can only use 3 fingers or 4 fingers over 3 frets.

[spambot772]

hey guys, i cant seem to get my pinky to stay over to 4th fret?!

when i play with 4 fingers they can only cover 3 frets, and when i play with 3 fingers (one for each fret) my pinky kinda hangs out in the air.

if i do force my pinky onto the 4th fret, its rly uncomfortable.

are there any practices i can do to fix this? or is it something wrong with my thechnique?

thanks!

[tomshepp]

Two things about the shape of your hand: Your thumb should be somewhat parallel with your middle and ring finger. To create this shape, draw your thumb across and toward the palm of your hand from the base of your thumb, down near your wrist. Secondly, try to open the fingers from the base of each. You can get most distance between the index and middle finger. Try to lay all four fingers on the g string. The palm should be somewhat "cup" shaped.

All this being said, find someone who can demonstrate proper left hand technique in person. While you do want to cover four frets with four fingers, you shouldn't put too much emphasis on stretching your fingers. I find it interesting that great players can make it look easy while playing some amazing stuff. The important thing also is to not overdo it as your work on the technique.

[mambo4]

You may be doing nothing wrong. Could just be a big bass and small hands. And fingering 1 finger per fret is not a strict rule. If you are talking about the first 4 frets on a full scale (34") bass, it's not uncommon at all for a players to use 1-2-4 fingering (aka Upright Style, or Carol Kaye style ) finstead of one finger per fret.

I usually do this anywhere below the 7th fret.

also, realize that you are allowed to move your left hand to reach, if needed. just keep your thumb in the same spot on the back of the neck and use it to pivot /return while you reach that 4th fret.