Bass: Beginner Questions

[MalevolentKadaj]

I got my bass (4 string) as a Grad present in about August, and have been playing it on and off since then trying to get comfortable with it. I switched between pick and fingers a few times, and have settled on fingers. Over the past month or two I've been trying to no avail to solve a few problems that really bother me, and I'm looking to get some answers here (as a second reference, other than my instructor), if anyone can offer me some help.

1. How should I reduce the noise of my fingers moving along the fret board and the strings hitting the frets with a "ting" when I press down?

2. Is there any easy way to reduce the sound my fingers make when they hit the strings while I'm plucking, or do I simply have to keep practicing and soften my touch?

3. I find that a lot of the time, playing one string will make the others vibrate and create an annoying background noise, how can I reduce this? (and thanks for reading all of this)

[mlr_pa]

Ok, here's an opposing viewpoint.

As for question one, I [DO NOT] recommend string ease, or any of those products! The have silicon in them, and the fretboard hates that stuff. Wood needs silicon, like amps need water.

The secret is simple. DON'T SLIDE! place your fingers where they're supposed to be, in the middle of the fret. It will take time, but, with practice, it will go smoothly. If you still feel they make too much of a squeak, then change strings. Go for a half round, as opposed to a standard round wound. (This is assuming you haven't changed strings from when you got it.) Round wounds have a rougher surface, which makes the squeak, and a ping. With half rounds, there's less of a noise. And, agreeing with Netdot, have a bass player see if your bass is out of whack. (Action, truss rod, etc.) A guitarist can also, but tend to have different views on action, and may set it a bit too low on the bass.

For #2, soften your touch. Use the meat of your fingertip as opposed to the very tip. It will hurt, develops bisters, callus, and will hurt, but that's the price of playing with your fingers. The pain will eventually stop.

And for question #3, You're either hitting the string too hard, or your hitting more than one string accidently.

I kinda disagree with Netdot on this one. I rarely mute using my right hand. (Plucking hand) Yes, on the low E string, but most of the muting is done on my left hand. (fretting hand) Just from the way I lay my fingers on the fret board. But then again, I never really had the problem of the syncopathic vibrations. It could be, again, an adjustment needed on the bass. (possible problem with the nut, or string trees.)

I hope these help you out. If you need more, fell free to mail or IM me! Best of luck!

[MalevolentKadaj]

Thanks to both of you for your help, it's good to get differing views. Now that you mention it, I do use the tip of my fingers more so than the meat of it.
I'll definitely try your guys' suggestions to find what works best for me.