Root Fifth (Jamerson Style)

[havik180]

I've been plaing through my ...Shadows of Motown book and I noticed that I have trouble with the faster 16th sounding root (LOW) fifth parts (R-5-R-5). They just don't sound as clean as I'd like them to.

Any tips on finger position or ways practice that might help me become more efficient ? I usually fret the Root with my index and the 5th with my middle finger should I reverse it ?

G---------
D---------
A-----Eb(R)
E-----Bb(5)

Thanks,
Rich

[rochishin]

Originally Posted by havik180

I usually fret the Root with my index and the 5th with my middle finger should I reverse it ?


Thanks,
Rich

How would you reverse that? Try fretting the fifth with your ring finger, not your middle. Hope this helps.

[JimmyM]

See, this question is why I'm so much in favor of strict alternation rather than raking. Jamerson used one finger, but we're not Jamerson. At one point, I completely dropped raking and went to strict alternation, and just did everything I did with SA. Within a month I did a lot better with parts I used to stutter on when I raked.

Also, you should be using index and ring finger on the left hand. The index and middle finger are too close to each other for a two-fret R-5 stretch.

[havik180]

Ok maybe I should clear this up . I'm talking about Root LOW 5th , like Eb on the A string and Bb on the E

[rochishin]

Originally Posted by havik180

Ok maybe I should clear this up . I'm talking about Root LOW 5th , like Eb on the A string and Bb on the E

Ahhh, barre it.

[KTFunkAlive]

Just use the same finger (bar if need be) it's the most efficient.

[winstonthecat]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Also, you should be using index and ring finger on the left hand. The index and middle finger are too close to each other for a two-fret R-5 stretch.

Only for those with baby hands

I'm fairly blessed with decently large hands and fingers, and can do the R-5 stretch easily, as well as OFPF, even at the top of the neck. The rest of my bass playing skills are depressingly average, unfortunately

[MarkTAW]

This root inverted fifth you're talking about - it's like the beginning of Reflections, isn't it?

I would barre both with my pinky + ring finger and shift pressure from the joint to the tip, just sort of rolling my finger between the two strings... but I don't know if my technique is "correct" or not.

[kebbs]

I recall reading (several sources) that barring is not a proper technique for bass guitar. But who cares, if it works for you, that's important.

[Wespe]

Depending on the line, you might just use your pinky (R) and ring (5) finger.

[rochishin]

Originally Posted by kebbs

I recall reading (several sources) that barring is not a proper technique for bass guitar. But who cares, if it works for you, that's important.

Wha?

[Dogbertday]

I would use separate fingers... try just tapping the line with your left hand. this will give you a little better practice on what your left hand should be doing here... then you just have to keep up with your right hand

[nysbob]

You definitely use different fingers so you can lift/mute independently. I would use R on the root & M on the fifth.

[deaf pea]

The fingering that I would use would depend on what OTHER notes are involved, both before this passage AND after it . . .

But, in general, when playing a root to lower 5th and back, I'll find myself using the middle finger for the root and the index finger for the lower 5th . . . OR . . . the ring finger for the root and the middle finger for the lower 5th . . . OR . . . the little finger ("pinky") for the root and the ring finger for the lower 5th.

That last option gets a lot of use, especially when the line involves walk-ups from the 5th to the 6th and/or the flat 7th . . .

[MarkTAW]

Originally Posted by nysbob

You definitely use different fingers so you can lift/mute independently. I would use R on the root & M on the fifth.

I get all the muting I want my way - it's not like I completely lift as I go to the next one.

This way works too, but when I do it your way it sounds off to me - like I'm choking the note before it should stop. It's a weird/subtle difference, but it's there.

[Crazyeelboy]

I almost always use two fingers for this because I find it gives the me ability to sound the notes distinctly (if I want), but I would usually use my ring finger on the root and the second finger on the fifth (depending on which other notes will be involved).

[MarkTAW]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ze5Br6vOhg

This girl definitely plays it with two separate fingers. She also plays thumb style and gets a killer tone out of that J. Rock on Girl bass player.

And who am I to argue with Bob Babbit's protege?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lCme7K6gpY

[Erick Lam]

Either
1- use the same finger for both
2- Pinky on root, ring on 5th (more likely at the 6th fret)
3- Middle on root, index on 5th (more likely at the 1st fret)

[brake]

Originally Posted by nysbob

You definitely use different fingers so you can lift/mute independently. I would use R on the root & M on the fifth.

You can do that with one finger with practice. One finger sounds smoother.

[JimmyM]

I'll do both but I'll use two fingers for more difficult stuff.