Bass Exercises: Plucking

Plucking Exercises

Bass Exercise #1: E-String Muting

Using a metronome, practice plucking the E-string on the beat and muting it with your thumb. Play on beats 1 and 3, mute on 2 and 4. Remember to alternate your plucking fingers consistently.

Bass Exercise #2: Open String Plucking

Practice plucking 4 notes on each open string going up (in pitch) and back down. Use your fretting hand to mute the strings as you descend.

Bass Exercise #3: Skipping from E to D

This exercise will demonstrate the importance of muting the E-string when you switch to other strings. Do not allow the E-string to ring while playing the D-string. Mute D with your fretting hand.

Bass Exercise #4: Skipping from A to G

Just like skipping from the E to the D string, here you have to mute the A-string when going to G. Use the ring finger or wandering thumb muting methods.

Bass Exercise #5: Skipping E to D, A to G

Now combine the E to D and A to G exercises. Remember to alternate your plucking fingers and practice to the click of a metronome.