does anyone play with three fingers?

[bassman1185]

I play with three fingers occasionally, only when I need three really stady notes.

[Niels Keijzer]

I switch between two fingers to three from time to time...you don't really go "faster" with three fingers than by using two, but when playing a lot of parts with steady sixteenth notes, it's more relaxing to do so.

[Cornbread]

I haven't had to use three fingers for speed because I play with a light touch fairly close to the strings. 16ths are usually no problem. But I have been playing more chords lately, so I use thumb index middle for a triple stop. I haven't played too many quadruple stops yet as my left hand needs some more flexiblilty.

[APouncer]

I'm working on using my ring finger, starting with triplets and gradually using it more. I have trouble with my pinky though, it is an inch shorter than my ring finger so I don't see how it could be used along with the other 3 similarly lengthed fingers.

The Steve Bailey video is called "Fretless Bass" and I think it is an excellent tool for bass players with some experience who have moved to fretless or just want a few practice hints. He is an astonishingly accomplished and varied player.

[rickbass]

Originally posted by APouncer
... I have trouble with my pinky though, it is an inch shorter than my ring finger so I don't see how it could be used along with the other 3 similarly lengthed fingers...

AP- I didn't either...at first I'm doing that "Hanging Ten" regimen from Harmony Central, the one about employing all four picking fingers.

It turns out I'm using it to pick up on the B and E in the ready position when the index and middle finger are picking on the D and G. Wish I was just starting to learn bass sometimes instead of trying to break old habits. Sometimes I give up hope of breaking them, they've been ingrained for so long.

[bsplyr54]

I broke my middle finger last summer and was forced to play with my ring and first fingers. after a while it became natural but i had a problem playing with my middle and ring finger, do i only used those two fingers until it became natural. THen i combined both and now i can play pretty efficieantly with all three, and occasionally 4 fingers. so i suggest isolating both your ring and first and your ring and middle fingers seperately and then putting them all together. it ill take some practice but youll get it. Aslo practice with triplets, they will help coordinate all three fingers.

[maxvalentino]

Yes, I use three fingers on my right hand. OI actually use three fingers and my thumb...and am working on incorpoarting my right hand little finger.
I have found that moving my hand position to something more akin to classical guitar has helped tremendously in bringing the ring finger into the fold. I might add that my right hand is never "locked" to one position but shifts very often during the course of a single tune. In flamenco guitar, using the thumb and at least one other finger is called "apoyondo". You might want to see if you can find any reference to that technique in guitar method books.
Also look for videos (instructional) by Abraham Laboriel. He has the most incredible right hand technique (5fingers, double strums.....) and left hand technique!
Max Valentino