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Gospel Instruments => Bass Guitar => Topic started by: lowlife350 on March 29, 2011, 08:37:31 AM

Title: Fingerstyle Pop
Post by: lowlife350 on March 29, 2011, 08:37:31 AM

Can anyone offer a quick explanation or tuturial of how to get in a quick pop while playing fingerstyle.

I have tried getting under the string, but that distrupts my already tenuous timing (which I am working on every day).  I've also tried pulling with my thumb and forefinger, which sounds great but also disrupts timing.  I have tried tapping the fret hard and quickly but that sounds metallic and has other applications.  I have tried catching the string with my nail and popping but the nail catching is pretty harsh. 

I'd really like to know what the best method is and begin solidifying a usuable technique regardless of its drawbacks.

Thanks for sharing any ideas or your own technique.

Title: Re: Fingerstyle Pop
Post by: floaded27 on March 30, 2011, 09:28:55 AM

the way i do it is getting that finger under there the same way i'd do it when slapping. i find it easier to do when not trying to keep my thumb anchored on the B string (or pickup), but since i switch between 'anchored thumb' and 'floating thumb' often while playing, its not a problem for me.

Yeah, you do have to work on your timing (there are plenty of places i dont do it because it'll throw me off or i wont catch it in time). Also, string action makes a significant difference. Also, your TOP string (G on 4 or 5, C on 6 for regular tunings) is ALWAYS easiest to do this on, but if you cant easily fret a note on that string that fits, you can always mute the string and u'd get a toneless snap, which has a similar effect. I even do this trick with slapping. sometimes i cant slip my finger inbetween the strings fast enough on the D string so i just mute pop the G and keep it moving.

Title: Re: Fingerstyle Pop
Post by: lowlife350 on April 02, 2011, 10:01:55 AM

Thanks floaded.  I thought that is what others were probably doing.  I would have just hated to waste time practicing what for me is a difficult technique, especially if there was a better way.

I think I'll dig into this and try to get it right.

Thanks again.

Title: Re: Fingerstyle Pop
Post by: malthumb on April 02, 2011, 10:40:41 AM

Ring finger

Title: Re: Fingerstyle Pop
Post by: lowlife350 on April 02, 2011, 10:50:51 AM

Thanks malthumb!  I'll be trying that as soon as I sign off and get to practice!