Skipping strings with fingerstyle?need some help

[BrandonBass]

This is a line from Muse - hysteria
G|----5-3h5------5-3h5-------------------------|
D|--------------------------5-3h5------5-3h5---|
A|-3--------3--3-------3-----------------------|
E|-----------------------3--------3--3-------3-|

G|----7-5h7------7-5h7-------------------------|
D|--------------------------7-5h7------7-5h7---|
A|-5--------5--5-------5-----------------------|
E|-----------------------5--------5--5-------5-|

RATM - Bombtrack

G[----------------------------0------------------------]
D[---2-0--0---------2-0---0-2--------------------------]
A[-------2--2-0---------2------------------------------]
E[-0------------3-0------------------------------------]

I have no problems skipping strings very fast if they're between each other, but I wonder whats the most efficient way to play it if the strings are more than 1 string apart. I use the floating thumb technique, and ive experimented with using my thumb and index finger like playin a guitar...so yeah, tips welcomed

[NickyBass]

It's all about economy of motion. I prefer to move my fingers as little as possible. Get nice and relaxed. Place your fingers in position before you play. When you sight read, you should always look ahead just a bit to see whats coming up. You should have your finger lined up and ready to play the next note. So, for example, on Bombtrack, when you hit that open 'e', your index finger should already be fretting the 'e' on the 'd' string. When you hit the open 'd', at this point, you should have your left hand index finger right above the 'b' on the 'a' string ready to just put your finger down, and hit the note. Oh, and by the way, I wouldn't finger it like the tab shows.

[BrandonBass]

i have no problem with my left hand, im just wondering how should i play it with my right hand

[NickyBass]

Oh. Well, same concept...economy of motion. The more you move your fingers, the longer it will take to get to the next string. The best practice is to isolate the problem area. It's nice to use it in the actual song, but I would recommend practising just octaves, or 11ths until you feel comfortable. Once you get it down through isolation, then you can apply it to every encounter, and not just that particular phrase.

[BrandonBass]

ermm..i understand the economy of motion. so if your playin the lines do you skip with the floating or would it be easier to play it like u play 2 strings on a guitar. thats my question....thanks

[PrimusNut]

What feels easier for you?

I have to agree with NickyBass on this tho. Transcribe it so you only have to go down one string.

I have a Rush tab book, that I bought, and they do the same thing on it. The tabs on the internet make it so your fingers have to go everywhere in order to fret, and play the right notes, but the book has it so everything is close, like Geddy played it, mostly. Internet tabs are most always wrong, in one way or another.

[Alec W. Conway]

For the Muse lines, I'd hit the bigger string with my index and the smaller strings with my middle. The middle is longer and has more reach.

[The Mock Turtle Regulator]

for the Muse one, for the bit in C, I anchor my thumb on the E string, pluck low note index and middle, high notes middle and index,

the bit in G, anchor thumb on the pickup, low note index and middle, high note middle and index.

sometimes I add in my ring finger too.

[wayalive]

While exercises are ideal, I tend to be on a schedule to learn a particular song, and often find myself in a pinch with a certain challenge. Best solution I've found is to play it, play it, play it. Focussing on getting it right, then on playing it well. Have you played the troublesome section 100 times? 1000 times? I'll bet you don't skip anything after a 1000 run throughs.

Just my brute-force technique thoughts