Alternating Fingers

[JBP-Douglas]

As you can see, there are a lot of opinions on this particular issue. The only thing that I can tell you is not to be frustrated: No one was born knowing (Ok, maybe Jaco ). If you're better now, trust your teacher, he sounds like he knows what he is doing and getting you in the right place.

 

[Low Fource]

For what it's worth, I have a teacher that's very similar to yours.

I have only been playing for 4.5 months, and my teacher recommended that I strictly alternate when playing ANYTHING on the bass. It sucked at first, but now it's becoming almost second nature.

My teach even goes as far as making me play lines starting on the index, then doing the same line starting with the middle finger, essentially playing the inverse alternation. It gets really tricky with more complicated lines, but it's nothing I haven't been able to overcome with repetition.

I can almost see the payoff by using this method, so I say stick with it, you'll be glad you did.

 

[g.roy]

i don't think it's an issue at all. i've been playing for five years now and it's only after reading this thread (and then checking my own technique out) that i realised i don't alternate all the time and on some pieces i actually find it extremely awkward to alternate. been raking all this time and i've never failed to learn a piece because of it. aint a problem!

oh and raking definitely looks way cool!

 

[JimmyM]

i don't think it's an issue at all. i've been playing for five years now and it's only after reading this thread (and then checking my own technique out) that i realised i don't alternate all the time and on some pieces i actually find it extremely awkward to alternate. been raking all this time and i've never failed to learn a piece because of it. aint a problem!

oh and raking definitely looks way cool!

Nobody even notices if you're raking or not, so the coolness factor doesn't even enter into it (and believe me, I'm all about trying to look cool). Also, the awkwardness goes away the more you do it. You just have to force yourself past the awkwardness. It definitely makes a difference if you're playing something with a lot of 16th notes and string skipping. Raking will screw you in those cases.

 

[Tony In Philly]

If you have perfect IM and it sounds all rubato, what good is it? If you rake or god forbid, use a pick occasionally, and it sounds great, then who is the wiser? Go for feel and sound when your teacher is not around. I think his discipline is great for now but feel free to find your own technique when the situation calls for it.