Root / fifth / octave technique question

Oppenheimer · #1 07-22-2010, 01:04 PM

Greetings,
First post, I just started playing bass a couple weeks ago. Things are going okay, but I had a pretty specific question about something I'm doing... I'd like to make sure there isnt something I'm missing.

The root / fifth / octave pattern seems to happen quite a bit (for example G, D, G on the 4th, 3rd, 2nd strings respectively). When the root is on the 3rd string and the octave on the 1st string, I can roll my pinky to play the last two notes. However when the root is on the 4th string, I seem to have a lot of trouble rolling my pinky between the 3rd and 2nd strings. Most of the time I get significant fret buzz on the 2nd string... due to a combination of not enough pressure and my pinky being too far from the fret (I think).

The other option is to play root / five / octave with my index / ring / pinky. This has its own drawbacks... while I can reach with my ring finger, its quite a stretch, and for whatever reason my accuracy seems to suffer.

I guess my question is, which way should I practice doing this type of pattern? If its a matter of preference, thats fine, but I wanted to make sure there wasnt a "right" and "wrong" way to do it.

Appreciate any help, thanks very much =]

meaty · #2 07-22-2010, 01:05 PM

I always play root fifth octave with my index ring and pinkie respectively.

works for my and makes turning it into other chords easier.

EricF · #3 07-22-2010, 01:12 PM

I generally use index/ring/pinky, because it's easy and comfortable, but sometimes whatever is coming next may dictate a variation in the fingering.

If reaching the 5th with your ring finger is a tough stretch for you, you need to keep working on it. Flexibility and strength will come as you continue to play more and more.

ptolemny · #4 07-22-2010, 01:17 PM

Welcome to TB. I would work on both methods - barring the 5 & the octave with your pinky (I actually use my ring finger when I bar those notes), and individually fretting the 5 & the octave with your ring & pinky fingers. I use whichever method is easiest relative to what I need to play immediately after it. Your fret hand is not really accustomed to the way you need to stretch and shape it yet, but your dexterity will improve as you practice. And yes, fret the note as close as you can to the fret for the cleanest articulation with the least amount of buzz.

bassbrad · #5 07-22-2010, 01:20 PM

You just need to stretch out your hand until it's comfortable. I have my students work with patterns starting at a fret where it's just a bit of a stretch, once that is comfy move down a fret and continue it until it's all the way down to F. It should take several days to weeks just be persistant and patient.

gm2_in_co · #6 07-22-2010, 01:37 PM

Not that I'm a virtuoso to be followed but I'm a index, pinky, pinky kind of guy. HOWEVER, my ring finger is fretting behind the pinky for strength most if not all the time.

Lo-E · #7 07-22-2010, 01:43 PM

I agree with ptolemny. Practice both methods, then let the tunes you are playing dictate where each is appropriate.

Oppenheimer · #8 07-23-2010, 06:06 AM

Thanks very much for the responses, I just wanted to make sure I didn't practice my way into a bad habit.

I've noticed that the stiffer strings and widely spaced frets of the bass have had a positive effect on my guitar playing (I play regular guitar terribly as well haha). I'll keep working at it and reading around the forum. Thanks again!

countrybassist · #9 07-23-2010, 06:17 AM

I either use my index on the 1, ring on the 5th, and pinkey on the 8th, or sometimes I'll bar the 5th and 8th with my ring finger with my index on the 1. Just depends on what I feel like doing at that time.

Sane · #10 07-23-2010, 06:30 AM

I mostly ring finger both the fifth and octive.
With a little practice you can get that ring finger to bar them and still be able to mute the fifth before you hit the octive. Of course the higher your action the tougher this will be.

St Drogo · #11 07-23-2010, 06:42 AM

Well, unless you want the notes to ring out, remember you don't have to hold all three notes down simultaniously. You could go index/ring/pinky and just keep letting go of the last note you played. That way you don't have to stretch as much.

foq1978 · #12 07-23-2010, 06:52 AM

index-ring-pinky. I think it's easier.

but now that you've mentioned, I never thought about using index-pinky-pinky. I don't think I could! weird.

I'll try it as I get home.