Starting to learn bass, how much is too much?

[Vertex]

I have started to learn the bass, it looks like fun, however I've been recommended by a few friends to not only start with a 5 string bass but also to start by using three fingers to pluck the strings to play. This seems like a lot to chew at once.

Would it be more prudent to start with two fingers and ignore their recommendations? Using three fingers and then trying to play things when I'm already struggling to hit all of the frets (small hands) is more than I think I can handle.

[Rusty the Scoob]

I don't agree with either of those recommendations. Four strings and two fingers are plenty. The switch to 5 strings is easy, and the switch to 3 fingers is only applicable to speed metal or similar genres where faster is always better.

Also four string basses can be had in very playable form for very low money. The same cannot be said for five-stringers.

[DRafalske]

Starting on a five string is, to me, sound advice. I wish I had because now I'm trying to take up playing a fiver and having a bit of a learning curve. You mentioned having small hands, however, so it might be wise to check out some four stringers too and see if they're more comfortable. I think comfort is key for people just learning. It keeps it enjoyable, among other reasons.
As for using three fingers, it's a good skill to have but by no means necessary. I only use my index and middle finger 90% of the time.
Good luck!
Dave

[markseb1]

Congrats! I started playing a little over a year ago. I would suggest you play fingerstyle using two fingers. I have not seen anyone play using 3 fingers for plucking, but I have heard of it. Another issue is if you are going to use the 1-2-3, 1-2-4 or one finger per fret (OFPF) with your fretting hand. My teacher has instructed me both ways but prefers OFPF. Due to my smaller hand size I have chosen to use 1-2-3 when playing in positions 1-4, (using my pinky for playing octaves) and using OFPF farther up the neck. YOU have to choose what is most comfortable for you.
Concerning 4 vs 5 strings, to each his own. The music I play is written for 4 strings and I prefer the vintage look and sound. If you choose a 5 string bass you can always use the B-string as a thumb rest when it is not needed. This will also mute it. I use the E string as a rest to help mute it when it is not being plucked. Good Luck!

[Vertex]

I rented a bass from a music store, it is a 5 stringer, I think I'll go with a 5 stringer to learn, I was told it was really helpful to have a fifth string to fall back on when using fingers when you are going really fast, might as well get used to a five string when learning.

However, I'll be playing metal, and the people I've been talking to say that I'll need three fingers to play the blazing fast triplets, would it be necessary to always use three fingers or can I toss in the third finger when I do a triplet and switch back to two fingers for the rest?

As for the hand size comments, I can reach one finger per fret with my hands, but my pinky can only reach to just beyond the centre of the fourth fret, not all the way to the edge of the fret where I am supposed to put pressure, but the bass I rented is a 21 fret bass, do the 24 fret basses have even larger frets at the bottom end?

[cnltb]

Originally Posted by Vertex

I have started to learn the bass, it looks like fun, however I've been recommended by a few friends to not only start with a 5 string bass but also to start by using three fingers to pluck the strings to play. This seems like a lot to chew at once.

Would it be more prudent to start with two fingers and ignore their recommendations? Using three fingers and then trying to play things when I'm already struggling to hit all of the frets (small hands) is more than I think I can handle.

It won't make a difference at all if you are thorough in what you do, I a<m sure you'll be ok on a 5 and using 3 fingers.
may as well start early .

BUT DON'T RUSH.

[FunkMetalBass]

I wish I'd started playing with 3 fingers. It's a bit more ergonomical and you don't have to use them all the time.

5-string basses are unecessary, but I wish I'd also started with one instead of progressing up through the string counts.

[One Bad Monkey]

Originally Posted by Rusty the Scoob

...and the switch to 3 fingers is only applicable to speed metal or similar genres where faster is always better.

I wouldn't necessarily say that. I use three fingers all the time, more for endurance than speed. I get a lot more fluid basslines by using three fingers as well.

Originally Posted by FunkMetalBass

I wish I'd started playing with 3 fingers. It's a bit more ergonomical and you don't have to use them all the time.

Thank you.


To the OP, do whatever is best for you. I'd recommend starting on a four string bass; it is an easier foundation to get under your fingers. Then, when you want to add a fifth (or sixth) string, you can easily apply everything. The learning curve I had (from 4 to 5, and then 6) was pretty easy. But knowing the foundation of the bass first is paramount.

[Vertex]

So perhaps a 4 stringer with 3 fingers then?

[Sparkdog]

I'm making some assumptions here, but I would guess the friends that are advising you are very young and into metal and that's the basis for their suggestions.

I'll give you another perspective on this, do with it what you will:

You won't always be young, and you may not always be into metal. Depending on your age now, you may not believe either of those things, but hear me out

Tastes change as we get older. Things that were very important to us as youngsters may not be when we're older. Things we thought were so unbelievably uncool can take on a whole new significance.

What's my point? Music is one of those wonderful things that you can carry with you and enjoy your whole life. It's not like pro sports for instance... that's a young man's game for the most part and there is a definitely a shelf life.

With music, you may not be into head banging when you're 40 or 50, and it's quite possible you won't even enjoy that style at that age, but if you have a solid foundation as a musician you can play anything you want and not be bound by a particular style or genre.

Long story short - I would get some instruction and focus on the basics. That means a 4 string bass and traditional technique. Learn that, master it, and THEN take it wherever you feel inclined. Play a 7 string bass with 3 fingers and your toes, whatever makes you happy!

But by having a grounding with some basic theory and techniques you will always have a fall-back position to build from and explore any type of music that moves you, at any age.

2 cents worth for ya.

[WhiteKnuckles]

I'd recommend going with the 4-banger at first, especially if you have smaller hands.

As far as how many fingers to use for plucking? Don't think about it too much, just make sure you're sounding the notes cleanly...you'll eventually find plucking to be a natural thing that happens without thought.

One thing I will mention because it's a pet peeve of mine...the people telling you that you need 3 fingers to play triplets have no clue to what a triplet actually is. I realize what they are getting at, but it isn't a triplet.

[Vertex]

Originally Posted by WhiteKnuckles

I'd recommend going with the 4-banger at first, especially if you have smaller hands.

As far as how many fingers to use for plucking? Don't think about it too much, just make sure you're sounding the notes cleanly...you'll eventually find plucking to be a natural thing that happens without thought.

One thing I will mention because it's a pet peeve of mine...the people telling you that you need 3 fingers to play triplets have no clue to what a triplet actually is. I realize what they are getting at, but it isn't a triplet.

Hah yeah, I know what you mean, I have a musical theory background from learning piano grudgingly in my past, but when you hang around with these self taught musicians who know less theory than they should it starts to rub off on you.

[MonkeyBass]

Do you mean three fingers with your left hand or right hand? If it's right hand two are just fine for now. If it's left hand then I'd say try three for awhile and work on getting that pinky to stretch.

[Vertex]

Originally Posted by MonkeyBass

Do you mean three fingers with your left hand or right hand? If it's right hand two are just fine for now. If it's left hand then I'd say try three for awhile and work on getting that pinky to stretch.

I mean three fingers on my right hand, I'm already working the pinky to stretch the four frets, can't be playing metal easily with a 4 fingers 3 fret system, it looks really awkward and too much hand motion.

[WhiteKnuckles]

Originally Posted by Vertex

Hah yeah, I know what you mean, I have a musical theory background from learning piano grudgingly in my past....

That's awesome. You're going to have such a leg up on so many of these players that once you get physically comfortable on the instrument, you'll be able to shame them with tasty lines.

[Vertex]

Originally Posted by Sparkdog

I'm making some assumptions here, but I would guess the friends that are advising you are very young and into metal and that's the basis for their suggestions.

I'll give you another perspective on this, do with it what you will:

You won't always be young, and you may not always be into metal. Depending on your age now, you may not believe either of those things, but hear me out

Tastes change as we get older. Things that were very important to us as youngsters may not be when we're older. Things we thought were so unbelievably uncool can take on a whole new significance.

What's my point? Music is one of those wonderful things that you can carry with you and enjoy your whole life. It's not like pro sports for instance... that's a young man's game for the most part and there is a definitely a shelf life.

With music, you may not be into head banging when you're 40 or 50, and it's quite possible you won't even enjoy that style at that age, but if you have a solid foundation as a musician you can play anything you want and not be bound by a particular style or genre.

Long story short - I would get some instruction and focus on the basics. That means a 4 string bass and traditional technique. Learn that, master it, and THEN take it wherever you feel inclined. Play a 7 string bass with 3 fingers and your toes, whatever makes you happy!

But by having a grounding with some basic theory and techniques you will always have a fall-back position to build from and explore any type of music that moves you, at any age.

2 cents worth for ya.

Let me add a little more detail to my posts :P

I'm not just into metal, and I'm 20, not exactly a very young kid but still pretty young heh.

I like jazz, and slap bass looks interesting, however I'm just working on the metal techniques because they want me to replace their bassist in their band so the bassist can be the vocalist, he seems to have an issue with doing both at the same time, don't blame him, looks complicated.

[abstractart06]

Originally Posted by Sparkdog

I'm making some assumptions here, but I would guess the friends that are advising you are very young and into metal and that's the basis for their suggestions.

I'll give you another perspective on this, do with it what you will:

You won't always be young, and you may not always be into metal. Depending on your age now, you may not believe either of those things, but hear me out

Tastes change as we get older. Things that were very important to us as youngsters may not be when we're older. Things we thought were so unbelievably uncool can take on a whole new significance.

What's my point? Music is one of those wonderful things that you can carry with you and enjoy your whole life. It's not like pro sports for instance... that's a young man's game for the most part and there is a definitely a shelf life.

With music, you may not be into head banging when you're 40 or 50, and it's quite possible you won't even enjoy that style at that age, but if you have a solid foundation as a musician you can play anything you want and not be bound by a particular style or genre.

Long story short - I would get some instruction and focus on the basics. That means a 4 string bass and traditional technique. Learn that, master it, and THEN take it wherever you feel inclined. Play a 7 string bass with 3 fingers and your toes, whatever makes you happy!

But by having a grounding with some basic theory and techniques you will always have a fall-back position to build from and explore any type of music that moves you, at any age.

2 cents worth for ya.

Sound advice. My instructor always reminds me to slow down, and focus on playing cleanly. You can always expand once you are comfortable with the basics.

[Kipaste]

Originally Posted by Vertex

As for the hand size comments, I can reach one finger per fret with my hands, but my pinky can only reach to just beyond the centre of the fourth fret, not all the way to the edge of the fret where I am supposed to put pressure, but the bass I rented is a 21 fret bass, do the 24 fret basses have even larger frets at the bottom end?

No. Longer scale means more space between the frets. Number of frets only means the amount of frets. A 24 fret instrument has three more frets which means you can play three notes higher on the g string, which is practically useless. (Or at least it should be )

By the way, fret is the metal strip, not the space between them.

[Vertex]

Originally Posted by Kipaste

No. Longer scale means more space between the frets. Number of frets only means the amount of frets. A 24 fret instrument has three more frets which means you can play three notes higher on the g string, which is practically useless. (Or at least it should be )

By the way, fret is the metal strip, not the space between them.

Well you get what I mean right? :P My pinky can almost reach the fret where I'm told I'm supposed to press to minimize buzzing and humming (unless that is what I want). So one finger per fret is probably workable for me with some practice.

I was told that 24 fret basses also allow you to play the higher end, like for instance fret 16 to 22, more easily because it's not right up against the body with your left hand.

When they increase the scale of the instrument do they add the extra space in between all of the frets? I hope they do, if they add all that extra space to the end frets then I won't be able to reach one finger per fret at that end.

[becker4567]

Lots of good advice, so I'll just add my 2 cents worth. Start out with a 4 string bass. Wider string spacing makes for easier play, and besides, up until fairly recently, the best rock n roll ever played was done on 4 strings! Try to use 3 fingers right from the start if you can, if it seems a bit much, just use two and work up from there. Good luck, your gonna do great! Oh, and one more thing, don't think you have to start out on a top of the line bass. The best guitarists in the world got their start on pretty humble guitars. Get your technique down first, then move up. It's that stupid quote about learning to walk before you run kinda thing.