Fretting Hand Position

The same fundamental positioning techniques are used for both the fretting and the plucking hand. This allows for a relaxed hand position, a clear and consistent tone and efficient movements of the hand.

The wrist is best kept fairly straight. There is no need for tension in the shoulders and the fretting arm should hang relaxed by your side. It’s important to leave a gap between the palm and the bottom edge of the neck. This will stop the hand from muting the thinnest G string and also prevent unnecessary friction.

The thumb is best placed around the middle of the back of the neck. The thumb helps deliver extra force from the fingers to the fret board. This is most effective when the thumb is placed behind the 1st and 2nd finger.

Exercise

Play through the notes displayed on the tab whilst attempting to pay attention to this week’s info section pointers. You should also be considering the skills already learnt in previous lessons. This includes the way you are holding the bass and your posture, your plucking technique, and also the tone you are achieving from your bass.

Things to think about:

• How your wrist and hand is positioned
• Your hand is avoiding contact with the G string
• How your thumb is being placed on the back of the fret board