Alternate fingers or raking does it really matter?

[Groove Master]

Do i really need to be conscious of how im playing finger style? I'm trying not to think about it...

But does it really matter if i alternate or rake.. as long as my playing is fluid it shouldnt matter how i do it right?

It depends on if your hear the raking or not. Very often the sound won't be equal when raking and this is a big avantage of alternate fingers.

 

[FretlessMainly]

Conversely, matching up the raking with the inflection of the line (particularly in syncopated passages) makes for a naturally-dynamic pulse that can add texture to the final product.

 

[JimmyM]

Conversely, matching up the raking with the inflection of the line (particularly in syncopated passages) makes for a naturally-dynamic pulse that can add texture to the final product.

I don't see why you can't do that with SA. I do it all the time.

 

[Fuzzbass]

But the simpler, groovier stuff is so much better raked. YMMV

This is the crux of the issue for me.

I'm a groove/support player for rock/R&B bands. I'm sure there are benefits to practicing SA even if you don't use it... just as there are benefits to reading music, playing scales with a metronome, yadda yadda. If my goal was to be pro musician I would do all of the above and then some, but going pro has never been my goal. The mediocre skillz I've developed after 30-odd years are enough to keep my weekends booked with gigs, and that's how I like it. IMO raking is groovy so that's how I roll.

 

[JimmyM]

Well ad least you admit it, Ken. Gotta respect that.

 

[KingRazor]

I use whatever feels most natural for what I'm playing.

 

[Duke21]

Jimmy, i appreciate your feedback and help...

Heres my main concern though... to keep a long story short i shattered my right arm in 8 places in a terrible snow boarding accident 10 years ago.. (still have 2 plates and 45 screws in there)... I'm lucky to even have an arm!!!!...

But my goal it so use as much economy as possible...and it seems raking does expend less energy...

But after messing with SA all day today... i like it so much better but my arm gets tired way faster
I mean its possible to play fluid and fast using rake right?
hmmm..

Sorry to hear about your arm. I am no expert in racking or SA.... I cant even play 16th notes with my fingers.... as I like to play with a pick and have 99% focus develop my skill on this aspect. But regarding your arm getting tired, it is an endurance thing, so keep on messing with SA, endurance will come.