Popping with middle finger

TerenceSharp · #1 05-05-2008, 05:33 PM

Simple question really.

I pop with my middle finger, And always have. Yet some people seem to notice and tell me it's bad to do that?!

Is it really any bad to pop like that? Or is it a case of "You do it differently to me, you suck" - It feels comfortable for me and I can get some nice speed with it, Should I just say "OI, My technique

"?

In any case, Doesn't Flea pop this way?

The only thing I've found that it's hindered me is double-popping

~ignited~wings~ · #2 05-05-2008, 05:39 PM

Same here, I've never heard of it being "bad". Don't worry about it.

easyvision · #3 05-05-2008, 05:41 PM

It's as 'bad' as leading with your middle finger rather than index when playing fingerstyle.

As in...not even remotely 'bad' at all.

It's comfortable to you, it gets the sound you want, to hell with what others say about it

Mushroo · #4 05-05-2008, 05:46 PM

I prefer 2nd finger as well. You are not alone

Keep practising with the 1st as well and you will get the double pop down eventually. Hint: it's in the wrist, not the fingers.

Wootsticks · #5 05-05-2008, 05:47 PM

I can pop with any of my fingers, but I mostly pop with my middle or my ring.

rpsands · #6 05-05-2008, 05:49 PM

Should pop with your index on account of it makes double popping easier. But you realized that already. I don't see any other reason.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #7 05-05-2008, 05:55 PM

I always use my index finger for popping the D string and the middle finger for the G string (Or, in the seldom case of popping the A and D strings, Index is for A and middle for D).

TerenceSharp · #8 05-05-2008, 05:57 PM

Well atleast I don't feel like I created a mess hah.
I just need to nail that double-pop technique, Practice makes perfect!

BruisedOoze · #9 05-05-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

I always use my index finger for popping the D string and the middle finger for the G string (Or, in the seldom case of popping the A and D strings, Index is for A and middle for D).

Yeah I'm the same as well. Occasionally the first sneaks in on the G as well for a double pop. But it's not something I've tried to practice too much yet. I'm more thumb heavy in my slapping.

Slax · #10 05-05-2008, 06:09 PM

I alternate my pops between my index and middle finger. Sort of the same fashion as regular finger playing. It makes quick sequential pops easier for me.

I wouldn't worry about. If it works for you then it's all good.

cheesemonkey · #11 05-05-2008, 06:11 PM

I usually pop with only my middle finger and throw my index finger in there if i need to do some fast double pops.

amos · #12 05-05-2008, 08:58 PM

I naturally pop with my middle, I am practicing practicing with the first finger as it's easier w/ double thumb.

jsingles · #13 05-05-2008, 08:59 PM

i do it too

fendsboy417 · #14 05-05-2008, 09:02 PM

"...is it a case of "You do it differently to me, you suck"

That's exactly it. Don't worry about it. If that's what works for you man, keep using that middle finger. So many people criticize me for using a pick. That may be un-bassman like, but then I really get good use out of my middle finger after a crack like that!

Traver · #15 05-06-2008, 08:08 AM

Victor Wooten pops with basically everything, so I don't see the hurt in using the middle finger.

WhiteKnuckles · #16 05-06-2008, 09:05 AM

Same here...kinda.

When I first started to explore slap, my instructor and I wondered why I had such a difficult time with double pops in the traditional way...pointer then middle. It finally dawned on me that I have always used my middle as my #1 with fingerstyle and that if I applied it to slap it works just fine.

Granted, I have a war-of-the-worlds claw-like hand position with my pinkey and ring tucked in very tight towards my palm...but it works.

Depth_Charge · #17 05-06-2008, 09:37 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCoHg...eature=related

I think it's safe to say you can do what you want, with what you want to, as long as it sounds good to the ear

Wootsticks · #18 05-06-2008, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpsands

Should pop with your index on account of it makes double popping easier. But you realized that already. I don't see any other reason.

How does it make double popping easier? Honest question.

JimmyM · #19 05-06-2008, 11:16 PM

I see nothing wrong with popping with the middle finger, but it's no reason to ignore popping with the index finger.

And to answer your question...ever tried to double pop with your middle and ring finger? Double popping is much easier with your index and middle finger IMHO. However, the ability to double pop is more often than not looked upon by other musicians as a necessary skill, so it's not the end of the world if you can't do it.

Depth_Charge · #20 05-07-2008, 09:50 AM

I've noticed this seems to happen quite a bit on forums, but:

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

However, the ability to double pop is more often than not looked upon by other musicians as a necessary skill, so it's not the end of the world if you can't do it.

This sentence contradicts itself. I presume you mean it's often NOT looked upon as necessary, but presumptions can lead to problems. . .