I've been trying to learn the 4-finger plucking technique but I kept giving up every time I realized how useless my 3rd and 4th fingers are.

I bought a gripmaster on monday. After 2 days of playing with it at work when I don't have to type I realized last night that I can play simple bass lines with alternating 2nd and 3rd fingers, no problem. But I swear I couldn't do this a week ago. So, now I'm working on my pinky because I want to get it in the picture as well. So, this gripmaster thing works after all. Co-ordination and learning to strictly alternate is still going to be a problem, but you have to get the fingers to a certain level of strength to be able to pluck at all. And the gripmaster is perfect for that.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my excitement. My 3rd finger really impressed me after a couple of days of exercise.:D

What is a gripmaster ??????:confused: Is it one of the beltbuckle string things for the squeezing hand excerciser thing?:confused: :rolleyes:

Try this:

1) place fingertips on table and tap (0ne at a time) lifting only the tapping finger. Do this in this order - 5-4-3-2-1-2-3-4-5-4...etc. Develop speed.
http://members.shaw.ca/Miscellaneous/tap1.jpg

2) Now, place youf fingertips (one each) on your bass strings as shown (if you have more than 4 strings, use one string each for ring and little finger). Tap out the same exercises on your strings (do not pluck).
http://members.shaw.ca/Miscellaneous/tap2.jpg

3) On a sheet of paper, write (randomly) the numbers 1 thru 5 (about 4 lines of this will do. ie.
4-3-5-1-2-3-2-2-1-5-4-2-3-4-5-2-3-4-2-3
3-4-5-2-1-1-5-5-3-4-5-2-3-4-1-2-3-4-5-3 ..etc.

Now, pick up your bass and tap the strings using the numbers you wrote as a guide (finger to tap with). Repeat, alternating lines as you practice.

When you're comfortable with this, start plucking the strings instead of tapping.

The above exersice works wonders for most my students.

I have had great luck using an exercise close to Xavier 's idea.

If you do it on a table you can do your thighmaster at the same time.
http://www.suzannesomers.com/Products/thighmaster/mainf_15c.jpg

Hahaha:D

And I can get three more gripmasters - one for the other hand and two for my feet. That's what I call full body exercise!

Thanks for the tips Xavier.