Fingers and Picks

Catmanblu · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 5:32 am Post subject: Fingers and Picks

Hi,
I am new to this site. I have been playing many many years. I use both fingers and picks. I have to tell you guys about something else. I am a huge Tony Levin fan. If anybody has seen him play you have seen him using what he calls Funky Fingers. Cut short drumsticks on his fingers! An amazing sound. I made my own using a pair of 5A drumsticks. It takes a little getting use to, but when I strap them on I turn heads wherever I play. Coupled with an octaver or any other effect, it brings a bassists sound to a whole different place. Try it!!

Ankhanu · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 12:47 pm Post subject:

So, is the idea to just hit the strings with the drumsticks on your fingers and not pluck?
I've done that with a full length drumstick, and yeah, it makes for an interesting sound... but with a one full size drum stick, precision and speed is a little less than usable for anything but a laugh.

Catmanblu · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 8:04 am Post subject: sticks

Visit this site. It shows how to make them. It takes a little practice muting with the neck hand, but like I said, try playing thru a chorus or octave divider and you will see (hear) what I mean. Let me know if you try it.
http://www.andresdemarco.com.ar/funk_fingers_eng.html

Firedancer23 · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:13 am Post subject:

so you're telling me that you just hit the strings instead of playing them? It sounds sort of out there and unnaffective...have you used it alot? Do you have a demo?
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Ankhanu · Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:21 am Post subject:

Well, hitting them would be "playing" them... but I assume you meant "pluck", in which case, yeah, you're right.

The result is just as loud as plucking and has a quite sharp attack. If you want to know what it sounds like, just hit the strings with something like a wooden spoon handle or something of the like... or if you play with a drummer, borrow a stick for a minute and hit your strings.

peterbright · Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 3:05 am Post subject:

Sounds interesting.

tabufx50 · Not So Newbie Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 9 Location: OC

yeah i would have to see it to actually understand the technique..
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CallyGull · Tadpole Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 19

I think that this could create a whole knew style of playing. With the right percussionist you could create a real sense of chaos with many different movements. I'd like to hear a sample of some stuff that you do with this.

Cally