Playing an octive with a 5th in between

Skel · #1 03-07-2006, 07:04 PM

Hi guys - question: using 2 finger style, I am working on perfecting the playing of an octive with a 5th in between. For example: I play an "A" on the D string 7th fret, to an "A" on the E string 5th fret, but I fit an "E" on the A string 7th fret in between, and the interval between the octave is an eighth note, or even a quarter note. I'm trying to figure out if I should use my middle finger to play the first "A", followed by the "E" played with my index, (or index followed by middle), or use the same finger to pluck the first "A", and simply pull my hand up and let the same finger brush the "E" before plucking the low "A".

The question could be restated as: Should I use the same finger when plucking a note that is quickly followed by the note on the same fret, but one string lower?

Thanks - Skel

Mixmasta J · #2 03-07-2006, 07:08 PM

do you only use two fingers on the fingering hand?

Skel · #3 03-07-2006, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mixmasta J

do you only use two fingers on the fingering hand?

Yes.

ToR-Tu-Ra · #4 03-07-2006, 09:49 PM

I use the same finger when going from a higher string to a lower one, no matter what inerval it is.

WillBuckingham · #5 03-07-2006, 10:27 PM

That's called "raking" I think there's a sticky about it, or do a search. You'll hear all kinds of different things about it . . . I would say just do whatever's comfortable when you're playing, but practice it both ways.

Skel · #6 03-07-2006, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillBuckingham

That's called "raking" I think there's a sticky about it, or do a search. You'll hear all kinds of different things about it . . . I would say just do whatever's comfortable when you're playing, but practice it both ways.

Yea, that's pretty much what I thought. I'm glad to learn the name of what it's called. I prefer using separate fingers for better clarity, but it's a little more difficult to make sure the first note doesn't get prematurely muted out by the second note. I sure like the sound of an Octave (and sorry I couldn't even spell it correctly in the title of the thread) done this way.

Skel

Audiophage · #7 03-08-2006, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skel

The question could be restated as: Should I use the same finger when plucking a note that is quickly followed by the note on the same fret, but one string lower?

Thanks - Skel

I can't really see how fretting is affecting your plucking, so rake away. Play closer to the bridge for more clarity.

Skel · #8 03-08-2006, 10:25 AM

I guess I'm really just having trouble getting good at playing eighth notes when each subsquent note is on an adjacent string, and only practice can solve that. I've read about playing closer to the bridge - and yes, that works - thanks. Not sure why my hand keeps drifting away from the bridge - I have to pay attention to that.

Skel

TheSuzie · #9 03-08-2006, 04:25 PM

IMO, you should try develop both methods. You can get different sounds and control over different aspects of your sound with each. Sometimes those subtle differences can be important in a particular line.

Theres more than one way to skin a power chord.

S

Skel · #10 03-08-2006, 04:52 PM

Well, it's no surprise that if you practice your ass off, you get good, and you can do it both ways with ease. I'm getting there, and this is a fun journey. I like the challenge of seeing if I can just MANGLE the bass with my fingers, and I know I can if I keep practicing like I have been.

Skel