Playing with one finger...

CauliColin · #1 10-20-2011, 01:47 PM

I usually play with 2 fingers, but if the song is too fast (eg the verse to 'All Nightmare Long') I play with one finger back and forth near the bridge, and I was wondering if any long term health issues occur, eg arthritis?

winterburn69 · #2 10-21-2011, 01:29 AM

Try a pick instead? I know what you mean. That's a damn fast song. I can't recall how I played it when I used fingers, IMO it's way easier and more comfortable to use a pick on that one.

I'm no doctor but I don't think you'll have to worry about arthritis. That Jamerson guy who played on Motown stuff exclusively only used one finger.

Fergie Fulton · #3 10-21-2011, 02:03 AM

Any real medical problems will be way way down the line for you if at all. But learn to play properly with two fingers using any of the recognised two finger alternating methods.The sooner you start it the sooner you will be able to do it.

soulman969 · #4 10-21-2011, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CauliColin

I usually play with 2 fingers, but if the song is too fast (eg the verse to 'All Nightmare Long') I play with one finger back and forth near the bridge, and I was wondering if any long term health issues occur, eg arthritis?

Look at the bright side. If that first finger becomes arthritic you'll still have an unused one to play with.

And yeah, James Jamerson played on umpteen Motown recordings using a one finger technique and had no health issues that I'm aware of.