Who's doing it with four fingers?

[mcglyph]

I have been playing bass for maybe three months. Over the last few weeks most of my practice time has been taken up with learning the four finger technique. I'm loving it...anyone else?

[topo morto]

left or right?

[Russell L]

On the fingerboard I use either all four fingers or do the upright thing with just my first finger, second finger, and then my third and fourth fingers together, covering only three frets. Most of the time it's the latter.

[mantrabass]

If it's on the right hand, that's impressive! Especially for only playing a couple of months. If it's the left hand, then I'd think that most of the community is doing that. :P

Could you post a link to your instructional source?

[mcglyph]

My wife is always telling my communication is sometimes unclear. Yes, I'm doing it with the right. I'm up to a good solid, clear, 70 BPM, now beginning to alternate playing the thumb on one string followed immediately by the other three on the higher, and really loving working on playing good ghost notes as well. This is the link for the four fingered stuff. Abe is crazy good and just as crazy about music. Abraham Laboriel Bass Lesson - YouTube

The ghost note information is from scott's free lessons..

How to play ghost notes on bass | Scott's Bass Lessons

Loving the bass.

[topo morto]

Ok so... 3 fingers and thumb then? Not index, middle, ring, pinkie?

[turbo chicken]

I like to pretend to use 3 sometimes

[mcglyph]

Originally Posted by topo morto

Ok so... 3 fingers and thumb then? Not index, middle, ring, pinkie?

I'm using the Abe videos, and he isn't suggesting the pinkie at least not in the
particular video I'm referencing.
Guess the pinkie wouldn't be so hard to add..might take me a while, it like most pinkies is
kind of weak. So is there anyone who is using their pinkie?
Now that's impressive!

[jabsys]

3 is the limit for me, my pinkie finger is too short to pluck with unless I twist my hand to an odd angle.

[Akami]

I'm limited out at two fingers, but my friends daughter is really smooth with three fingers.

[slaphappychappy]

Thumb and 2. I can get my ring finger to work at home, but can't do it under pressure, lol.

[topo morto]

Originally Posted by mcglyph

I'm using the Abe videos, and he isn't suggesting the pinkie at least not in the
particular video I'm referencing.
Guess the pinkie wouldn't be so hard to add..might take me a while, it like most pinkies is
kind of weak. So is there anyone who is using their pinkie?
Now that's impressive!

Aha, now I'm not at work I can watch the Abe videos - interesting, thanks! To be honest when I read '4 finger' I thought you meant something involving... er.... 4 fingers, rather than 3 fingers and thumb. But hey, he's Mexican.... and he taught me why it's called 'p-i-m-a'!

So, in answer to your question - no, I'm not doing that (but I might start... )

[pica]

My first instructor had me using 4 fingers then when I changed instructors he had me using 3 fingers (1,2, & 4) which he said was the proper technique, and that's what Ed Friedland teaches in the Hal Leonard Bass Method book.

[mcglyph]

I feel really outside some lines, as the two books in my bass music library both recommend (and only recommend) using two fingers! I'm way out there, just me and Abe..and anyone else who is trying this thing..

[mcglyph]

Originally Posted by topo morto

Aha, now I'm not at work I can watch the Abe videos - interesting, thanks! To be honest when I read '4 finger' I thought you meant something involving... er.... 4 fingers, rather than 3 fingers and thumb. But hey, he's Mexican.... and he taught me why it's called 'p-i-m-a'!

So, in answer to your question - no, I'm not doing that (but I might start... )

I have been working this thing for maybe two weeks, just taking it slow, 45 minutes a day, gradually increasing the speed. Doesn't take very long to see a little progress.

[topo morto]

Isn't it easier to go thumb - ring - middle - index, though?

[mcglyph]

Originally Posted by topo morto

Isn't it easier to go thumb - ring - middle - index, though?

I started thumb, index, middle, ring. These days I'm alternating on different strings in other combinations, just to move the dexterity along.

[oniman7]

In my high school, I've been taking some classical guitar classes. Between that and practice on my bass (things like chordal structures) I've become fairly good at P-I-M-A finger, which is what you're describing.

[mcglyph]

Originally Posted by oniman7

In my high school, I've been taking some classical guitar classes. Between that and practice on my bass (things like chordal structures) I've become fairly good at P-I-M-A finger, which is what you're describing.

Yes, you are very. I'm 43 been playing bass for three months, and music of one type or the other for 10. Know how very fortunate you are being immersed in music so young. I was 30 or so when I first started playing drums. Value being in your position as I do.

[_Sasquatch_]

Always used four on my left. Recently started four on the right.