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3 or 4 fingers

#21
Febs said:
If you're using 124, your third and fourth finger operate together. How would you propose to use the fourth finger *without* using the third?
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We aren't talking about that, we are talking about the instructor telling him to never use the third finger. So, for bass playing purpose, they finger may as well be chopped off, is what the OP is saying.

The 3rd and 4th finger thing is another topic. As I understand it is from double bass, where the strings are much harder to press down than an electric bass. Personally, on electric bass, I don't see the point in using both the 3rd AND 4th. If the issue is stretching the hand, the stretch will still be in place if you're using 3 and 4 or just 4. If it is a matter of dexterity or strength, this can be built up using the appropriate exercises.

I think new players avoid using the little finger by itself because it is very hard at first and doesn't come along as easily as the other fingers, which in turn makes the finger never develop.

I have absolutely no trouble fretting notes with my little finger, I have built it up to be just as dexterous as my other fingers.


But hey, that is me.
 
#23
In my DB days, I was taught to use all 4-fingers.

When I picked up the electric bass, I transferred the technique.

Never really thought of using 124 or 134 styles.

Everybody starts somewhere and goes from there.

What works for you at the moment is what works for you at the moment.

Oh and I also found out that practicing for hours-at-a-time helped to develop better technique rather quickly. :)
 
#24
"It depends"- on what you are playing as the dave mark video shows. Many, many songs are built around "box" patterns and for a box pattern song the 1,2 & 3+4 together technique makes major sense.
A good example is cumbersome- personally I fret the low F# note with my thumb and then do the whole riff with just 1,2 (3)+4 fingering.
 
#25
I wonder if the whole not using the ring finger thing is a carryover from piano. I had a piano teacher who taught that the ring finger is the weakest finger. Not necessarily strengthwise, but is the least movable of all of the fingers. It doesn't pull back as far as the rest of the fingers.
 
#26
Jeff Bonny makes a good point. Why are you asking for advice on an internet forum? I guess it would make sense if you were just asking only other teachers for their expert opinions. . . But, you really need to trust your teacher. If you can't, then find one who you can trust, and trust them.
 
#27
pica said:
I apologize if this question has been asked. My first instructor had me using all 4 fingers on my fretting hand, one finger per fret which seemed like the normal way to play. Then when I changed instructors he told me that was the wrong technique and that you don't use your third finger. That happens to be the method taught in the Hal Leonard bass books. I was just wondering which way do you play, 3 or 4 fingers.
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Your new instructor has learnt double bass technique and has made the assumption that electric bass must follow the same rules. The ring finger is the weakest finger so is used with the 4th on an upright in first position. There is no need for this on an electric. 4 fingers is perfectly fine.
 
#29
LM Bass said:
Jeff Bonny makes a good point. Why are you asking for advice on an internet forum? I guess it would make sense if you were just asking only other teachers for their expert opinions. . . But, you really need to trust your teacher. If you can't, then find one who you can trust, and trust them.
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He has 2 teachers contradicting each other & doesn't know who to trust right now. There is some good advice in this thread.
 
#33
pica said:
I apologize if this question has been asked. My first instructor had me using all 4 fingers on my fretting hand, one finger per fret which seemed like the normal way to play. Then when I changed instructors he told me that was the wrong technique and that you don't use your third finger. That happens to be the method taught in the Hal Leonard bass books. I was just wondering which way do you play, 3 or 4 fingers.
Click to expand...

Use all 4 fingers ... that being said players with big hands tend to use fingers 1, 2, and 3 the most and players with small hands tend to use fingers 1, 2, and 4 the most.
 
#34
As stated before, if you like the guy for everything else, then stick with him and do your own thing with fingers. You can work on permutations with all four fingers on your own. (If you don't know the term, there are plenty of web sites that explain it.) I would not, however, limit yourself to only one kind of left hand technique anyway. Let's say that right now you are really into old soul music. For the most part, you could probably get away with what your teacher is teaching. But one day you hear some Yellow Jackets, or Dream Theater (or whatever) and just go nuts for it. You are going to need at least four fingers on your left hand (and wish you had more) to pull that stuff off. If you have worked on all four, you'll be good to go. If not, you will have to "re-learn" how to play. And that will suck.
I used to teach. I would never get offended if I suggested something to a student but he took off in another direction. Heck, I would have to say that I learned a trick or two from my students over the years by watching their take on my advice. My biggest problem with your teacher (based on what you are saying) is his "set in stone" way of thinking. Music is fluid. And it is played by individuals. Originality is something to be admired. This guy sounds a bit rigid for my taste.

Good luck figuring this one out. A lot of guys have given you a lot to think about. But don't stress. First and foremost music should be something you enjoy and look forward to. If he begins to take that from you, go to someone else. If not, hang in there and work with the guy.
 
#36
pica said:
I apologize if this question has been asked. My first instructor had me using all 4 fingers on my fretting hand, one finger per fret which seemed like the normal way to play. Then when I changed instructors he told me that was the wrong technique and that you don't use your third finger. That happens to be the method taught in the Hal Leonard bass books. I was just wondering which way do you play, 3 or 4 fingers.
Click to expand...
I fret with my 1,2 and 3 fingers. I'm able to fret the notes I need that way. No pinky action. As long as you are happy with the end result, do it.
 
#38
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Three.
 
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