Learning Bass Guitar

This post is all about using your fretting hand when playing bass guitar. There are lots of different ways to fret, some techniques are obviously better than others. This post explains some of the basics common to all the ‘correct’ techniques.

The first thing you need to do when is to trim the fingernails on your fretting hand. Longer fingernails will prevent you from holding down the strings correctly as you play. It will also lessen the chance of buzzing or clicking as you pluck the strings. Speaking of buzzes or clicks…

The easiest way to eliminate buzzing and clicking from your playing is to hold the string down as close to the fret as possible without actually touching it. You should be able to see the metal fret as you play.

As you are holding down the string in this position try to exert as little pressure as possible to make the string sound clearly. This is a must for any serious bass guitarist because pushing down on the string harder than necessary will sap your energy.  Holding the strings lightly lets your fingers move with more speed and agility as you play.

If you’re a beginner pushing down on the strings will also make the tips sore. Don’t worry this is completely normal. The soreness will go away after a while and your fingers will develop calluses to protect them. It is vital to remember though that although pain in the fingertips is normal at first pain in your wrists is a serious problem and means you are doing something very wrong that can have serious long term consequences.

Filed under: Learning Bass Guitar Basics