What part of my finger should press on a fret?

Fatalistic · #1 05-02-2011, 07:08 PM

So, today, I noticed that I've been pressing down frets with the pad of my fingers instead of the fingertip. Does it matter which one I use or must I use my fingertips? I want to know before I start adjusting everything.

fourstringdrums · #2 05-02-2011, 07:14 PM

Your fingers want to have a slight curve to them to where you are pressing midway between the tip and the pad. Though it depends on what tone I'm going for. For left hand muting I use the pad more.

Fatalistic · #3 05-02-2011, 07:21 PM

Oh, okay.

Good. That means I don't have to adjust much, and just now I start trying to curve my fingers a little more and it feels so much better and easier. I just have to get comfortable with it.

fourstringdrums · #4 05-02-2011, 07:23 PM

I think in the end the only technique that's wrong is the one that doesn't work for you. If if it feels comfortable and isn't hampering you, go with it.

Febs · #5 05-02-2011, 09:02 PM

Also, don't press on the fret. Press the string just behind the fret.

Testing_123 · #6 05-03-2011, 09:17 AM

My suggestion:

Aim for more finger tip than finger pad, not because the tip is inherently better, but because it is related to how your fingers approach the fretboard. When using fingertips, your fingers are more likely to come down on (point towards) the strings/fretboard rather than fingers reaching across the fretboard. Having the section of the finger from the smallest joint to the tip come (reasonably) straight down on the strings tends to give the player cleaner, more precise control, less unintended contact with other strings, and a better "touch" feel.

Also, coming straight down on the strings requires less work to apply the same sting pressure when compared to one's fingers reaching across the fretboard. Think efficiency of finger motion and effort.

It's easier to use finger tips when your fretting hand thumb pad stays fairly near the midline of the neck's back surface (close to the "skunk stripe", if your neck has one). Some players naturally rotate their wrist, shifting the thumb further around the neck so it swings around and sticks a ways out from the lower strings' edge of the fretboard, but this wrist/hand rotation pulls fretting fingers to the side of the neck, making it more difficult to come straight down onto the strings. (It is less of a problem with narrower necks.)

This approach, emphasizing finger tip contact and thumb-on-back-of-neck positioning, was drilled into me by my bass instructor, and I encouraged it with my own students when I taught lessons. (Obviously, plenty of exceptional bassists eschew this approach to their fretting hand ergonomics and function very well, but these minor positioning adjustments can make a significant comfort difference over the long haul -- for example, when playing extended-length rehearsals or sets.)

THORRR · #7 05-03-2011, 09:22 AM

Everybody has different hands - short fingers, long fingers, straight fingers, bent fingers, skinny fingers and fingers like sausages.

Do what feels most natural and comfortable for your hand. That's why they make so many different kinds of necks. Narrow, wide, thick, thin, etc.

Find what is most comfortable for you. Experiment. It has to feel natural. There is no "right" way or "wrong" way.

littlepope · #8 05-03-2011, 09:45 AM

What ever part of your finger which feels right. You can drive to work in a Chevy Tahoe, Ford F150 or a Saturn Ion. All vehicles will get you there.

Do not get so hung up on being politically correct on the physical aspect of being a musician.

Remember . . there is no right or wrong way to use a
C6/9 chord, however every musician will come up with a different progression or song using it.

In Jumboville, TA we keep an open mind!!