The Right Hand
To play the notes on the bass you can either:
- Use the fingers of your right hand to play the strings or,
- Use a pick (which is a piece of plastic shaped like a triangle, held in the right hand) to play the strings.
Most bass players use the right hand fingers to play the strings. Some Rock bass players prefer using a pick because it gives a crisper sound.
1. Using Your Fingers
The fingers of the right hand are named as shown in the following diagram. Use the "m" and "i" fingers to play the strings.
The thumb (T) is used to support your right hand by resting it on the bass pickup as shown in the photograph. Most modern bass guitars have two pickups. One close to the fretboard and a second one nearer the bridge. In the early stages of playing, it may be easier to place your thumb on the front pickup as the string tension is not quite as "hard" as on the back pickup. The tone will also sound fuller and heavier, and it will also be easier for your right hand fingers to play the strings.
You should also experiment by playing with your thumb resting on the back pickup as the sound is clearer and has more attack and "bite".
The Rest Stroke
When playing notes with your fingers, the rest stroke is used. The rest stroke involves the finger playing the string and then coming to rest on the next string. The photos below illustrate the movement of the index finger when playing the rest stroke.
Play the 3rd string with an upward motion (not an outward motion).
Come to rest on the 4th string.
Alternate between your index (i) and middle (m) fingers, making sure that one of the two fingers is always resting on a string while the other is playing a string.
Always use this alternating finger style as it will give you more possibilities when changing between notes and strings.
2. Using The Pick
Picks are usually made of plastic and come in a variety of different shapes and thicknesses. Most bass players prefer a medium or thick gauge pick, as thin picks tend to give a less defined sound.
Use the tip of the pick to play the string.
The pick is held between the thumb and index finger. Many bass players use this picking grip.
When playing with the pick, move your hand from the wrist (do not move your arm). You can support your right hand by placing the palm on the bass guitar body or use your other right hand fingers to rest on the body. Use a downward pick motion, indicated a .
