Picking Hand Technique

[musicandme]

From watching a bunch of youtube instructional videos it seems like everyone has a slightly different approach to their picking hand. My main question is about the use of the thumb. Victor Wooten uses it, but jaco appears to stay away from it for the most part, and James Jamerson only played with 1 finger!

I've had some spanish style finger picking lessons on guitar which uses all five fingers, so it's natural for me to put this to use on the bass. Is there anything wrong with this? What are the advantages/disadvantages of different picking hand techniques? Can anyone type up or point me in the direction of an all inclusive internet lesson on the subject?

 

[Chris K]

Cheers

 

[fearceol]

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to do it. Whatever works for you. However, from a physical aspect, I'd make sure my wrist is as straight as possible.

 

[bassplayer7768521]

Plucking with all 5 fingers is often advised against, since your pinky and ring fingers share a tendon. This is not to say that you shouldn't do it, of course. Do whatever you want with the bass

 

[OldogNewTrick]

I've come to use Adam Nitti's movable anchor right hand technique. Combines the advantages of anchored and floating thumb.