Fretting hand when Playing Root-Perfect 5th- Octave

[tpmiller08]

Lets say you wanted to play D - A - D. Going from you 5th fret on the A string, to the 7th fret on the D string, to the 7th fret on your G string.

What would be the best way to play that out? Would you want to go Index on D, then ring finger A, then pinky on D? Or would it be better to use your pinky on A - D, just sliding it up one string?

-Troy

[G00D+~VIBES]

Depends on what else you are doing. When I play something like "I know you rider" or other bluegrass often I use my middle finger on A and my ring on D b/c it's a simple bounce back and forth. However, if I were playing something else like a finger funk type I might fret both w/ my index or middle depending on where the line is going.

[G00D+~VIBES]

Sorry, just re-read your post. I usually use index ring pinky, but that's just more comfortable for me. Some like index middle pinky. or index pinky pinky

[chanson]

I put my index on the low D (A string) and bar the 7th fret for the A and D on the higher strings.

[DRay521]

Originally Posted by chanson

I put my index on the low D (A string) and bar the 7th fret for the A and D on the higher strings.

This is what I do, too. I think it still gives the same freedom. For me personally, the ring finger slows me down if I'm moving somewhere else. However, I do use the ring finger for the perfect fifth if I'm making a full chord. (ie, index on D on E string, then ring on A, pinky on D, and middle on F# for D Maj.)

[Jazzdogg]

There isn't "one correct way" to position your fretting hand - several different approaches are used. That said, I usually position my fretting hand so that my fingers are poised to play a major or minor scale at will.

I usually play I-V-VIII Middle-Pinkie-Pinkie, or Index-Pinkie-Pinkie, using my thumb as a fulcrum or pivot point. If I'm playing funk with ghost notes, I'll lay my fretting hand flat across the strings, and barre across the fifth and octave with my pinkie, rocking back and forth across on the knuckle to transition between V and VIII.

Good luck!

[tpmiller08]

Originally Posted by chanson

I put my index on the low D (A string) and bar the 7th fret for the A and D on the higher strings.

How would you mute them playing it in the reverse order thouh? Going from the high D to the A?