Bass Techniques

The beginning bass player must possess a solid bass technique to improve proficiency by learning songs (and not scales) - the core tenet of my teaching method and philosophy for learning how to play the bass.

To ensure a solid technique, the physical aspects of actually playing the bass can be split into fretting hand technique and picking/plucking hand technique. (NOTE - i'll often refer to fretting hand as left hand and picking/plucking hand as right hand, this is purely because I am right handed and I apologize in advance to all you lefties!)

FRETTING HAND TECHNIQUE

Mastering fretting hand technique involves a good left hand position, playing with the fingertips of each finger, using the one-finger-per-fret system and working on digital independence.

PICKING/PLUCKING HAND TECHNIQUE

Ignoring advanced techniques such as slapping and tapping, the beginning bass guitarist has the option of either playing the bass with a pick or with his fingers. (Note, as the bassist get more proficient and - crucially - as the bassist start doing paid gigs, you'll need to be able to play with a pick and pluck with the fingers, but for now either method is fine).

If you choose to play with your fingers the issue is further clouded by the question: how many fingers do I use. The great James Jamerson used only one (the immortal 'Hook' of Motown Studio A legend). Most fingerstyle players use two fingers (click here to go to the Two Finger Rest Stroke page). Rock monster Billy Sheehan is a firm advocate of three fingered plucking. And renowned bassist Steve Bailey also favours three fingers, but has a different system to Sheehan!

KNOW THE FINGERBOARD

This is not strictly a technique exercise, but I've included it here because if you do this simple exercise for 5-10 minutes a day you'll soon know all the notes on the fretboard from the lowest open string to your very top note.

If you play - or are planning to switch to - an extended range bass (either 5 or 6 string) this exercise is an absolute necessity.

SLAP BASS

Everyone wants to play slap bass. At some point later this year (2009) I'm going to get back up to speed with my slapping - haven't really worked on it for years and years. However if you go to the slap bass page, you'll find a quick overview of the 4 products (3 books and a DVD) that will help you as you learn!

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