Playing same fret on different strings quickly

[Shoemaster]

Hi, I'm not really new (9 months of limited experience) but I definitely am an amateur so I'm still trying to find the best way to do this.

As an example, here is a part from the chorus of "Little Sister" by Queens of the Stone Age:

G|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
D|-4-4-4-4-4---4--|-2-2-2-2-2---2---|-6-6-6-6-6--6--|-4-4-4-4-4---4--|
A|-----------4---4-|-----------2---2-|-----------6--6-|-----------4---4-|
E|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|

Right now I'm using my index finger on the higher string and putting my middle finger down on the lower string when necessary. Is that right?

[mullet0909]

u can play it that way or u can hold down 2 strings with one finger. theres not really a right or wrong way to do this. its just whatever feels most comfortable for you.

[Depth_Charge]

There really isn't any "right" way, so long as you get a nice clean sound from what you are doing.

When I looked at that tab and played it, my natural reaction was to aim for efficiency in motion, so I used my pinky to bar the higher notes and the index/middle to fret the lower notes as you describe.

Cheers,

D_C

[bburk]

I agree that there is no 'right' way, but you should practice actually using the same finger, moving from string to string (not barring). It helps clean up slurred transitions.

[Shoemaster]

Thanks fellas, looks like I have some experimenting to do.

[BassChuck]

Originally Posted by Shoemaster

Right now I'm using my index finger on the higher string and putting my middle finger down on the lower string when necessary. Is that right?

That will work OK on fretted bass, but not fretless. So if you ever switch to fretless, you'll have to use the same finger for two strings. (but then, I doubt this song would sound good on fretless!)

[Liko]

When I jump strings I tend to hold two strings with the same finger. Fingertip or pad over the lower string, then press the first knuckle down on the upper string. It's actually developed into something of a bad habit; when playing pentatonics I don't move my fingers up and down on the strings, I just change that part of my finger I press with. Not necesarily bad, but somewhat lazy in that regard. For the jumps you're talking about though, there's nothing wrong with doing this.

[Deacon_Blues]

I would play that riff almost like you do, just use the ring finger on the D string and the middle on the A string, instead of middle & index. That's for all bars in that tab except #2, which I'd play by barring with the index. But that may be only me...

I'm of the opinion that it's possible to play it this way on fretless too, you just have to move your hand a bit back and forth when you switch finger and string so you stay in tune.

[mambo4]

I do both two finger and one finger / bar, but I find that two fingers generally is cleaner.

[absolutezero]

I use the same finger. Some Maiden basslines are also similar to the one you've shown. I use one finger per fret technique, so i find it easier to use the same finger.

[funkydanbass]

As a rule, I do not suggest barring with one finger. This usually promotes conversely bending the knuckle. Not good for carpel tunnel, arthritis or cleanliness. Use individual fingers or shift the same finger to the next string, (as upright players do).

If it was a fast passage high on the neck with one interval of a fourth I might barre the note. But for vamping on a line for extended periods in the low register, no way!

[doctorjazz]

+1 to above. I generally try to shift or use multiple fingers. I only barre if I have to play it pretty fast.

[funkalicious101]

ugh.... the first bit of teentown has a lot of this... its killing me