When I was on tour with British 60s Pop Star Engelbert Humperdinck, however, all of a sudden I was having to rethink my attitude toward the pick (or "plectrum" as my boss called it). I had to approximate those old 60s Pop tracks that usually used String Bass and Danelectro 6 String Bass to double tracks. I found that I had the best results using a hybrid of the Carol Kaye approach (that is, holding the pick so that the thumb is parallel to the string) and the approach of Bobby Vega (using the rounded side of the pick). This afforded me the option of using my palm to mute the strings in the fashion of Anthony Jackson.

Here are some simple string crossing exercises. I'm playing the G scale in 3rds, first in 8th notes and then double-picking 16ths. In general, I play the down beats with down strokes and the up beats with up strokes. This allows for a subtle accent on the 1 and a slight release on the e and uh: 1-e-and-uh, etc.

I also threw in a G arpeggio that crosses all 4 strings and a line that should be somewhat familiar to Anthony Jackson fans. When you get the line down, try playing it with the drum track from Intermediate Lesson 8.

• Pick Studies (MP3, 624k)

Peace and Low Notes,
Roy C. Vogt
Nashville Bassist
Bass Instructor, Belmont University, Nashville, TN

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