everytime I pluck a string it makes a rattling noise, I was guessing that it's because I'm not holding the strings down hard enough. When I use a pick though it doesn't do it as much.

maybe the action of the bass is too low?

probably either you're not holding the string close enough to the fret, the action needs to be adjusted like said above, your neck is warped, or when you're playing fingerstyle you're pushing the string 'in' or pulling it 'out' (as in plucking it too perpendicular to the body).

This post was edited by Camden on Dec 29 2008 02:26pm

Does it happen when you play open strings?
If so the problem is in your right hand... Try going a little slower and plucking the strings a little more lightly. See if that makes a difference.

If the buzzing doesn't occur when you play open strings, then work on your fretting, you are maybe not close enough to the fret with your left hand or maybe you are not pressing down hard enough >.<

This post was edited by PSPZorZ on Dec 29 2008 11:28pm

I think i'm strumming to hard. that's prolly what it is.

If the problem just started, it might be the change in weather (temp/ humidity) a lot of times my guitar will start 'rattling' when I play certain frets and it usually goes away once the weather changes. Don't get too freaked out, but if its an acoustic then I'd consider buying a humidifier.

Is it a new bass guitar ? If not try to replace the strings, they can get a bit loose.

You might wanna get your intonation checked.

I had the guitar intoned, had my strings changed, and got it oiled at guitar center like 6 months ago ;\. The dude said some of my frets would pop out if I didn't keep it humid enough, but thats about all -- from what i've seen the string rattling is just a seasonal thing, but maybe you're right idk....the guitar is an '85 that sat most of its life in a dusty drawer without a case save for the last 2 years. lol.

Sounds like fret buzz. You might need to adjust the action or the truss rod.