[Poll] How do YOU play the bass?

[tinman 1967]

Terribly ! I play the electric bass terribly....... That is all.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Does anybody who plays pickstyle really use only upstrokes or only downstrokes?

MM

 

[PortlandBass77]

I mix together 2 finger style and slap and pop for gigs and song writing. I also sometimes practice with a pick.

 

[SasquatchDude]

Index/middle fingerstyle + (occasionally) up/down picking

 

[flam]

I use two fingers, unless I'm doing more complex patterns, Or if it's really slow. So basically, I add fingers as needed. If I need to pick up the pace a lot I'll use both the pad and nail on all three fingers, like up and down picks.

When using a pick I use the same philosphy, only alternating as needed or for specific effects. I never up pick soley, though.

 

[jjmuckluckjr]

Four fingers (thumb, index, middle, and ring). Sometimes if I'm going for a pick "chugging" rhythm, I'll just alternate between my thumb and index. Thumb and index is also nice for quick phrases with a lot of string crossing.

In regards to muting, I play with a floating thumb technique and keep my middle thumb knuckle on the string above the string I'm playing, and bend my thumb at that knuckle to pluck.

It took a few weeks for this (and the T/I/M/R sequence) to feel natural, but now this technique feels and sounds great - I prefer it's feel and sound over two fingers (index and middle) and three fingers, and I also increased my plucking speed and hand stamina dramatically.

Well put. For finger picking I use everything but my right pinky (that's more anatomical than preferential, if that sucker was long enough to reach I'd put him to work). The fingering pattern 2 / 3 / 4, depends on what rhythm a song calls for, I can change between the chorus and verse within the same song. Certain patterns just feel more comfortable by changing your fingering. But everyone is different. I think Jack Bruce played with just one finger most of the time and he didn't seem to sacrifice any speed or accuracy.


Mediocre Bassist Club Member #986

 

[Short-scale]

Index and middle fingers for me.

 

[nuhckes8]

I'm self taught, and I have bad habits. I use only my middle finger. It works great for me, but I'm working on putting the index into the mix.

 

[davegt666]

I do a little bit of everything but I always end up coming back to playing with my index finger if I can. That's what is most comfortable.

One finger all you need

 

[Caleb Mills]

I play pick up and down, or up or down. Whatever is appropriate. Finger style. Single finger, usually middle, when I want really mellow, consistent tone. The finger style with index and middle for walking. Sometimes I'll add in the ring finger to get smooth speed. I'll use the thumb now and again depending in the part, but not often. Can slap and pop when needed, but really not something I prefer the styles I play.

 

[spanndrew]

I play with 2 fingers but am training my third, a pick when necessary, slapping and popping, old school thumb, chording/ strumming with my fingers like a guitar, tapping and sweeping. I think it's fun to learn as many styles as possible just for the heck of it.

 

[Ric5]

I play thumb plucking, finger plucking, with a pick, slap, pop, tapping, Entwistle typewriter method, Geddy Lee flamenco method, palm muting, I have used drum sticks, steel washers, coins, beer bottles, mike stands, metal slides, felt picks, matchbooks, and anything else that is handy. Up strokes down strokes and any other kind of stroke that I can imagine. I sometimes bang the bass with my fist or knee or bang it into a speaker cabinet, and I have smashed a bass on stage. I can also play with just the left hand hammering onto the fretboard. I also use my fingernails like a pick and for popping.

The only thing I haven't tried is power tools ...

 

[BioWeapon]

Two fingers for anything that has a decent pace, three fingers for triplets, 4 for anything metal and fast, and up-down picking for when I need a really aggressive tone that fingers just can't accomplish.

 

[Jamvan]

85% of the time I play using my index, middle, and ring finger with the occasional thumb. 15% of the time I use alternate picking. I pretty much suck 100% of the time doing it.

 

[ampsyco]

2 fingers mostly. Index and middle. If I need more I might throw an extra finger in there.

 

[DreadyDiggs]

Index and Middlefinger, and very rarely I'll use the "Big Finga" technique. Which is the thumb of course.

No slap and pop live, I practice it though.

 

[Justinian]

What about teeth?

 

[Obese Chess]

Very poorly.

 

[friendlybass]

Booger and middle fingers, pick (up and down), slap, and double thumbing for me!

 

[sikamikanico]

85% index + middle finger
5% picking (up and/or down)
5% slapping and popping
5% other (thumb, various combinations, experiments, etc)