Picking technique for those with more upright bass posture

[Old_Noob]

Greetings. I have been playing for about 3 years. I just starting working on picking the last year or so and have encountered a problem. I hold my bass more like a classical guitar --with the neck between a 33 and 45 degree angle. I do this because otherwise I have trouble with my wrist having to bend to read the E and A strings.

Problem being that with the bass angled as such, when I pick, I do not have a perpendicular attack on the string. As a result, I tend to catch the edge of the pick, with creates a scratching/ringing sound rather than a precise attack. I can compensate somewhat on slower songs, but I play a lot of punk and ska music that requires fast picking, and it just doesn't work.

Looking for some pointers/advice about this situation.

 

[AGCurry]

I suspect this challenge is pretty common for pick users. In order to let the pick to come down flat on the string AND use the correct motion, the string must be close to parallel with the floor. Possible solutions:

1. Wear the bass higher on the chest. This will force your right arm into more of an angle with the floor, more closely matching the string's angle; it will also decrease the neck angle while allowing easier left-hand reach to the low strings.

2. Learn to use your fingers instead of a pick (not trying to throw shade on pick users!).

 

[Old_Noob]

I suspect this challenge is pretty common for pick users. In order to let the pick to come down flat on the string AND use the correct motion, the string must be close to parallel with the floor. Possible solutions:

1. Wear the bass higher on the chest. This will force your right arm into more of an angle with the floor, more closely matching the string's angle; it will also decrease the neck angle while allowing easier left-hand reach to the low strings.

2. Learn to use your fingers instead of a pick (not trying to throw shade on pick users!).

1. Have to say I am confused by this advice. Wearing the bass higher and with a more horizontal position means I have to really stretch to reach the money notes and causes my left wrist to contort to reach over the fretboard. I have short arms and short sausage fingers. Thats the exact reason I play with the bass at a high angle (and also why I cant play a Thunderbird).

2. I am fine with my fingers, but fingerstyle doesn't really work for a lot of punk/ska songs. Likewise, having the bass high on the chest does not work for songs that require aggressive picking.

 

[Sam Evans]

Maybe something like this?

ZOOKIES™ LARGE THUMBPICKS 30 DEGREE ANGLE

 

[Watchootognbout]

Try using the rounded corner of the pick.
Instead of the pointed tip.
It will slip off the string easier.
Using the round corners instead of the tip of a pick!

 

[HelpImaRock]

You don't need to hit the strings exactly flat. In fact, you'll find most people pick at some kind of angle. Pick at the angle that is most comfortable for you, and gets you the tone you want. That's really all there is to it.

 

[Old_Noob]

You don't need to hit the strings exactly flat. In fact, you'll find most people pick at some kind of angle. Pick at the angle that is most comfortable for you, and gets you the tone you want. That's really all there is to it.

So the problem is that with the bass angled up, I can't really get a natural side-to-side motion going because my wrist ends up moving parallel to the strings. So I wind up having to "flick" my wrist front and back. This is especially problematic on fast aggressive pieces.

 

[HelpImaRock]

So the problem is that with the bass angled up, I can't really get a natural side-to-side motion going because my wrist ends up moving parallel to the strings. So I wind up having to "flick" my wrist front and back. This is especially problematic on fast aggressive pieces.

Holding the bass in a classical guitar position, I'm having trouble replicating the picking angle or the side to side motion you're describing. I understand what you're doing but I'm unsure how you got there. The only thing I can think of is your elbow is too high. Relax and drop it down a bit and you might get a more natural pick angle.

 

[Les Fret]

I understand what you mean. Maybe you hold the bass too vertical?
Do you have a picture of your bass hold and pick angle? Then we can help you better.

 

[Old_Noob]

here is my wrist arc when i hold it in my preferred position

 

[Old_Noob]

here is my wrist arc when i hold it horizontal..... which i can't do because i have to contort my fretting hand to get my ring snf pinky to cover the E and A string

 

[Old_Noob]

fretting hand/wrist in vertical vs horizontal....natural and comfy vertical and contorted and painful horizontal and not able to reach over

 

[Seth DuSith]

Have you tried move your headstock forward, while holding the bass high, and parallel to the floor? Maybe even try "pull" the bass back a bit as you do this.

To be honest, I struggle a bit with this as well, but if I'm picking faster, I adjust to a parallel position so I can pick better, but if I need better fretting hand control, I tend to angle my bass.

I like switching my position depending what I'm playing.

Another thing that helps, is if I hold the pick more at an angle, and instead, move the entire arm by the shoulder and Elbow, rather than by at the wrist and Elbow

It takes a bit of practice, but I found when I was jamming in my old band the habit naturally developed, and it enabled me to practice it a bit better.

Of course, I only do this when I need that speed, but otherwise, I try stick to more controlled techniques, as this one can be a little tiring to do for an entire set

 

[Watchootognbout]

This is the angle that I play my bass.
This is the angle that I pick.

I also like to use a Manouche(Gypsy Jazz)pick.They are thicker than most picks and have a beveled edge that slips off the string.

 

[Les Fret]

here is my wrist arc when i hold it in my preferred position

View attachment 4948176 View attachment 4948175

I think you hold the bass too vertical. That’s much more vertical than classic guitar players hold their instrument. But if it works for you why not. But try it a bit more horizontal and see if that helps.