Which left-hand fingering system do you use?

[Blazemourne]

Do you use the common Simandl system (1-2-4), the 4-finger system (1-2-3-4), or do you use some other fingering system?

I use the 4-finger system which uses all 4 fingers:index(1), middle(2), ring(3), and pinky(4).

[sibass89]

I use a combination of both depending on what I'm playing. I also use a lot of extension in thumb position.

[EFischer1]

And don't forget the pivot. Ah, the pivot.

[TomGale]

That about covers it. I write about the use of the closed hand (1,2,4 = full step), the open hand (1,2,3,4 = minor third range) and pivots in both systems increasing the hand range to a minor third and a major third.
ALSO - the use of the thumb position both above and below the octave.
I think that covers it all.
Tom Gale
ASODB.com

[Mike Goodbar]

I don't think just one system will really cover it.

I started out with Simandl (1-2-4) but only studied formally for about 4 years. For the past twenty years I've been more-or-less self-taught, and found that I've instinctively (or by dumb luck) incorporated 1-3-4, pivots, and thumb-below-octave techniques depending on the demands of the music.

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by sibass89

I use a combination of both depending on what I'm playing. I also use a lot of extension in thumb position.

+1

I try to use whatever seems to serve the music best.

[TomGale]

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

+1

I try to use whatever seems to serve the music best.

Absolutely! The music will dictate which techniques are needed for the best musical result BUT you must have those techniques in "your back pocket" ready to apply when musically needed.
Tom Gale
ASODB.com