ingmar808 Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 As on many Fender basses. I don't get it. Or are my hands on the wrong way round? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 (edited) Leo Fender (who was not a bass player) intended the player to grasp the bar with his fingers and pluck the strings with his thumb. In this position it's known as a tug-bar. In the upper position it's known as a thumb-rest. The bar/rest was moved from the treble side to the bass side (at least on P-Basses) during 73/74. Edited March 22, 2013 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 Here's a pic of Brian Wilson playing the bass this way in the Beach Boys back in the 60s [attachment=130717:Brian+Wilson+1-Brian+in+fur+jacket.jpg] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low End Bee Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 Some people call it a tug bar. I wouldn't buy a beer in one of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 (edited) [quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1363969654' post='2020342'] I wouldn't buy a beer in one of those. [/quote] I ended up with a sore knob and about £500 the poorer. Edited March 22, 2013 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnyboy Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1363969876' post='2020348'] I ended up with a sore knob and about £500 the poorer. [/quote] That was one hell of a pint!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 [quote name='Donnyboy' timestamp='1363971719' post='2020381'] That was one hell of a pint!!!! [/quote] Yeah but he is one hell of a knob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderthumbs Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 I used to know a bass player who played with his thumb, precisely as it was intended. Would be no use whatsoever to me though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdowner Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 Ah, now... yes... As my teach pointed out a few weeks ago, if you want that really 'thwumpy' DB sound, and you mute with your palm/along the pinky, and play with the thumb only, then the rest would be in the perfect place to rest your three fingers... Nice sound, but the rest isn't really necessary me thinks... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sblueplanet Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 Sting is a fantastic current example of what can be done playing with yer thumb on an old Fender P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highfox Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 It's an anti- slap bar At least on my P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 [quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1363969654' post='2020342'] Some people call it a tug bar. I wouldn't buy a beer in one of those. [/quote] [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1363969876' post='2020348'] I ended up with a sore knob and about £500 the poorer. [/quote] [quote name='Donnyboy' timestamp='1363971719' post='2020381'] That was one hell of a pint!!!! [/quote] Bollinger & lime, perhaps............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 [quote name='lowdowner' timestamp='1363988071' post='2020735'] As my teach pointed out a few weeks ago, if you want that really 'thwumpy' DB sound, and you mute with your palm/along the pinky, and play with the thumb only, then the rest would be in the perfect place to rest your three fingers... [/quote] Not really. Try palm muting with your hand close to the neck, it's really difficult because even the slightest pressure dampens the string too much. Now try it closer to the bridge - much easier. I don't think palm muting was a consideration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnyboy Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 [quote name='Clarky' timestamp='1363969556' post='2020339'] Here's a pic of Brian Wilson playing the bass this way in the Beach Boys back in the 60s [attachment=130717:Brian+Wilson+1-Brian+in+fur+jacket.jpg] [/quote] It does look a bit funny and ackward. Nice furry parka though..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leroybasslines Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 I guess it's a result of electric bass being pretty much an entirely new invention back then. No one was really sure how to play it! Leo might have had a particular idea at the time, but over the years players have explored and pushed what the instrument can do and it's evolved. Fashion is a big factor too...everyone seems to be putting the bridge and pickup covers they took off in the 80s back on now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.