playing 'soft'

[Dead Set Dave]

I was reading an interview with one of my favorite bassists and he mentioned one of his techniques is playing soft. He followed that by stating many bassists play too hard. What do you think he means by this? I mean, apart from just hitting the strings lighter (we're talking about playing with a pick here) what else would give you a softer feel? I had been trying to play harder, like Entwhistle... so any hints, thoughts?

 

[Dbassmon]

Dave, I could not agree more with the guy in the interview. Soft does not mean volume, that will be a function of your amp. Rather, soft touch means relaxed hands, striking the string, either with a pick, thumb or fingers with only enough energy to get a beautiful sound and no more. Play a note on your bass with with a light touch and steadily increase it, you will see there is a point at which the sound becomes unpleasant, harsh, noisy and out of tune. The studio cats, play very relaxed and that is why they sound so great. Where you play on the string gives you many sonic options too as does processing and effects.

My technique, light strings, low action, big ass amplification... I let the amp do the work, my touch provides the right amount of attack for the genre and line, light touch means I have somewhere to go when I want more intensity...dynamics!

Your bass has a sound, the wood and pickups all resonate, find where it sounds the sweetest. For me, its with a light (soft) touch and a big amp. - Great question and welcome to TB!

 

[static0verdrive]

My instructor made a good point about exertion: If you play too hard you'll get tired much faster. Tension in either hand isn't good!

 

[Dead Set Dave]

cool thanks for the advice guys... I'll have a play around, and see if I can hone in a bit

 

[BazzTard]

light touch with your fretting hand too, try playing without your thumb pressing on the back of the neck to get the idea. made me realise when I am playing a difficult line I press way too hard and get cramps.

 

[two fingers]

I think it all depends on the sound you are going for.

Nobody ever accused Jamerson of playing with a light touch. His action was high and his "hook" hit hard. That worked for him.

I picked up one of Victor Wooten's basses once and thought it would fall apart in my hands if I played it like I play. Tiny strings. Microscopic action. But, of course, that works for him.

The thing is I just don't think you can serve two masters well. You can get really good at one way or the other. Certainly you'll never be able to set up one bass to handle both techniques.

Find what works for you and go for it.

 

[pacojas]

a light touch sounds much fatter than most would anticipate.

 

[JimmyM]

I never thought Entwistle played hard. Jack Bruce played hard. Not so much Entwistle. Looks to me more like he grazed the strings and let the insanely low action do the work.

 

[KimGT99]

There's a Gary Willis tutorial on Youtube somewhere where he explains his approach to a light touch. Makes sense to me.
Anyway, to each his own. When you dig in harder, if it sounds and works good, if you don't have health issues, then go for it.