Before you begin plucking it is very important that you trim your fingernails. Then try to relax your hands and keep your wrists as straight as possible. You should ask your teacher to explain the best way to hold your wrists to avoid injury. Once you are relaxed let your plucking hand fall loosely, free from tension. You are now ready to start plucking.

The best way to develop your plucking style is to begin by alternating your index and middle finger. It may seem easier at first to only use one finger, but this will prevent you playing more interesting patterns and is a very bad habit to get into.

You should allow your thumb to rest on the top of the pick guard, a thumb rest or on a pick up. This is personal preference and wherever you place it you should feel comfortable plucking the strings.

When you get the hang of plucking the strings the next challenge is muting strings. This is almost as important as making them sound. This topic is discussed in detail in another lesson. For the moment check out this excellent video on bass guitar plucking.