Lesson 1 : 2 Fingers Plucking Style

The 2 fingers plucking technique is the most common technique that most bass player use.

Usually we alternate our index finger with the middle finger when plucking the bass string.

Like people always said, let your fingers do the walking.

You can either anchor your thumb on the pickup or on the E string (if you are using a 4 string bass).

Start slow and once you are comfortable with the technique you can slowly increase the speed.

Now you can practice doing the C Major scale.

The notes are C D E F G A B C.

If you start with your Index finger on the first note C followed by middle finger on D and move down the scale, you should end with your middle finger on the octave C (last note).

You can practice this technique along with a drum machine or metronome to keep time.

After you walk down the scale, you can walk up again.

To strengthen your fingers you can play near the bridge pickup.

After some practice you will realize that your plucking speed increases.

In order to play fast, you need to exercise your left hand (fret hand) too.

You can practice this technique with any songs or scaling.

You can add ghost notes (mute) to create a more percussive feel.

Try "Every Breathe You Take" The starting chords are G Em C D Em.

Try to feel the song (knock your head), play with emotion and sing along if you want.

Most importantly is to have fun and build up this technique.

Hope this simple lesson is useful to you.

Cheers,

Ben