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I've been playing bass every now and then for a long time, but not really worked at being proficient. Now, playing bass in a rock band, I generally use a pick, but every now and then, use my fingers. ..

I can get a good even sound using my forefinger - James Jamerson style - but when I introduce my second and third fingers I get extraneous noises of nails etc and a different tone from each finger. What am I doing wrong?

Hi David
I don't think with your musical experience anyone would dare to call you a "newbie" - -perhaps a "musician widening his horizons slightly" - .

As for the "finger problem" I think perhaps forefingers are naturally the strongest finger and therefore give a firmer, stronger, more even sound than the other fingers especially in the early days of "finger-pickin'" - and then of course you gotta keep your fingernails well trimmed (or chewed).

I know all the above is just basic common s. but I really just wanted an excuse to welcome you to the wonderful (and oft-maligned world of bass playing - and to wish you a great 2010.

John

Hi David,
I've got the same problem,the tip of one of my fingers is slightly mis-shaped due to a little accident years ago,I have to keep the nail very short indeed to prevent an unwanted "click". I normally use a pick,-prefer it anyway.
Good luck for 2010.
Des.

Honestly, the manners of these bass people! Speaking before they've been spoken to.

George

I tend to use my thumb most of the time, switching to a pick for the faster numbers (Tales of a Raggy Tramline etc.) I have tried using my fingers on occasion, (FBI in particular) but still revert to thumb unless I really concentrate.

From what I have read your doing a hell of a good job! I started learning the bass about 2 to 3 months ago. I have tried to use my fingers, but there seems to be a brain-finger communication problem! I have just mastered F.B.I. using my thumb or the pick, I think it is down to your preference. I am almost there with South of the Border, and have found I can only do it with the pick! I dunno.
Have fun anyway.

Hello everyone!

I was just wondering if anyone could tell me if the bass part of all the Shadows pieces up to 1963 were played with a plectrum. If not, which pieces weren't (Blue Star? Peace Pipe)?

Thanks so much!

Regards!
Anna

I do hope i'm not teaching 'Granny to suck eggs' but heres a little tip that i was given by my original teacher yonks ago and i now pass it on to my pupils. It holds good for guitar and bass.
The aim is to improve brain/nerve/muscle response and i do it all the time even now!. Firstly
using both hands , the fingers are numbered normally;1 2 3 and 4 (4 being little finger). Start by tapping 1 and 3 together (on a table or even steering wheel whilst driving). when you can easily do that tap 2 and 4. Then tap both pairs alternately. It can be quite difficult at first , even for long time players. finally practise changing the pairs; 1 and 2, 3 and 4 ,2and 4 you will find that the brain/nerve ending response speeds up quite dramatically and the little muscles between the fingers will strengthen up also. Easier to do than explain!!

Mike

Hi Anna,
Can't be certain about "all" the recordings but I would think the majority,especially Jet's parts were played using a plectrum,but maybe someone else knows better.
Des.

Hi Des!

Thank you so much for answering my question.

I have almost almost used my index and middle fingers to pluck the strings. I guess I will have to get used to playing with a plectrum, as I do mostly Shadows pieces now. It should be fun trying to get the right sound.

Thank you once again, and warm regards!
Anna