A simple fingering question

[Mushroo]

How would you play the following 16th notes (repetitive phrase) - tempo 95BPM:
F(1st fret), F#(2nd fret), G (3rd fret), and G#(4th fret)?

It's an unmusical bass line (who would dance to that song??), but I would indeed use the fingering 1-2-3-4 as you are probably fishing for someone to say. 1-1-2-4 and 1-2-4-4 are also common and perfectly valid fingerings. Remember that this thread is all about "what are some creative alternate fingerings for this arpeggio?" so we should be encouraging and receptive to a variety of ideas.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Maybe change the thread title.... this question isn't simple!!!

 

[Mushroo]

Let's say, you are in the studio to record a "funk-ish" disco song with some EWF flavor, and you encounter the following tutti:
(Are you going to start arguing with the arranger about that unmusical bass-line?)

Obviously I would finger it 1-2-3-4 because that's what the TAB says and I can't read standard notation.

 

[Mushroo]

I am confused by that TAB... when you get past '5' and start using right-hand fingers, do you start counting from the thumb or the pinky?

 

[Mushroo]

My non-silly answer is: That Jeff Berlin exercise is absolutely perfect for practicing the 1-2-4 method, and I would probably practice it both 1-2-3-4 and 1-2-4 (if I practiced technical finger exercises, which I don't) so that I would have more tools in my toolbox.

 

[Febs]

@Whousedtoplay, I think we are all aware that some people use and recommend the OFPF technique. When you just post random links to other people's work, it really doesn't lead to a productive or interesting discussion. Can you discuss -- in your own words, and not by copying from someone else -- why you advocate the one finger per fret method, and why you think it is better than the 124 technique?

 

[Dogbertday]

I usually just let my hands go do their thing (i double on upright, btw). If I have trouble making a passage musical I go back and analyze my technique and probably try different options.

 

[Clef_de_fa]

It's an unmusical bass line (who would dance to that song??), but I would indeed use the fingering 1-2-3-4 as you are probably fishing for someone to say. 1-1-2-4 and 1-2-4-4 are also common and perfectly valid fingerings. Remember that this thread is all about "what are some creative alternate fingerings for this arpeggio?" so we should be encouraging and receptive to a variety of ideas.

Doesn't need to be musical or be a groove, it isn't art it is academic stuff. Otherwise I'm 100% with you

 

[neckdive]

(P.S. Don't worry about my posting exercises. I'll remove them shortly)

I would suggest you leave the exercises up for others to see. I think these visuals are valuable for people interested in learning alternate fingerings. When I first started bass, I only wanted to play unlined fretless after fiddling around with fretted basses for several months. Because of the need for precise intonation with the fretless, I struggled with the decision of whether or not to use 1 2 3 4 or 1 2 4 mainly because my hand didn't quite stretch enough and have the strength to do 1 2 3 4 at first position and still be in tune. So I forced myself to play 1 2 4 even though I didn't feel like I wanted to do it long term. After about a year 1 2 4 helped me build 4th finger strength while my hand and fingers stretched to the point where I can play 1 2 3 4 from first or second position with index and 4th finger stretching to first and 5th respectively.

One of the first "real" basslines I learned when I was a beginner was 'I Will Survive' by Cake. Playing the octaves was very comfortable playing with my first and fourth fingers. But now, when I play it (which is rare), it feels awkward in that it feels like my 4 fingers are crammed inside the 2 frets. Doing the octaves feels more natural now with 1 3, even at first position since my hand has stretched over time.

I write this in hopes that others in a similar situation may recognize that playing 1 2 4 is perfectly fine but that it may be a temporary thing until your hand stretches and becomes stronger in which case 1 2 3 4 may feel better. But if 1 2 4 fits your hand better then by all means continue to do it.

 

[Imaginary Pony]

In my own words:
The Double Bass/Upright Bass - a vertical position instrument, the bass guitar - a horizontal position instrument; therefore, they are two different "animals", with all related technique/intonation issues, problems, and/or solutions.

I guess Bill Wyman Didn't get the memo...
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SXI9xWkTQ...aJ--syBjc/s1600/Bill-Wyman-Rolling-Stones.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_SXI9xWkTQ...aJ--syBjc/s1600/Bill-Wyman-Rolling-Stones.jpg

 

[Imaginary Pony]

Lame and boring, but I guess you like it.

Whether I like it or not is neither here nor there. Insisting that an EB must be played horizontally and OFPF is merely Taliban style Orthodoxy.

Where would Jazz, Rock 'n' Roll and Punk be if everyone had to conform to some rules about what "should" be done?

 

[sean_on_bass]

Am i the only one who would replace all the 5th fret notes with an open string? That's how i would play it.

1-open A-open D-3-1

 

[sean_on_bass]

I didnt always like to use open strings, but was forced to when i started on double bass. Now its just become how i play, whether on DB or electric. Helps a ton when you can use an open string to avoid a big shift. Thanks for the exercise!