Fingerstyle correct technique

[Langueta]

I see some different aproaches while playing with 2 fingers (index and middle) concerning the little and ring fingers. For example Steve Harris or John Entwsitle leave both fingers open (so sometimes you think he is playing with 3 fingers, when he only uses Index and Middle), On the contrary, Jaco most of the time close the little and ring finger for his staccato technique.
Which one would you consider correct and why????'
What approach do you use???
Which style of music do you play???

Moved to techique forum

[tobie]

Originally Posted by Langueta

Which one would you consider correct and why????'

IMO 'correct' is what works best for you. The fact that maestro's use both techniques proves that.

Originally Posted by Langueta

What approach do you use???

I don't pay any attention to my picking hand's ring & pinkie fingers, implying that they're 'open'. I think it will put me off if I try and close them and I have not found a reason to do so - yet.

Originally Posted by Langueta

Which style of music do you play???

Gospel - in other words all genre.

[Nashrakh]

Originally Posted by tobie

IMO 'correct' is what works best for you. The fact that maestro's use both techniques proves that.

+1

As for me, I use the open-handed approach... closed hand causes too much tension in your hand IMO, but YMMV

[Cabazon]

I leave them open in case I want to put them on any of the strings.

[60's Bluesman]

closed so i dont bump any other strings by accident

[Chris K]

Open and relaxed...

I use floating thumb, meaning that the plucking hand has to be relatively close to te strings. Closing ring and pinky fingers makes it more difficult to move your hand up and down across the strings - in this technique the movement comes from the shoulder. Closing those two fingers forces you to twist your wrist, keeping those closed fingers away from the strings.

The great Jaco played with anchored thumb, was a very severe plucker and kept his pluckng hand at the bridge most of the time, leaning on it with the closed ring and pinky fingers. And he sure did develop lots of power that way.

However, if you are to choose a method to follow/learn at this time, I would advise you to go for the most relaxed way, which is to keep ring and pinky open and your lower arm and hand in a straight line.

[countrybassist]

Just play man