Anchoring of the Thumb

Lesson 9/44 | Study Time: 5 Min

Course: Metal Bass Method

Anchoring of the Thumb

To get a steady feel and sound it is important to anchor your hand. The best way of doing this is by placing the thumb on the top of the pick-up (see photo).

Most modem bass guitars have two pick-ups. 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 pick-up as the string tension is not quite as "hard" as on the back pick-up. 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" .

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Stephan Richter

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Class Sessions

1- INTRODUCTION 2- Tuning 3- Symbols and Abbreviations 4- Use and Function of Tape and Metronome 5- Notation 6- The Bass Guitar 7- Fretboard Diagram 8- Strings 9- Open String Notes 10- The Bass Amp System 11- Heavy Metal Bass Technique 12- Sounds and Effects 13- Playing in a Band 14- The Right Hand 15- Anchoring of the Thumb 16- Playing with the Fingers 17- Single Finger Stroke 18- Playing with the Pick 19- Playing with Alternating Fingers 20- The Left Hand 21- Notes on the Second Fret 22- Notes on the Third Fret 23- Dotted Half Notes 24- Eighth Notes 25- New Notes on the G string (B, C) 26- New Notes on the E string (F) 27- The Major Scale 28- The Octave 29- Chromatic Scale, Sharps and Flats 30- Staccato 31- Chords and Arpeggios 32- Arpeggio Patterns 33- Shifting Between Chords 34- Riffs 35- The Dotted Quarter Note 36- The Tie 37- Eighth Note Rest 38- Lead-In 39- Syncopation 40- Eighth Note Triplets 41- Shuffle Rhythm 42- The Quarter Note Triplet 43- Sixteenth Notes 44- The Hammer-on (H)

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Anchoring of the Thumb