How to Use Basic Finger Picking Techniques for Bass Guitar

Finger picking on the bass is one of the basic playing styles for the electric bass. The Pentatonic Scale in A is a good scale to use for learning to finger pick the bass. Practice finger picking with the bass amp turned down at first as the mistakes can be distracting.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use the index finger and the middle finger. These two fingers are best for going up the scale.

2. Start with the index finger. The index, being the pointer finger, is the most natural finger to start finger picking.

3. Alternate the fingers used for finger picking the bass up and down the scale. Playing with just one finger is awkward and tiring.

4. Change fingers with each note to add speed and flexibility to the playing. By alternating fingers, players increase their dexterity and decrease their fatigue.