To Thumb or Not to thumb......

Aroo · Newbie Alert Joined: 29 Dec 2002 Posts: 4

I need help! ive just started playing the bass its great very challenging at times but very fun.Ive been looking up info trying to learn the best way to play bass and i get stumped on the right hand..I see bassists using their pointer finger, middle finger, and ring but never the thumb and i cant seem to stop wanting to use the thumb!Is there something wrong with using the thumb or is it really preference. Please help, this is making me itch. If im doing it wrong i want to be able to fix it now rather than when its too late.

phunkopathic · Posted: Sat Jan 04, 2003 10:59 am Post subject: To Thumb or Not to thumb......

Completely new at this too, but I've got a video! Anyway, I haven't seen the thumb used at all, except for "slapping." For other times, you should have your thumb resting on top of the pickup. According to what I've seen and learned.

Aroo · Newbie Alert Joined: 29 Dec 2002 Posts: 4

Hey Thanks alot! Now I can start doing it the right way heh.... I looked all over for an answer but no one really came out and said it. I saw Flea from the Chili Peppers using his thumb on a music video, but other than that I havnt seen anyone use the thumb. Or say they have. Thanks!

peeky · Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2003 3:48 pm Post subject: To Thumb or Not to thumb......

victor wooten uses his thumb like a pick, foward and backward strokes. he actualy practices his scales with his thumb. if you ever get a chance to pick up ; victor wooten live at bass day 98; he's incredible

SteveJazz · Posted: Sun Jan 05, 2003 6:40 pm Post subject: To Thumb or Not to thumb......

Aroo: You may want to have several picking styles available eventually. For now, just use whatever feels most natural. Wes Montgomery played incredible jazz guitar using his thumb.

Depending on your personal dexterity, you may find the thumb limiting eventually. Experiment with using the forefinger, James Jamerson played on many hits in the 60's and 70's using just that finger. Add the middle finger if it feels natural. Try a flat pick.

Find your own best way to pick, and make it groove.

SJ

Aroo · Newbie Alert Joined: 29 Dec 2002 Posts: 4

Wow thats great.I started practicing with the index and middle finger and it was pretty sad...I wasnt able to move them fast enough compared to the thumb. For me it seems that i get more of a cleaner sound using the thumb and im not slowed down by the picking of the strings. Thanks again all the input I can get is awesome.

Pyke · Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2003 9:23 pm Post subject: To Thumb or Not to thumb......

When Fender first came out with the electric bass in 19- fifty sixty something, the thumb rest that some basses have today was installed on the lower part of the body to anchor your fingers on and play with your thumb.

Here is a pic of what I mean http://www.kimdavis.com/images/62JBass.gif

I use my thumb quite a bit for classical pieces, and always for chords.

EXAMPLE: play a high A (12th fret A String) and a high F (10th fret G string) simultaneously, using your thumb on the A string and 1st finger on the G string. ( minor 6th chord btw)

my two cents

PYKE