Right hand fingering for this..

[hipo]

Ok so after ten years of guitar i have decided to give bass a shot. play mostly hard rock styles. I guess im the guy all you bass players hate. The guitarist gone bass player guy. Anyway here's my problem..
Playing with a pick is obviously not an issue so im trying to learn two finger technique. I get the whole alternate finger thing but if i was to play.... A - B - C, A - B - C, A - B - C repeatedly on the E string, what would be the correct right hand fingering. I find it hard to not double up on the 1st finger. Is this ok?

So..
A B C A B C A B C
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 0r

A B C A B C A B C
1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 2

[hipo]

bump

[Jools4001]

Well, there will come to a point where doubling up on the first finger will slow you down. Think about it, doing things this way means that you have to pull your finger back into position ready for the second pluck on the string, meaning that it has to travel twice as far per note. Far better to use a finger that's all ready to go and use the second finger.

This is true for playing up and down single strings, but you will also find it easier and more efficient when skipping across other strings.

If it's not happening naturally, just play slower. Get the technique right first then add the speed

[hipo]

Originally Posted by Jools4001

Well, there will come to a point where doubling up on the first finger will slow you down. Think about it, doing things this way means that you have to pull your finger back into position ready for the second pluck on the string, meaning that it has to travel twice as far per note. Far better to use a finger that's all ready to go and use the second finger.

This is true for playing up and down single strings, but you will also find it easier and more efficient when skipping across other strings.

If it's not happening naturally, just play slower. Get the technique right first then add the speed

thanks mate, so you should alternate EVERY note ALL of the time?

[hipo]

woo hoo im getting it

[bearshimmy]

Originally Posted by hipo

thanks mate, so you should alternate EVERY note ALL of the time?

no, for the most part alternate, but if its easier, or if you want to articulate something in a specific manner you can break the alternating fingering scheme.

[pseudoxh4]

Agreed. If the passage really calls for it (or if you intend to speed things up) it's probably a good idea to strictly alternate, especially on a single string. If you practiced alternating, then you would at least have the option of alternating should you have the desire to play the line in question faster. On the other hand, if you did not then that option may not be available to you.
On the other hand, when descending on strings (e.g. D to A string), there is a division among bass players whether or not to use the same finger on the A string as on the D string. This would be more a matter of preference; I myself don't lose any speed `raking' down strings.

[Gearhead43]

Originally Posted by Jools4001

If it's not happening naturally, just play slower. Get the technique right first then add the speed

+1 A very important point, practice at slower speeds until you get the hang of it. Speed will come later.