Fretting Hand Flat Fingering or Curved?

[BoomSTICK]

Hey everyone,

I've been deliberating over the flat fingered or curved finger approach. I mean, I have been playing for a while and every so often, I like to go over the basics and refresh myself with thoughts like, "maybe I've missed something." Well, Oopsboompow! I have hit yet another boulder on the way to progress.

I'd like to think that I adhere to the flat finger approach but recently, I'm beginning to question it. Also, I realize that strap adjustment ie: height, also plays a role in said approaches.

I am confused by this, as I see advantages to both techniques. What are your reasons behind your left hand fingering be it flat or curved?

[Kevinmach]

I like the flat finger because it aids in muting and it just feels more comfortable (I guess I should say "for now).

There is definitely a time when it's appropriate, like for barring, and may times when you rake, you're playing a small scale that seems to lend itself well to holding your first finger across one of the frets.

All that being said, it does put your wrist and hand at somewhat of an awkward position. And someone just post a link from adamnitti.com for a guy who was having having pain, and the downsides to this technique are discussed in a little more detail there (though not a lot of detail- essentially just telling you what I've said here).

It makes some interesting points, like a flat finger causes you to move your thumb out of position, press your palm against the neck, and not press down on with the pads of your fingers- all of which are more or less elements of bad technique.

I am prone to the flat finger technique personally, but for the reasons discussed here and in that link, I am reconsidering giving the curve finger approach a try.

[Michael Campbel]

Curved, because I don't know any better, don't have the experience to make my own informed decisions yet, and am sticking with what my instructor tells me to do. =) He's been playing 30 years and teaching 20, so I'm perfectly willing to take his advice.

[Rudreax]

Curved. I like playing the bass with the tips of my fingers, as opposed to the pads.

[Kevinmach]

I've seen very few instructional techniques ever say anything other than that your fingers should be curved, so definitely listen to your instructor

The whole point of that article, though, is playing with your fingers flat and the weird angle in puts your wrist at (along with your thumb often curled over the neck) and can lead to pain/tendinitis issues later on down the road.

Then again, what the books say and how people play are often 2 different things.

[southernrocker]

Flat.

[Zombbg4]

I physically can't play with flat fingers, I mean I can force it but it hurts and difficult to play.

[Staccato]

Curved using 'wrist' action!

[tobie]

Originally Posted by BoomSTICK

What are your reasons behind your left hand fingering be it flat or curved?

Man I've tried flat fingers after seeing most players in our region doing exactly that. But for the life of me, I can't. I think I was born with springs at the back of my fingers, keeping them in curved position - specially when not playing at any given moment!

I do use a flat index finger for muting, though...

[JimmyM]

Flat is fine if you're not a speed player, but if you are, curved will help with your accuracy and nimbleness.

[ga_edwards]

On a fretless I find flat using the pad of the finger brings out more of the characteristic mwah sound that curved using the finger tips.

[deckard]

How about both?

They each have their uses.

[deckard]

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

On a fretless I find flat using the pad of the finger brings out more of the characteristic mwah sound that curved using the finger tips.

+1

[unclejane]

I generally use the Carol Kaye method, also essentially the technique shown by Adam Nitti on his website (the url was posted in another thread). Basically, whatever allows me to keep my wrists straight but without holding the neck in my palm or in the fingers. I.e. thumb on back of neck more or less under the first finger and wrist as straight as possible.

I used the cranked-wrist method for a long time (i.e. watch John Myung, my wrists hurt just watching him play) without realizing the potential for injury or how much weaker of a position it is. Now that I'm older I instantly get into pain when I try to do that, so I've gone to more of the curved-finger approach.

It's critical to have a well balanced bass to help with this, i.e. so you're not having to hold the instrument in position. My carvin bunny fills this bill very well and I also hike the bass up with my strap as short as I can get it.

LS

[Winterpegbass]

Both. Curved for 90% of my playing and flat for parts that require muting, especially when slapping.

[bassrique]

Both. It depends on muting goals, wrist positioning, the notes [as Jimmy mentioned] and energy preservation / fatigue. Playing guitar [chords] will definitely help with the curved finger technique.

Originally Posted by ga_edwards

On a fretless I find flat using the pad of the finger brings out more of the characteristic mwah sound that curved using the finger tips.

Very true.

[paul_wolfe]

Both. Curved for 90% of my playing and flat for parts that require muting, especially when slapping.

Sounds just about spot on. +1

[RDUB]

I've always played and taught curved - thumb at centre of neck opposite second finger. The arch in the fingers gives dexterity and speed. But now that I think of it, I often use flat fingers for muting, chords, or other effects.

[scootron]

I play curved, although I think flat looks much cooler.