Question on LEFT HAND according to Rabbath

[Nivaca]

Hi,
Reading the 3rd vol of the Rabbath method, I find this:

The use of the other fingers to support the one pressing the string is reassuring, but it will remain an obstacle to developing great technique. [p.IX]

Does this means that (for example) if I need to play in the G string a C in the (Rabbath) first position I should only use the pinky, without using the other ones behind it as in Simmandl?
Or if I need to use the middle finger, does this means that the index finger shouldn't be backing it up?

[SirFunk]

While i don't study Rabbath... I believe what this is saying is that it is OK to keep your fingers down on notes behind the note you are playing, (ie. if you are playing C on the G string with pinky, you can have your middle on B and index on Bb)... What the real point is, is that you should not double up fingers, like placing your 3rd finger ontop of your pinky to help press it down....

I think that's what he means, however i'm not a rabbath student.

[Johnny L]

Originally Posted by Nivaca

Does this means that (for example) if I need to play in the G string a C in the (Rabbath) first position I should only use the pinky, without using the other ones behind it as in Simmandl?
Or if I need to use the middle finger, does this means that the index finger shouldn't be backing it up?

Yes it means this but you need to keep in mind certain points:

Rabbath doesn't use heavy strings that are extremely hard to stop it reduces facility
Rabbath doesn't set his bass up with high action it reduces facility
Rabbath isn't about the muscles of the hands and body doing any more work than necessary it reduces facility

If you can't stop a string anywhere on the neck with the pinky alone it's no crime it just reduces potential for greater facility on the bass as far as Rabbath is concerned

[Nivaca]

Originally Posted by Johnny L

Yes it means this but you need to keep in mind certain points:

Rabbath doesn't use heavy strings that are extremely hard to stop it reduces facility
Rabbath doesn't set his bass up with high action it reduces facility
Rabbath isn't about the muscles of the hands and body doing any more work than necessary it reduces facility

If you can't stop a string anywhere on the neck with the pinky alone it's no crime it just reduces potential for greater facility on the bass as far as Rabbath is concerned

Thanks a lot.

[MKoby]

For his method, Francois has said the weight of the arm, directed through any single digit should be able to fully stop the note.

Therefore, yes.