Right hand plucking technique

[micahv]

Hello,
I have a question about my plucking technique. From the beginning I have used the floating thumb technique as I move from string to string. As I watch other bassists here and there I notice that they differ from me in that they usually just keep the thumb rest on the E string or pickup and navigate the lower string from that position. I find that the floating thumb technique really helps me control exactly what note rings out and gives me greater stability. Have I developed a bad habit? I've been playing this way for about two years and I'm finding it's very hard to break the pattern if I indeed need to. Maybe I'm being to much of a perfectionist. I hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tupac]

Good plucking technique is technique that adapts to your muting style. If you're doing floating thumb, pretty much does keep doing what your doing. If you want to keep your thumb on the pickup, rake back to the lower string to mute it every time you pluck.

 

[fearceol]

The "Floating Thumb" is certainly NOT a bad habit. Quite the opposite in fact. With this technique, the wrist is straight, so you avoid any possible physical problems. Plus your thumb mutes any unwanted sounds. IMO, you need have no worries about this technique.

Dont take my word for it. See what fellow TB'er Todd Johnson has to say about it here :

Todd Johnson Bass Guitar : Floating thumb technique - YouTube

 

[MycooLeeyun]

I use floating thumb and it works great for muting and precision.

 

[micahv]

I'm encouraged, thank you!

 

[micahv]

I watched the video, and I must clarify that I actually rest the pad of my thumb on each string (as I would on the pickup) as I move up and down the strings. The difference I see in the video is that he just grazes it on the side of his thumb.

 

[MycooLeeyun]

I do it the same way as you. I actually rest the pad of my thumb on the string.

 

[fearceol]

I watched the video, and I must clarify that I actually rest the pad of my thumb on each string (as I would on the pickup) as I move up and down the strings. The difference I see in the video is that he just grazes it on the side of his thumb.

Your technique is not the FT, but is known as the "Movable Anchor."

 

[billostech]

Your technique is not the FT, but is known as the "Movable Anchor."

I also use this technique and thought it was the FT. Are there any disadvantages of using the "Movable Anchor" technique?

 

[wrench45us]

imo, moveable anchor is even more precise and 'grounded' than floating thumb.
I evolved to floating thunb and would like to use moveable anchor, but it just doesn't happen for me
perhaps having at least part of the thumb below the string would slow me down a little changing strings as I have to lift and move while floating thumb I just move and drop
with floating thumb tyere are times when I don't drop it down enough to mute the lower open string sas much as I'd like. With moveable thumb there's no question that string won't be ringing.