reach issue

[wrench45us]

I'm learning on a 5 string. I'm playing up on the neck to learn the patterns/fretboard w/o open strings and I'm trying to keep to the one finger per fret guideline -- which should be easier up on the neck.

The one time I'm having trouble is when I have to reach over to the B string and play a walking chromatic sequence up or down there. I don't seem to have the finger/hand spread to easily keep to one finger per fret there and find myself unconsciously collapsing to using 3 fingers on that string.

So the question is since I'm just beginning should I try and consciouskly correct myself and try and stick to the finger per fret guidleline or give it up when the spread doesn't seem to be there.
Is there a pivot in that dimension that I'm not aware of that would help?

[AmadeusXeno]

You should learn to play bass instead lol. A 5 string bass is no different from playing a 4 string. The only differance is a little bit wider of a neck and more tonal range with the extra string. It's not a different isntrument. As far as being able to stay with one finger per fret where is your thumb in relation to your other fingers when fretting? I usually keep my thumb in the middle of the frets my fingers are going to be fretting. It makes for a good pivot point. Hope this helps.

[wrench45us]

my thumb is centered on the neck
I'll watch it the next few days and see what I see

[TBAR Shane]

When you're lower on the fretboard, OFPF is usually unnecessary, and not very comfortable (unless you have big hands). Try using a 1-2-4 approach when in the lower register, similar to an upright left hand technique.

[wrench45us]

I think what the issue may be is bad posture that leads to bad bass position. I practice sitting down and the bass tends to turn so the fretboard is more horizontal than it should be -- definitely not vertical -- as I sit back and slouch as the evening progresses. If I sat up and had my eyes above the fretboard that vertical position doesn't have the same problems.
Sit up straight. I don't do it at work at my desk and even less inclined to do so at home, but the slouch and sinking into the couch isn't working.

[XylemBassGuitar]

I would also agree with TBAR that the "one finger per fret" technique is not good at the lower register of a bass. Lots of excellent players don't follow this rule and I think if they did it would cause injury.

Avoid anything that hurts! Except for finger blisters, those are usually good. Anything that is nerve-y, tendon-y, etc. should be avoided. You might also pay for a lesson or two when you run into weird technique issues like this.

Back when I was first learning, I took a couple of lessons to correct my technique as I was playing in a manner that was causing Carpal Tunnel. I was playing this way because I thought it was "right" and traditional. But the "right" way is the one that limits your movement the least, doesn't cause any pain or issues, and allows you to reach your full potential.

[soulman969]

Originally Posted by TBAR Shane

When you're lower on the fretboard, OFPF is usually unnecessary, and not very comfortable (unless you have big hands). Try using a 1-2-4 approach when in the lower register, similar to an upright left hand technique.

+1 On any bass you'll find scales or sequences where OFPF won't work well or inhibit what you want to play. Do what feels comfortable to you. OFPF is just one technique among many.