was Jamerson using the back of his finger?

[mikecd1]

I've always admired and tried to take something from watching him at work and can't help noticing how his middle and ring fingers slide over the pickup cover as he gently presses down with his index finger. Its less a plucking than it is a press, but never noticed a nail-side attack of any kind. In certain situations I've employed this press technique to get a particular sound, but never thought about it much till I see Jamerson gliding and pushing. Its a great vibe and works well with a punchy, tubey amp sound.

 

[Mister Magic]

According to James Jamerson's son, he used 2 fingers somewhat often.

I know this thread is getting a little old, but I happened across an old Jamerson interview today (by total coincidence) where James Jamerson himself clarifies everything for us, in a question that is asked so perfectly...

"James Jr. told me that you never used any other fingers on your right hand, no matter how complex the passage was. It’s hard to believe that you could execute a very technical bass part like "Bernadette" and pull it off so cleanly with just one finger.

That’s why they called that finger "The Hook." This first finger of mine would be dancin’ around pretty good on my bass when I was in the mood. If Wes Montgomery was playing all that fast stuff with just his thumb, why couldn’t I do the same thing with just my index finger? But see, I didn’t do it for show. I did it for the sound-always the sound."

Link: An Amazing 'Interview' With James Jamerson A MUST SEE!

 

[cjac9]

I know this thread is getting a little old, but I happened across an old Jamerson interview today (by total coincidence) where James Jamerson himself clarifies everything for us, in a question that is asked so perfectly...

"James Jr. told me that you never used any other fingers on your right hand, no matter how complex the passage was. It’s hard to believe that you could execute a very technical bass part like "Bernadette" and pull it off so cleanly with just one finger.

That’s why they called that finger "The Hook." This first finger of mine would be dancin’ around pretty good on my bass when I was in the mood. If Wes Montgomery was playing all that fast stuff with just his thumb, why couldn’t I do the same thing with just my index finger? But see, I didn’t do it for show. I did it for the sound-always the sound."

Link: An Amazing 'Interview' With James Jamerson A MUST SEE!

I think of it it like a drummer playing 16ths on a hi-hat. One hand vs two hands feels completely different. There’s a video of Jamerson playing with Marvin Gaye somewhere and Jamerson’s right hand is sooo relaxed. Gotta be the key.