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Top 5 Picking Hand Mistakes (beginner) Bass Players Make

A bass players approach to picking is vitally important to the way the notes will come out sounding. Things learned (or not learned) early on can have unpleasant effects on the overall tone that player gets from his/her bass. For a lot of bass players, just making a some simple changes in the way the hand is positioned makes a big difference. For others, the motion used to pluck the strings is creating a harsh tone. Here is a list of five mistakes many bass players make in their basic hand technique:

1. Arm not resting in the right spot

What part of the forearm a player rests against the bass may seem unimportant, but it's the beginning of the optimal picking hand setup. It's best to rest the forearm so that it touches the bass closer to the wrist than the elbow. This prevents the wrist from having to arch too much. Too much arch in the wrist can start to cause injuries, especially to more aggressive bass players. Rest the arm where it's most comfortable on the back of the bass (against the half of the forearm closest to the wrist) so that there is about a forty-five degree angle in the wrist when the picking fingers touch the strings.

2. Picking hand not properly positioned

The picking hand should hang directly over the pickup area. Picking the strings right around the pickups will give a bass player the strongest, most consistent tone. Keep the picking hand at a right angle or perpendicular to the strings. A bass player can pull his/her elbow in closer to the body making it easier and more comfortable. The fingertips curl around to rest easily against the strings.

3. Plucking the strings incorrectly

Sometimes bass players don't use the best motion in their basic picking attack. Common mistakes include lifting the fingers really high and slapping them down against the string when plucking a note, or hooking the finger on the string and pulling it upward toward the ceiling to pluck. The angle of attack should be into the instrument, making the tone full and round.

It's very important to keep the picking fingers completely relaxed! Try to imagine that the string is not even there and that you're trying to tap the pickup. Imagine you're playing 'through' the string. Let your relaxed fingertips roll off the strings so it leaves it vibrating with a nice full, even sound.

4. Alternating picking strength/agility under-developed

It doesn't take long for a bass player to develop some speed and control with alternate finger picking. The first step is to play one note on each string, alternating between your index and middle fingers. Try to play the notes as full and even sounding as possible. Get the motion down so that all the notes plucked sound good. Then start playing scale patterns slowly, keeping an eye on form and tone.Calluses build up quickly making it painless to strike the strings all day long.

5. No awareness or control over tone

When a bass player is concentrating on fundamental technique, they are usually focused on execution and attack, and may not be listening to the overall tone he/she is producing. Once a bass player learns the proper setup and technique, it's important to start trying to get a nice full, even, sweet sounding tone. It's a lifelong pursuit, so the sooner a bass player becomes aware of their tone and starts to shape it, the sooner they will sound like a pro.

Bass players should also know how to effect the tone by slightly varying the the picking attack and placement. A player should be able to pick hard, loud notes or soft quiet ones with the same steady and even control.

Bass tone can be greatly effected by picking in different spots between the bridge and the end of the neck. Picking closer to neck will produce a very boomy bass sound. This comes in handy for playing certain styles. Picking close to the bridge makes for a tighter, punchier, mid-range tone. Many bass players tend toward this area as it makes the notes ring and stand out a bit more clearly.

Bad picking hand habits will make it difficult for a bassist to have much control on the instrument. Making a few simple tweaks to hand positioning and picking attack can improve a bass players agility and overall tone dramatically. It doesn't take long to build up speed and control of attack with alternate picking. The player can then move on to sculpting their own unique sound on the instrument. Bass players who don't learn these things spend a lot of time struggling to play parts that aren't really that hard. Don't be one of them!

About the Author

Jon Brickley has developed a series of step by step video tutorials for bass guitar students. Easy to understand lessons teach you bass guitar basics quickly or unlearn bad bass playing habits that are holding you back - Get your copy now for only $7 by clicking here ==> http://www.overnightbassplayer.com

Is it easier to learn Bass if I already play the 6 String Guitar?

I have been playing the 6 string guitar for 2 years now, and I am really passionate about starting bass.I am really good with the 6 string, and would like to know if it would be easier for me to learn bass? Like at least get a grasp of a few favourite tunes?

And also, what brand bass should I save up for?
Are double neck bass / guitars good to play?

-Thanks in Advance, Mike

I started (oh so many years ago) on piano, then went to guitar, and bass after that.

I think you're better off going from guitar to bass (rather than the other way around ). If you've actually learned some chord theory, then you're going to be a better bass player, especially when it comes to walking bass lines.

What brand of bass? What's your budget? I've always loved Fender Precision and Jazz basses, but also Peavey and Ibanez. You just need to play a few and see what feels good in your hands.

I would not recommend getting a double-neck at this time. First, they're expensive...very expensive. For the most part, they are a custom order, and so you're probably looking a several thousand dollars.

Second, they are heavy. I've owned 3 double-necks in my life (all from Carvin). I've had a 12 string/4 sting bass (from my progressive rock days), one with two 5 string necks on it (one with a low B, the other a high C), and the 12/6 guitar I still have that's in my avatar picture. They all weighed at least 12 pounds, and that gets heavy on your shoulder really fast.

Greetings from Austin, TX

Ken

18 String Extended Range 6 - String Bass, 12 - string guitar all on one neck

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