Should I use my thumb, or my fingers, or a pick on my bass? Playing with your thumb or your fingers will give your sound a full fat sound. I prefer that sound best. A pick will give you a thin metallic sound. Over the years I played both ways. I use both finger and thumb now on most of my music. When I played rock I used a pick a lot. If you are unsure have someone listen to you while you are playing with a band and get their honest opinion. Playing close to the bridge gives a crisper sound, whereas playing out close to the neck you get a bass sound. Experiment and find out what is right for you and your band. There is no rule saying you have to do it a certain way. Watch other bass players and if you find one that you like, mimic what he is doing. Your bass and equipment matters too.

BASS STRING

BASS STRING
I’m not going to get into the technical string sizes, because they come in different diameters, but to mention the two different types which are roundwound strings and flatwound strings. Roundwound strings are the most popular type that most bass player’s use today. They have a brighter, metallic sound and are used for all types of music. The second kind is flatwound strings. I’m not sure if their lack of use comes from people just never trying them or what. I used the nylon tape wound strings years ago on my Fretless Fender bass and also tried the flatwound strings at that time. I use the flatwound strings a lot now especially in the studio. You do not get the zipping sound when you change notes on the recording. They are also easier on the fingers. If you do a lot of sliding on the strings this type is for you. If you do a lot of recording you may want to try this type. If you are performing out a lot the roundwound have a real good sound. Experiment from time to time and use what sounds best for you.

PLAYING IN A LIVE BAND

If you are playing bass with a live band the thing not to do, is trying tooting your own horn. A live band is like a team and you must be as a team. There are some players who are just all out “ball hogs”. Do not overplay to show off. Keep the playing simple and the song will turn out a lot better. Also in the studio play simplistic bass patterns and the recording will be cleaner and neater. If you are playing with a drummer, the bass and the drummer should play together. When you’ve played with a drummer for a while, you know his every move and he knows yours. You will eventually get it down to the last drumbeat and roll that he does. This makes your music tighter. If there is no drummer in the band your bass playing becomes the beat just like the bass drum in a drum set. The other instruments become the snare drum in the drum set. You usually play on the beat and the other instruments play off the beat.

HOW TO PLAY THE BASS

PLAYING THE BASS

A lot of people think that playing the bass is an easy instrument. They think that because you only play one note at a time it doesn’t take much skill. There’s a lot more to it that just that. Playing certain riffs or beats like country, bluegrass, rock, beach, waltz are pretty much the same and this much is basic. A band without a bass is like having a body without the legs to carry it. Take for instant piano music. The right hand plays the melodies while the left hand keeps to timing or the beat and also plays the bottom end of the chord.
There is a great demand for good bass players. Many bands always need bass players and when you get your name out you will getting calls all of the time. Don’t think that just because you play the bass you are any less important than say, the drummer, or lead guitar, or lead vocalist. The only bad thing about playing the bass is people never come up and compliment you after a performance about your bass playing, unless your Victor Wooten.