Is there any particular technique when playing root - octave pretty fast chromatically up or down the fretboard ? I dont slap and am having problems with both hands. I'm practicing it slowly, so I'm sure it'll come right eventually. Just thought I'd ask.
I keep my left hand fingers in the 1st to 3rd fret E to D string postion and just move it like a powerchord up and down the neck, for the plucking side i use thumb then first or middle finger i.e thumb on the E string and first on the D.
I just use my right index to play the E and my middle to play the D. If I have to play the D more than once, I bring up my index finger to alternate. Then if I go back to the E from there, I sort of rake down with the last finger that plucked the D. I usually mute the A string with the index of my left hand (body of the finger) and/or the ring of my right hand (tip).
Same for A and D
If you are just practicing, you should alternate between different patterns. Try Grateful Dead - Fire on the Mountain, you can just look it up without listening if you want. If you are doing the chromatic thing for part of a song, practice until you nail it, and keep those other strings muted.
SpaceyourBass : While I'd like to nail it anyway, I have a particular blues song in mind where just towards the end the bassist does this root-octave. It sounds beautifully smooth and fluent ( and quiet ) and I think it really adds to the song. I'm determined to master it.
I find it easier to fret Root/Octave if I use my first finger (root) and my pinky (octave). My pinky seems to be better at staying in the one position, and it's a more natural reach for me....
As for the right hand I use whatever fingers aren't tired . I tend to start with first and second, and as second gets tired I switch to first and third....... never done second and third though hrmmmm
Both ! I'm using the pinkie as you suggested, and on the right I'm using the thumb and middle finger. I would nt be doing this very much - in just a couple of songs. I just think that when done right it sounds great. Seems to be coming together, I just have to be patient.
Try using your pointer and middle finger on your right hand, I find that easier than using thumb and middle finger.
Yeah, I've being trying that too. It seems to be easier than the thumb alright. I'm ok when doing it slow, so I'm taking my time and building up the speed gradually.
) and I think it really adds to the song. I'm determined to master it. 
