Playing towards the bridge

[chunami]

In some video Jaco mentioned finding it easier to play towards the bridge and it's also how he gets that really nice bright bridge pickup sound. I really like that sound and want to use but I find it really hard to play towards the bridge. Do I just keep playing there to get used to it or do I have to adjust my bridge?

 

[Lenny JG]

You need to find a string w a stiffness that works well for you, one that has the right give and bounce for your style when you play there. It sounds like you need a less stuff string.
Jaco played there because it was the most 'taut' playing portion of the string, meaning it's the stiffest, but bounciest part of the string, enabling him to play much faster staccato notes w/ more clarity between strikes. He actually didn't find it 'easier' for everything, but better for just the certain techniques that he NEEDED to utilize those qualities. It's not even about it being 'easier' just efficiency and tone.

 

[JW56789]

And bear this in mind: Besides the string feeling tighter as you pluck closer and closer to the bridge, the tone also changes: Plucking just past the end of the fingerboard is very bassy, and this fades little by little and gets brighter as you head towards the bridge. Not often obvious if you're not listening for it on a two pickup bass, but more easily heard on a single pickup axe like a Precision. One more tool to put in the bag of tricks supplied by physics that has nothing to do with pickups, strings, amps, this is always present and can be useful.

 

[fourstringdrums]

The strings will feel tighter closer to the bridge, so you'll just have to get used to it. Though you could always go for lower tension or lighter gauge strings if you play there most of the time and want a less stiff feel.

 

[WrapRough]

It definitely takes a little getting used. I am learning Kuru at the moment. I can't get remotely close to the speed unless I play by the bridge. I usually boost the bass as it's very tinny otherwise IMO, but I do like the tone. I used to have a Stingray and got quite used to playing closer to the bridge.

A lot of the time I want a stiffness thats pretty much between the bridge and neck pups, so I am consider installing a thumb rest in between a la Tim Commerford

 

[Les Fret]

But don't play too close to the bridge....

 

[Watchootognbout]

Play as close to the bridge as you need to.

 

[chris_b]

I see lots of players playing close to the bridge, but when I try that I don't like the sound I get.

My right hand naturally sits over the pickup on a P bass or the neck pickup on a Jazz.

That's my sound and I've stopped trying to change it.