced it. Whatever I do it just came naturally. I'll need to go grab my bass and see what it is I actually do.

 

[1stnamebassist]

I never use my left hand thumb, so I guess I must use my right somehow, but I've never thought about it, not practiced it. Whatever I do it just came naturally. I'll need to go grab my bass and see what it is I actually do.

That's funny but that's how I discovered I was muting with my left thumb. I had to actually pay attention because it was natural and didn't even think about it. I hardly ever used a pick until recently so the thumb over the neck is a new thing! I guess after you have played forever you mind just reacts without thinking!