Alternate Picking Question?

[vicp]

Hi All,

With alternate picking (using fingers 1 & 2), does one strictly alternate?

For instance, if a phrase ends or you play a whole or half-note on the index (#1) finger, does the next note need to be the alternate (middle #2 finger in this case)? I typically want to start a new phrase with the index (#1) finger no matter what was played before, especially if there is a break.

I know a lot of people say that there are "no rules" and do what feels good, but being new to bass guitar (played pro keyboard and horns), I know that fundamentals need to be learned to facilitate future progress and I am trying to get the picking hand basics sorted out.

Thanks

[grendle]

Kinda answered your own question. It dosent matter. Yes, probably it would be correct to alternate fully. But do what's most comfortable and feels natural. A LOT of players prefer to start a new phrase with the index finger. In truth if your playing like that, your making good progress .
Trying to get your different fingers to sound the same would be more important than which ones to use IMO. I don't think there are any bassists that worry weather or not they alternated their fingers correctly. Your left hand technique is more important. Try for one finger per fret. Its the most efficient but lots of grest players don't do that either.

[Papa Dangerous]

I would suggest tackling those triplets in various ways to find that good feeling.

1-1-2, 1-1-2, 1-1-2
1-2-1, 1-2-1, 1-2-1
2-1-2, 2-1-2, 2-1-2
1-1-1, 1-1-1, 1-1-1
2-2-2, 2-2-2, 2-2-2
1-2-2, 1-2-2, 1-2-2

See what feels right to you. As a pro keys player, I am sure you understand rhythm and such. So view the triplet as one beat and see how comfortable you are playing each beat, then repeating it over and over.

To me, 1-2-1 seems a bit tricky at first you alternate, but each beat restarts 1. So its essentially 1-2-1-1-2-1. Get comfortable with these types of things, and which ever works best for you is what you should spend most time focusing on. If you try out all of these and get a bit comfortable with each, then you can change up what you use in order to accent certain beats. The 1-2-1 seems to accent the 1st, and 3rd part more.
1-1-1/2-2-2 seem pretty static. 1-2-2, 1-2-2 seems to have a very driving feel behind it, so with the left hand you may want to play 1st finger, 3rd finger, 3 finger (based on one finger per fret rule)

Just some suggestions, but only you can know what you dig.

Eventually, you may want to use your 3rd finger.