Conditioning Steps for Bass

Fretting Single Notes

Place your index finger on the 3rd fret of the lowest string (E). Pluck the low (E) string with your right hand.
Cross your index finger down one string to the 3rd fret of the next-to-lowest string (A). Pluck the A string with your right hand.
Place your middle finger on the 5th fret of the next-to-lowest string (A). Pluck the A string with your right hand. This is a D note.
A technique borrowed from upright bass is to use your ring and little finger together to press down on the string together. Try this for on the A string at the 5th fret. This is a D note.

Now  you can sound out simple bass parts for songs that center on G, C and D chords.

Click here for songs with chord progressions based on G, C and D.

Right Hand Techniques

Picking the strings with your right thumb

Pick the low string with your right thumb.
Pick the next-to-lowest string with your right thumb. (A String)
Pick the next-to-highest string with your right thumb. (D String)
Pick the highest string with your right thumb. (G String)

Traditional Alternating Two-Finger Technique

Anchor your right thumb on the corner of the pickup. Pick the low string (E String) with your index finger.
Pick the low string (E String) with your middle finger.