Playing with your thumb (A bit like Sting)

[xilddx]

[quote name='leftybassman392' timestamp='1410713605' post='2552230']
Interesting! Never heard it called that before (although I do get the reference). I'm familiar with 'Apoyando' for the rest stroke and 'Tirando' for the free stroke (whatever digit you play it with).

Ah well, live and learn.
[/quote]

No, you're right! It's just that pulgar is the thumb specifically, you can play apoyando and tirando with thumb or fingers, as I understand it.

[EssentialTension]

McCartney also does it sometimes.

http://youtu.be/obFcsEtFIKA

[lowdown]

Yep, I use the palm mute version ( although not using the fingers as well).
I tend to play the technique back towards the bridge so as to get a bit more clarity & bite,
and also for the very quick decay, rather than a thud.
Round wounds for me.

Marcus Miller and Anthony Jackson are excellent with that style.

[Leonard Smalls]

I'm a thumb and 2/3 finger player as well...
Though I tend to play nearer the neck. For some reason, when I taught myself to play, that's what came naturally.
I also alternate between a muted slap and thumb pluck, who knows why but it seems to (mostly) work!

[chris_b]

I don't use my thumb often but if I do I find it works well on quiet passages or slow numbers.

[Cat Burrito]

I'm another occasional thumb user, and again it tends to be on some of our slower songs. Really good for that old school tone.