four finger technique?

kski94 · #1 06-12-2011, 08:38 AM

I've recently been playing more complex and fast bass lines, and have joined a technical death metal band. however, i realized that my 3 finger technique was crippling. i could pick fast, but my hands would cramp. i have since been using all four fingers, it is hard, but im gaining speed with it and my hand isn't cramping at all. but my question to all you four finger players is: what are the advantages/disadvantages of this technique?

Bozendoka · #2 06-12-2011, 09:24 AM

I do this as well, the obvious advantage is more speed with less effort. The big hurdles are getting consistent tone with all four fingers and real finger independence - I tend to play 4-3-2-1, starting over at 4 on the 1 beat or when I cross strings no matter where I am in the pattern. I'm working on it but I've found it hard to get past. It would probably help if I practiced a bit more regularly.

kski94 · #3 06-12-2011, 09:26 AM

so it all comes down to practice lol. when i did 3 finger, i picked 1-3-2, now im trying to pick 1-2-3-4. thats something thats been messing me up too. stupid muscle memory!

Lambic · #4 06-12-2011, 09:27 AM

Still struggling with three-finger technique: my triplets are still faster with alternating two fingers then when assigning each note of the triplet to a specific finger. Well, we'll keep on practicing, won't we?

**251** · #5 06-12-2011, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kski94

I've recently been playing more complex and fast bass lines, and have joined a technical death metal band. however, i realized that my 3 finger technique was crippling. i could pick fast, but my hands would cramp. i have since been using all four fingers, it is hard, but im gaining speed with it and my hand isn't cramping at all. but my question to all you four finger players is: what are the advantages/disadvantages of this technique?

Whether you use a ramp or not, the 1st few posts, or more, in this thread may interest you;

A (Somewhat) Definitive Guide To The Matthew Garrison Technique And Playing Ramps

Personally, I don't lock into any pattern of alternating fingers, when I play with 4 fingers. I find adhering to a pattern takes too much thought & problems having a finger ready to play the next, best note come up both ways. 8-)

Skitch it! · #6 06-12-2011, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 251

Whether you use a ramp or not, the 1st few posts, or more, in this thread may interest you;

A (Somewhat) Definitive Guide To The Matthew Garrison Technique And Playing Ramps

+1 A ramp or a nice wide soapbar pickup to play over is a great depth gauge to stop your fingers over-travelling for better recovery. One thing I've found with 4 fingers after a year and a half on it is I'd like to dig in a little more. But as far as alternation and string crossing (which is the thing I practice most with this), the alternation came quite naturally with it, my combination is a little reversed though, thumb/ring/mid/index works better for me.

Now I think of it, muting, that is quite tricky with 4, I'd recommend using the old hairband trick, it won't solve everything but works quite well for keeping opens quieter.

kski94 · #7 06-12-2011, 06:21 PM

i've thought of ramps a lot recently, but haven't got a clue where to get/how to install one..

**251** · #8 06-13-2011, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kski94

i've thought of ramps a lot recently, but haven't got a clue where to get/how to install one..

Ramps are usually self made or custom made. Some are installed with screws. I prefer 2 face tape. No holes & adhesive can be removed without marring the finish or the pickups.

kski94 · #9 06-13-2011, 08:38 AM

what type of material should be used?

Skitch it! · #10 06-13-2011, 12:43 PM

YouTube - ‪Installing a Ramp Part 1‬&rlm;

**251** · #11 06-13-2011, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kski94

what type of material should be used?

I've made ramps from Maple, Bubinga & Plexiglass, so far. Use whatever is available, whatever you have the tools to work + looks good, to you.

alexchestniy · #12 06-15-2011, 12:53 AM

i also use it!!! i tried many metods
the practice lead me to most usefull metod.
in apoyando better to play 2,1,4,3,2,1,4,3
in tirando better to play 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4

about ''+'' - good control, freedom, good accuracy, super fast and long stamina play on tirando

about ''-'' - slow speed on apoyando, low stamina

tips to speed play on apoyando better use 3 fingers!!!!2,1,3,2,1,3

good luck

sorry for my bad english!!!!!!!

alexchestniy · #13 06-15-2011, 01:19 AM

i also use it!!! i tried many metods
the practice lead me to most usefull metod.
in apoyando better to play 2,1,4,3,2,1,4,3 (1= index, 4= little)
in tirando better to play 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4 (1=thumb, 5= little)

about ''+'' - good control, freedom, good accuracy, super fast and long stamina play on tirando

about ''-'' - slow speed on apoyando, low stamina

tips to speed play on apoyando better use 3 fingers!!!!2,1,3,2,1,3

good luck

sorry for my bad english!!!!!!!