right fingers following through

[Rotation]

I have the 3-in-one Hal Leonard book, and Freidland clearly describes right-hand technique on page 10.

Because he advises using the thumb to mute the E and A strings when playing the G and following through to rest on the D, it seems to me that muting is the main intended effect of following through.

I wouldn't be surprised if there are other reasons he advises this (maybe consistency is easier to achieve when plucking this way? maybe its good to get used to touching a string without sounding it?), because recommends following through against the thumb when playing the E string.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

Also to make another point, look at Billy's Fretting hand. Notice how he holds the neck, even when not playing, the way his fingers contact the fretboard when he is playing. Again that PIP joint is flexed for use in his fretting hand so the tip of the finger, or the whole top distal of the finger, can be used. It is the flex present in the PIP joint that allows this fast movement.....also notice his thumb, sticking out over the top of the neck.
Billy has many things in his technique that i know many teachers and books frown apon, but the results speak volumes for Biilys techniques.

 

[WeAreAllOne]

The idea is to produce maximum vibration with minimum effort.

Sometimes things tend to get over thought.

Just listen very closely to the string vibration. Stop thinking so much - it's bad for the ears. Strive for a big phat sound with an effortless finger stroke. Keep experimenting with minute adjustments through trial and error to maximize beauty of sound. Pay attention to your body. Identify and release the inevitable unnecessary tension in your technique.

Naturally, I suspect you'll end up doing a "rest stroke". You'll also discover the muting benefits by listening closely and applying common sense. It just works easiest this way. This is why almost everybody plays this way. That said, it may not be your way.

Search for video of your favorite bass player to see how they strike the strings for additional ideas. Don't listen to anybody who tells you there is only one way - that's BS. And take all forum advice (including this) and anything your teacher says with a grain of salt. What works for others may not be what is best for you.

Remember - it's about the journey, not the destination. Fall in love with learning your instrument. Make each moment of "practice" a joyous moment. Do it your own way.

 

[catcauphonic]

The idea is to produce maximum vibration with minimum effort.

Sometimes things tend to get over thought.

Just listen very closely to the string vibration. Stop thinking so much - it's bad for the ears. Strive for a big phat sound with an effortless finger stroke. Keep experimenting with minute adjustments through trial and error to maximize beauty of sound. Pay attention to your body. Identify and release the inevitable unnecessary tension in your technique.

Naturally, I suspect you'll end up doing a "rest stroke". You'll also discover the muting benefits by listening closely and applying common sense. It just works easiest this way. This is why almost everybody plays this way. That said, it may not be your way.

Search for video of your favorite bass player to see how they strike the strings for additional ideas. Don't listen to anybody who tells you there is only one way - that's BS. And take all forum advice (including this) and anything your teacher says with a grain of salt. What works for others may not be what is best for you.

Remember - it's about the journey, not the destination. Fall in love with learning your instrument. Make each moment of "practice" a joyous moment. Do it your own way.

Thanks WeAreAllOne, I'm gonna take your advice (with a grain of salt of course). I've been slowly but surely practicing these rest strokes both ways (for muting & percussive effect) at least a few minutes of every hour I've practiced since getting those somewhat different responses on their purpose.

You're right about overthinking things. I think in this day & age, often times it seems there's TOO MUCH information out there as opposed to good old fashioned trial & error / learn as you go. One book says 'one finger per fret all over the neck' & another says '4 per 3 is OK', etc etc.

I'm definitely enjoying the hell out of this journey - mistakes & all. I haven't been this jazzed about learning something in a few decades. My Wife has been super supportive all along, even though it requires patience to listen to somebody attempt to learn to play an instrument. I can't speak for my neighbors though! It's funny how I read back on my previous posts regarding trying to hit the strings lightly for them, yet just a few days ago I went out and bought a new 200watt amp! I'm just gonna have to get used to using headphones.