I am confused

liquidation · #1 02-11-2010, 05:19 AM

I have been playing bass for around 5 months. I have a lot of learning material but I am confused about 1 finger 1 fret or 3 fingers 4 frets. My hands are medium size, I have material saying stretch fingers in OFOF method or on no account stretch use the TFFF method or use both and pivot on the former.
I like the look of Roy Vogt's new program, then I looked at his demo and he seems to be stretching his hands a mighty long way, or is he pivoting.?
Jeez, its confusing.
I work in the scissor industry and have seen many hairdressers, with RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and do not want to take that route.
Technique is important to me as I play around four hours a day but I need to know the best technique as I dont want to wrist or hand problems in the future.
Hey, guys before you suggest, no, there is no decent bass instructors in my area.
Thanks

Gawd · #2 02-11-2010, 05:34 AM

I only apply the one finger per fret method to the higher range of the neck (about the 7th fret and higher). Anything lower I use the Simandl method, which is index, middle, and pinky, covering 3 frets, because there's rarely a need to stretch across all four in that position. Unless you have huge hands it's a bit of a stretch to use the 1 finger per fret lower on the neck, although at times it is necessary.

Also, I hope that your 4 hours are spread out through the day into smaller durations of practice.

Bruce Lindfield · #3 02-11-2010, 05:37 AM

Well you have almost answered your own question there - so a good teacher can see what you are doing and see whether it is likely to injure yourself and can advise on what is best for you!

Anybody who answers here, cannot see what you ar doing and cannot give anything other than general advice which may not be the best for you!

pedroims · #4 02-11-2010, 05:57 AM

I use one finger per fret in the upper register lets say 12 fret and up, for me is way easier to use three fingers per fret, try to play a line on F and its 5, you will notice that is easier to use your pinky, in my fretting hand my index , medium and pinky have movement autonomy, that doesnt happen with my ring finger

liquidation · #5 02-11-2010, 06:10 AM

So what would your fingering for the G major scale (E-string) for example, I take it you would use sliding of some sorts

pedroims · #6 02-11-2010, 06:16 AM

when practicing scales I use one finger per fret, but I never play scales in a song, however if for some reason the song call for the use of my four fingers I am ready

reedo35 · #7 02-11-2010, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liquidation

Hey, guys before you suggest, no, there is no decent bass instructors in my area.
Thanks

You say this without listing your location in your non-filled out profile,so there's no way any of us could help you there, or give you any suggestions.

MalcolmAmos · #8 02-11-2010, 06:32 AM

On acoustic/electric 6 string guitar I grew up with 4 fret patterns and used 4 fingers one per fret, however on the bass, because of the size of the frets - I just checked out what I actually do and there is a lot of sliding involved. I suspected as much. Sorry like has been said I'm not going to be able to advise what is best for you. I do suggest you break up your practice sessons into shorter periods of time.