Three or Four fingers?

elcamino72 · #1 05-06-2009, 05:48 AM

Ive been taught to use the three finger method for the left hand as long as ive been playing but ive noticed its hard to play alot of faster string skipping music with that technique.. i was thinking of tring four fingers but is it worth it? does it help that much it feels so uncomfortable..

Vincent P · #2 05-06-2009, 06:12 AM

It has neve been your technique, or style, so its not going to feel comfortable or right to you. Odd and probably just me but, I've been taught and always seen teaching 4 fingering method.

Like anything else, I would say start practicing this method. Begin simply using one finger per fret, then incorporate the fingering into scales, after a while you'll notice it will become more natural and comfortable for you.

#3 05-06-2009, 05:59 PM

I use three most of the time, but sometimes i need 4. It has to be quite an intense bassline to require 4 though!

mpm32 · #4 05-07-2009, 08:40 AM

Three finger method? I really never heard of it. I'm sure there are some that only use three fingers on their fretting hand, I didn't know that it was a taught method.

I use all fingers and thumbs on both hands. Not all the time just when warranted. I can't imagine not using my pinky.

Do what you can to add the pinky in, you'll be happier in the long run.

klokker · #5 05-07-2009, 01:15 PM

I've heard of the three finger technique, its been discussed here before, usually for lower frets.

I'd be lost without my pinky finger, and over my years of playing have been amazed at the independance and strength you can develop in it....considering how useless it seemed when I began playing.

Whats helped me the most was learning a few J.S. Bach pieces etc. and also working at scales with hammer on/pull off with the old pinky. Its pretty cool what you can do with it after a year or two of working at it.

mpm32 · #6 05-07-2009, 01:44 PM

I have small hands. I do use my ring finger instead of my pinky for octaves in some positions.

tomsewell · #7 05-07-2009, 01:47 PM

I played probably 20 of the 30 years I've been playing with just 3 fingers on the left hand. In the last 10 years I continually practiced adding in the pinky and it does make a huge difference. Even with just a little practice it can take your playing to a whole new level.

Joe Gress · #8 05-07-2009, 01:52 PM

I kinda use my upright fingering and use index, middle, and pinky for the lower octave, and past the middle harmonic, I use all four fingers.

bearshimmy · #9 05-07-2009, 01:57 PM

you have 4 available fingers, use them.

in the long run it will make things so much easier for you.

metalinthenight · #10 05-07-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpm32

I use all fingers and thumbs on both hands. Not all the time just when warranted. I can't imagine not using my pinky.

Do what you can to add the pinky in, you'll be happier in the long run.

+1

I'm the same way. Even without all of the tapping stuff I do with all my fingers, I still find that my pinkies on both hands are useful for lots of things. I use my left hand pinky for everything...its never not being used. Its always a part of my normal playing. I use my right hand pinky mainly for tapping, but I also have been using it more and more recently for dead notes and muting.

I would definitely recommend trying to incorporate the pinky usage into your playing. It will help you become more economical with your playing and you won't have to move your arm/hand as much. Even if (like most players) you don't do a lot of lines and frills and such, it will still come in useful for you. You will be suprised...I was.

MNAirHead · #11 05-07-2009, 02:04 PM

A 1 position major scale can be done accurately with 4 fingers without looking...

elcamino72 · #12 05-08-2009, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpm32

Three finger method? I really never heard of it. I'm sure there are some that only use three fingers on their fretting hand, I didn't know that it was a taught method.

I use all fingers and thumbs on both hands. Not all the time just when warranted. I can't imagine not using my pinky.

Do what you can to add the pinky in, you'll be happier in the long run.

I use index middle and pinky.... no ring...

Linkert · #13 05-08-2009, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elcamino72

Ive been taught to use the three finger method for the left hand as long as ive been playing but ive noticed its hard to play alot of faster string skipping music with that technique.. i was thinking of tring four fingers but is it worth it? does it help that much it feels so uncomfortable..

Picking hand:
one finger.
two fingers.
three fingers.
four fingers. (thumb, index, middle, ring, no pinky)
A pick.
Slapping regular & double thumb/thump (name of technique differs depending on who you ask..)
Muting.

Fretting hand:
One finger per fret.
Imagine your fingers as pistons.
Muting.
etc..

What i'm trying to say is, don't box up in "what should i learn" thoughts, just learn it all.

elcamino72 · #14 05-08-2009, 02:30 AM

Yeah...i use alot of the picking methods... but i just recently have tried to bring my ring finger in learning cliff burtons bass solo in orion... that requiers the ring..... other then that... ive never really found need of it....

Mikio · #15 05-08-2009, 11:04 AM

I used to be a 4 finger guy, but now I use both, 3 is way more comfy and healthy in lower areas.

PRUNEFACE · #16 05-11-2009, 06:17 PM

the only technique worth a little bit of discomfort (NOT pain) is floating thumb

anon65884001 · #17 05-11-2009, 06:32 PM

If you can reach it, go for it!
My fingers are probably the smallest on TB

I honestly have to stretch to play with three fingers
And even if i force my left fingers to stretch with my right hand,
My left fingers are still unable to put one finger per fret!

I started out with cello, and what ended up happening is my left fingers being longer than my right fingers by about 5mm
Weird, eh?

lronMaiden · #18 05-12-2009, 03:21 PM

I also learned to play with only three but sometimes you might need all four. I almost wasn't able to play with my pinkie at all, it kind of locked from the joint. Then I practiced it for some time and now I can play with it. Still feels pretty unnatural but it's easier now and really useful in some songs.

wazzel · #19 05-12-2009, 04:01 PM

I use all four fingers on my fretting hand, although I don't use my ring finger much. I crushed the tip many years back and if I fret wrong it hurts so I use it only when I need to.

Knifedge · #20 05-12-2009, 04:12 PM

I called this chick "four fingers", she wasn't too excited about that nick name... hahahah

Kidding aside, I have always used 4 fingers. I find I have a bit more of a command of my scales when using them all. I also find it a little more efficient when playing slap....