Octave RH fingerstyle

[MetalDisciple12]

I couldn't find a thread where this was addressed before, but I am sure it has been.

If I play finger style and need to hit an octave (e.g. 5th fret on E and 7th on D) is there a better way to approach it from a RH perspective besides hitting one string with my index and the other with my middle?

[Schlyder]

You want to be able to to play using as many different variations with your RH as possible, so for octaves such as your example, try using..
- index - middle
- thumb - index
- thumb - middle
( use of thumb can be slap style, or fingerpicking style.)
index, middle is pretty much the one that gets used the most.
Just keep practicing, you'll get it solid in time. no worries.

[famousbirds]

Hmmm.

The one finger per string thing works out, as long as I'm playing simple back-and-forth between them. Once I start playing ghost notes, I'm liable to just jump back and forth between them.

Also, if you're after a funky octave thing, this is a situation tailor-made for slap..

[MetalDisciple12]

Originally Posted by famousbirds

Hmmm.

The one finger per string thing works out, as long as I'm playing simple back-and-forth between them. Once I start playing ghost notes, I'm liable to just jump back and forth between them.

Also, if you're after a funky octave thing, this is a situation tailor-made for slap..

Just to be clear, I'm talking about both note being struck simultaneously, like a power chord but with a string in the middle separating the two notes.

[famousbirds]

Originally Posted by MetalDisciple12

Just to be clear, I'm talking about both note being struck simultaneously, like a power chord but with a string in the middle separating the two notes.

Oh. Then almost always thumb + index/middle, or potentially just strumming with the thumb/fingernails while muting the middle string.

[Schlyder]

Originally Posted by MetalDisciple12

Just to be clear, I'm talking about both note being struck simultaneously, like a power chord but with a string in the middle separating the two notes.

LOL Yes, that should have been made clearer... or rather mentioned.

[Calebmundy]

I use thumb and index or middle, or I just strum it depending on the situation.

[MetalDisciple12]

Originally Posted by Schlyder

LOL Yes, that should have been made clearer... or rather mentioned.

Lol hindsight. I have a tendency to be a lot less clear than I mean to be.

As for the suggestions, when using nails to strum, I was once told that a good approach is to use acrylic nails to prevent wear to the actual nail and to achieve a pick-like punchy tone. Is this a good approach as opposed to letting nails grow a little long or is there a better way?

[bassic.science]

Originally Posted by Calebmundy

I use thumb and index or middle, or I just strum it depending on the situation.

+1

Are you talking acrylic nails like womens' fake nails? Because that sounds like some very ridiculous advice. In my personal opinion, I would think playing fingerstyle bass with long fingernails would be extremely challenging, if not impossible. That's really where I would anticipate nail chipping to occur, not on strumming.

[soulman969]

Originally Posted by MetalDisciple12

Just to be clear, I'm talking about both note being struck simultaneously, like a power chord but with a string in the middle separating the two notes.

I would use a "pinch" of the thumb and index or middle fingers when you want both notes simultaneously. That's pretty much a guitar technique that carries over easily to the bass.

[Calebmundy]

When I said "strum", I should've been more clear. For the occasional octave, I usually strum up from the bottom of the bass with the pad of my index finger. I have occasionally used my finger nail for a pick, but not enough to damage it. I use a pick when I'm headed for the sound.

[Skitch it!]

I tend to use the thumb and index 'pinch' as mentioned above. I find the index gives the octave more prominence being a stronger picking digit.

As from 5.03 here.

The Beatles - I Want You (She's So Heavy) Bass. - YouTube

[Schlyder]

Originally Posted by MetalDisciple12

As for the suggestions, when using nails to strum, I was once told that a good approach is to use acrylic nails to prevent wear to the actual nail and to achieve a pick-like punchy tone. Is this a good approach as opposed to letting nails grow a little long or is there a better way?

I like my fingernails short, so I can't give you an answer there.

If I want a bright pick like tone... I use a pick.

[MetalDisciple12]

Originally Posted by bassic.science

+1

Are you talking acrylic nails like womens' fake nails? Because that sounds like some very ridiculous advice. In my personal opinion, I would think playing fingerstyle bass with long fingernails would be extremely challenging, if not impossible. That's really where I would anticipate nail chipping to occur, not on strumming.

I agree, that's why I asked. One of my old bass teachers was the only person I've ever heard reference such a practice and I alway thought it sounded ridiculous.

Although he was talking about strumming when he gave me that advice.