How to Play Bass Guitar: Right Hand Position

If you really want to rock the bass guitar, you need good right hand position. This article will teach you how to play finger style like the great bassists you hear on the radio.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A bass guitar
• An amplifier and cable (optional)

1. 
   How your hand should look when playing on the E string

   Place your right hand near the bottom of your bass, and rest your thumb on the side of one of the pickups. If this is uncomfortable, your bass is probably not at a good height. Adjust your strap so that your wrist is slightly bent when your thumb is on the pickup. place your first and second fingers on the E and A strings, respectively. this is your basic hand position to play on the E string.

2. 
   Playing the A string

   This position does not change when you want to play a different string. For the A string, in example, you simply move your fingers up a string, with you thumb now resting on the E string, Your first finger on the A, and your second finger on the D.

3. 
   Your first finger should hit your thumb after plucking a string

   To play a string, pull the string back with your first finger and pluck it. Your finger should hit your thumb after releasing the string. Having your finger and thumb on the two adjacent strings keeps them from vibrating and adding interference.

4. 
   You can pluck with alternating fingers for increased speed

   If you need to play notes that are close together you can use both fingers, alternating which is plucking, on the same string. For more advanced and fast paced bass lines, you may need to eventually use your third finger (especially if you must play triplets).

5. 
   You can pluck with you second finger to switch strings

   In order to go from one string to the next highest string within a song, you can use your second finger, already placed on the string to pluck it. You can then move your hand to be positioned over that string.

Tips & Warnings

• Proper right hand position can take a lot of practice, but don't give up - it will all pay off in the end.
• If your fingertips feel sensitive or it hurts to play, take a break. Eventually your fingers will grow calluses to protect them from being irritated by the constant plucking.
• Don't pull your strings too far. There is always a danger that your string will snap, which can have painful and expensive consequences.

Resources

• How to Play Bass Guitar: Left hand Position