Uneven Sound From Fingerstyle

danjl131 · #1 06-15-2009, 04:25 PM

Like most bassists, I play with two fingers, index and middle. However, I have noticed that my index finger provides a clearer and "louder" tone, while the middle is more dull sounding and slightly quieter. Is this from different strength in each finger (if there is any), callouses (my index finger tip seems harder compared to the middle finger tip), or something else? Please help or provide suggestions as to how I can figure out the source of the problem and how to fix it. Thank you.

Trapezius · #2 06-15-2009, 04:37 PM

Does one of your fingernails touch the string? I have that "problem" myself, no matter how much I cut that nail, and I chose to grow my nails on all the 3 finger I use. It works for me, but maybe you prefer a cleaner finger sound. Even my fingernails sound different. Middle finger has brighter sound then index.
Maybe you should practice playing more with your weaker finger, if that's the case. That often used on piano, and I don't see any reason it won't work on bass. And work on how hard you attack the strings, try to even out the sound that way.
But it might be a harder callous too. Again, play more with the weaker/softer finger.

Just my thoughts. I may be way off...

DeluxeRed · #3 06-15-2009, 04:39 PM

You have to LISTEN to what you are playing, and adjust to play it at the right volume/strength. The fingers are naturally different, so getting the same response only comes through diligent practice and careful listening.

That said, if your middle finger is much longer than the index finger, try holding your bass at more of an angle (less horizontal, more vertical) to align the strings with the taper between your fingertips.

A little compression doesn't hurt, either, either as a processor or the way you're driving your tubes.

Gibbsalot · #4 06-15-2009, 04:49 PM

Same thing here index is sharper sounding, middle more thud. I hear it and it bothers me sometimes but every other person I ask if they can tell a difference when I alternate slowly or fast and they cannot. So I figured it was all in my head...

Bluesbreaker5 · #5 06-15-2009, 04:49 PM

I have the same problem. The pad of my middle finger is softer than my index finger. Maybe everyones' is like that, but it does create a volume problem for me.

Any more ideas?

Gab124 · #6 06-15-2009, 04:55 PM

I did not know I did this, but the other day while playing I noticed i used my two fingers differently. I would pluck many notes with my middle and certain ones with my index, when doing fast runs I would use both. Also, my thumb produces a deeper tone, and when not cutting through a loud mix I will often use my thumb for deep full tones on the E and A strings - not like slap but more like picking. Funny all the different ways to produce the sound you want (or don't want).

jaywa · #7 06-15-2009, 04:57 PM

Obviously you would like index and middle to sound as close to each other as possible. But, sometimes it's advantageous that they have slightly different sounds (for example, if you're paying a shuffle where some notes are supposed to have more punch than others, the difference between finger attacks helps give the song its "swing"). Also, don't only be working on your alternating chops, also work on stamina for just your index finger alone, and just your middle finger. So that as much as possible, you can play as fast with either of those fingers alone, as you do alternating.

What I mean is, on some hard driving songs I will play every eighth note just with my index finger, which as others have also observed, tends to be the more aggressive one. Watch Geddy Lee sometime, he does this a lot. This does give a slightly different "feel" than if I would be strictly alternating. It's closer to a pick type of feel. Conversely I have played entire, mellower songs using only the middle finger and usually up closer to the neck.

I probably better put my flame suit on for this, but I don't really buy into the whole strict alternation thing. I am a functionalist, not a purist - I use whatever right hand fingerings deliver the best feel for the song. If that means my index or middle finger sits out an entire song, so be it. Have never had any complaints.

danjl131 · #8 06-15-2009, 05:10 PM

hey thanks for all the advice, but do you think tapping with my middle finger could help?

jefkritz · #9 06-15-2009, 05:31 PM

play slowly and concentrate on getting even tones. do this for a while.

(b)Assman · #10 06-15-2009, 06:14 PM

I know what you mean. I guess this is where "technique" comes in. You could also try angling your wrist to compensate or use compression.

Lulz · #11 06-16-2009, 02:16 AM

DON'T angle the wrist.

JBP-Douglas · #12 06-16-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lulz

DON'T angle the wrist.

+ 1, angling your Wrist will make your playing mistakes even more bigger, I would reccomend you not to grow your fingernails, it can give you feel troubles.

Plantbrain · #13 06-16-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeluxeRed

You have to LISTEN to what you are playing, and adjust to play it at the right volume/strength. The fingers are naturally different, so getting the same response only comes through diligent practice and careful listening.

That said, if your middle finger is much longer than the index finger, try holding your bass at more of an angle (less horizontal, more vertical) to align the strings with the taper between your fingertips.

A little compression doesn't hurt, either, either as a processor or the way you're driving your tubes.

+1, time, listen and persistence.
Join a band if you are not already.
That will force you to do the above more than you will practicing alone.

Then you might try 3 fingers, or thumb etc.
I am working on getting the same thing with my double thumb. The upstroke is generally weaker. Over time, this has gotten more consistent.

I'm a bit of a functionalist as, I'll catch myself playing with 2-3 fingers, but I have to consistently focus to get 3 going all the time. I do not like to do it admittedly, but I know there are benefits.

Tom

Thunder_Fingers · #14 06-16-2009, 10:47 AM

I have the same problem, but I have also gotten "No, Dont change it, its one of the things that makes me hear instantly that its you!"

If theres an huge need for me to be very even in my playing I generaly only use one finger (I got the Geddy righthand pretty good)

I do kinda believe that for me its the thing that I have played Iron Maiden songs since the start, and the gallop usually end up with a heavier attack with my pointing finger on the beat, So the Index isnt quite trained to use the same strength.

I know its not a "good" thing though, and I will look in to it, but as mentioned, I have my ways to get around it if I have to.