Q on moving from 2 to 3 plucking fingers...

sensible68 · #1 08-28-2007, 07:52 AM

Hi all

I'm sorting out my technique and moving from two to three plucking fingers. I've been through all the excellent advice in this board, but I'd be very grateful if someone could offer advice (validate if you like) the approach that I seem to be zeroing in on...

- use three fingers only where necessary - don't use them where two or one feels more appropriate

- start any 3 finger section as r-m-i rather than i-m-r as it's a more comfortable movement.

Doing it like this does feel the most natural to me - but I don't want to start off in the wrong direction!

thanks, adam

rduckwor · #2 08-28-2007, 08:03 AM

There is no wrong direction - if it works for you, its right.

Good Luck

chicagodoubler · #3 08-28-2007, 08:07 AM

R-m-i is the most natural way for the fingers to roll, so no wonder it feels the best for you.

Make sure you can play both ways however, because the unexpected always comes up. Also make sure you can play e-a-d as i-m-r as well.

Life doesn't start and stop at your convenience.

So be ready for anything.

BTW, this is precisely why I rarely use 3 finger- there are too many variables for me personally to have any time left over for actually learning music, or dating, or balancing my checkbook, etc...

Mikey D · #4 08-28-2007, 08:11 AM

As they say above, if it works for you it is ok. I personally use T-I-M or T-M-I. Occasionally when i use just RMI I tend to try and use it how Gary Willis uses it, rather than say Billy Sheehan.

Search for Gary Willis on Youtube as his whole instruction video is on there. Parts of it are a pile of poo, as he acknowledges, but the three finger stuff is invaluable.

sensible68 · #5 08-28-2007, 08:58 AM

thanks for you advice guys, much appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

Make sure you can play both ways however, because the unexpected always comes up. Also make sure you can play e-a-d as i-m-r as well.

I was contemplating that last night and got the fear! which means it's something I have to practice....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikey D

Search for Gary Willis on Youtube as his whole instruction video is on there. Parts of it are a pile of poo, as he acknowledges, but the three finger stuff is invaluable.

cheers mikey - on my to-view list for tonight!

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagodoubler

BTW, this is precisely why I rarely use 3 finger- there are too many variables for me personally to have any time left over for actually learning music, or dating, or balancing my checkbook, etc...

right on. got to weigh up the time spent honing the technique against the time it may actually be used in anger!

WeeMann · #6 09-09-2007, 12:24 PM

When I started using three fingers I found the easiest way to get the basic technique was to find songs which had a basic root note line with little movement and just try plodding away (RMI for me). At first you'll find that it sounds as triplets until you get some strength in the ring finger, but eventually you'll start to get a distinct 4/4 feel.

Just keep at it and figure out what works best for you.

chicagodoubler · #7 09-10-2007, 12:58 AM

Whatever technique you choose, play the hell out of it.

Nobody cares how you play if you can't play your *ss off.

Lately I've seen more and more people adopting "alternative" technique who can't play their way out of a paper bag.

Or

Billy Sheehan, Alain Caron, The Ox, Trujillo.

The guys who made three finger famous were friggin awesome. If you really want to play with more then index middle better have some bad sh*t under your belt!!!!!

Go practice, young padoin learners.