finger/fret vs. 124

[vicp]

Coming from playing guitar (new to bass), one finger per fret is my prefferred (left-hand) method and I know that double (upright) bass uses 124 (fingers) due to the large scale.

Working through the Hal Leonard books (he uses/recommends 124) I have been substituting 1234 (finger per fret). While this works out for the most part, the "box" patterns (in book 2) on the E and A strings using fifths (one string apart), sevenths and octaves (two strings apart) seem to feel a lot more comfortable using 1 (on roots & sevenths) and 4 (on the fifths and octaves).

Is this consistent with the finger per fret for (walking) bass lines? Do you finger/fret folks use 1 & 4 on octaves and fifths? - Thanks

[xdanxx]

interested in this answer aswell.

[Russell L]

I'm in both camps, but play mostly 1 & 4 because it feels more relaxed to me. Fifths and octaves are generally all 1 & 4 as well for me. There are times when I'll play a finger for every fret, though, when the line calls for it. Just depends.

[panda bass]

I've never played guitar but I was taught 1234 method. After going through the same books I have learned to use a mix of both. I use 124 for octaves and things that don't require a wide span but for scales and lines that are more spread out I use all four. I play walking bass lines with the index and pinky. So, to sum it up I use a mix of both and switch between them as needed without much thought.

[FretlessMainly]

About 10 years ago, I was gigging quite a bit in both jazz and rock and I damaged the ulnar nerve in my left hand while tuning up for a gig on double bass. Zap! from ring finger all the way to my elbow. I stopped playing for nearly six months. When I started back up, I had to relearn my fingerings in the 1,2,4 style (on both electric and double bass). I have fairly large hands, so I had been playing double bass in the 1,2,3,4 style.

Just keep in mind that even if you can do something, it might not be the best thing for your hands. Index and pinky is an extremely strong hand shape, and even if you think your pinky is weak - you can really strengthen it up. I would highly recommend index/pinky use for fifths, octaves and other intervals wherever possible.

[makkE]

I only play 1234 when I really need it. I practice both.
Whenever possible, I use 124, especially in the lower areas, or for fifths and octaves. Just no point in putting unnecessary strain on your hands if the line doesn't call for it.

[germ_77]

There are a few other posts about the same thing, I even started one about the same book.

When you get farther in the book he does teach one finger per fret as well and basically use the one that is easier on your hand for whatever you are playing, I switch between both a lot now. Up iuntil recently I only used one per fret but have noticed a huge difference in how much easier it is on my left hand.