Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
What are some lesser-known bassguitar techniques?
- Thread starter Just go for it
- Start date
-
- Tags
- techniques
Using the cat as a mute, or just to make the bass purr?
Once in awhile, I'll turn my fretting hand palm down and play with my fingers pointing away from me and toward the higher pitch strings.
I've found that this results in a noticeably different sonic character from my normal playing, simply because it forces me to move my fingers in an atypical fashion.
I use this technique very sparingly, and almost always on a whim when the inspiration strikes.
For me, the musical benefit to this "gimmick" is the way it can imbue a tired and predictable baseline (that I may have played hundreds of times before) with a fresh sound and feel.
Before you poo poo the idea as a frivolous waste of time, consider that with a normal technique, the thumb is used almost exclusively as an anchor on the back of the neck. But with this highly unconventional, upside down and reverse hand position, the thumb, which is physiologically your most dexterous digit, will be able to perform actions that your ring finger and pinky can't do, plus you gain an extra two or three inches in reach down the fretboard.
I've found that this results in a noticeably different sonic character from my normal playing, simply because it forces me to move my fingers in an atypical fashion.
I use this technique very sparingly, and almost always on a whim when the inspiration strikes.
For me, the musical benefit to this "gimmick" is the way it can imbue a tired and predictable baseline (that I may have played hundreds of times before) with a fresh sound and feel.
Before you poo poo the idea as a frivolous waste of time, consider that with a normal technique, the thumb is used almost exclusively as an anchor on the back of the neck. But with this highly unconventional, upside down and reverse hand position, the thumb, which is physiologically your most dexterous digit, will be able to perform actions that your ring finger and pinky can't do, plus you gain an extra two or three inches in reach down the fretboard.
Last edited:
