Fingering question

[Snarf]

So, I've only been playing upright for 2 months, having played electric for about 7 years and studying that as my principle instrument in school. My question pertains to F, Bb, and Eb minor patterns.

I've tried to play F minor tetrachords using this pattern:

1 (F) 4 (G) 4 (Ab), moving the pinky up a half step. This is awkward.

So I've recently been using this pattern:

1 (F) 2 (G) 4 (Ab), stretching the middle finger way out there to cover the whole step. This is more convenient, but it is also a strain on the hand. Keep in mind that I also have pretty large hands.

So which of the two would you use/is accepted?

[ToR-Tu-Ra]

I'd move my hand a half step after the F, so the index rests on the F# and you can play G with the middle finger and Ab with the pinky. That's how I'd do it, but that's just me...

[Chris Fitzgerald]

A lot depends on the range of the passage, but down low on the neck, I wouldn't (in general) play whole steps between 1 and 2; if I did, I'd sure be shifting or at least pivoting. When I play scales down low, I usually group them in units of two, shifting between the units.

[Snarf]

Hmm, thanks for the advice. FYI, all I'm playing is jazz, so walking and soloing. No arco, all pizz.