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 I'd like 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 to learn this style!

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