4-finger plucking sequence

[Klockwerk]

Hello.

I've been playing with a 3-finger plucking technique ala Billy Sheehan for a few months and I recently discovered Matthew Garrison through this forum.

His 4-finger plucking technique is incredible, and I have decided to give it a shot. It went smoother than I though, potentially due to the fact that I've grown used to playing with my ring finger.

However, I've stumbled across a major problem. Almost everyone recommends using thumb-index-middle-ring (we'll call this sequence T-I-M-R), but the thumb-ring-middle-index (T-R-M-I) sequence is more natural and confortable for me, especially since my 3-finger approach was Ring-Middle-Index as well.

So my question is this: Why does everyone recommends T-I-M-R over T-R-M-I?

Thanks

[makanudo]

Originally Posted by Klockwerk

Hello.

I've been playing with a 3-finger plucking technique ala Billy Sheehan for a few months and I recently discovered Matthew Garrison through this forum.

His 4-finger plucking technique is incredible, and I have decided to give it a shot. It went smoother than I though, potentially due to the fact that I've grown used to playing with my ring finger.

However, I've stumbled across a major problem. Almost everyone recommends using thumb-index-middle-ring (we'll call this sequence T-I-M-R), but the thumb-ring-middle-index (T-R-M-I) sequence is more natural and confortable for me, especially since my 3-finger approach was Ring-Middle-Index as well.

So my question is this: Why does everyone recommends T-I-M-R over T-R-M-I?

Thanks

Well i think its an easie rmotion to pull off

[EADGC]

^ generally speaking anyways, but if its easier for Klock to execute it as T-R-M-I, then there isnt much else to say about it. that's assuming ease, comfort and muscle memory IS the reason for T-I-M-R in the first place.

the only thing I'd even be worried about is seeing if you'd develop any unwanted galloping from either OR even though the R-M-I sequence discouraged that, when it was primarily a three-finger motion, the fourth finger probably disrupts that method and rhythm though.

[HaVIC5]

According to an article I recently read in Bass Player, there are some real heavies who will use T-R-M-I, such as Dominique Di Piazza, so whatever works. I know, though, that speed-wise (perhaps not control or tone wise) I've gotten better results with TIMR.

[KeepEmThumpin]

Yeah, you know, I think it's a matter of speed. Think about it. If you're starting with the thumb, it flows better (in theory) if you go straight to the closest finger. This way, when you get to the ring finger, you can just start back towards the thumb with the Index Finger. Matt Garrison's a beast, I've seen him live twice, and he'd probably tell you the same thing. Kinda like Wooten. He's always talking about economy of motion, think of it in those terms.

[Klockwerk]

Alright, thanks for your answers guys!

I'm going to try using the more natural (to me, anyway ^^) T-R-M-I. Seems like the best idea.

Thanks again.

-Klock