Alternating Technique Question

[ba55i5t]

Thanks, guys. I just want to clarify I am using two fingers. I think maybe the way I wrote things it seems like I'm using three. I'm not.

Ba55, so on a 3 note pattern with a rest in between you'd do (I) (rest) (middle)? I do (I) (rest -- for the middle that should have been there), (I). Is this worth correcting? Is speed the main problem with my method?

Yes I do (index), (rest), (middle). Playing slow is arguably more difficult than playing fast. I play with the same right hand fingering regardless of tempo.

 

[tlc1976]

I believe in keeping the right hand independent of the left hand or the rhythm. Don't get stuck with trying to use a particular finger, it hinders your ability to improvise. I use 3 fingers because it helps with this. After each note, I always have 2 choices for my next finger rather than 1. So I just automatically use which one is more convenient. Every time I play something I'll probably pluck the strings with different fingers and not even pay attention to it. Only thing that's pretty predictable is for repeated octave jumps I'll often keep going 1 and 3. Or if playing something very slow and hard driving, I might use one finger over and over, or all 3 at once.

 

[BusyFingers]

I use the method like that guy Scott on Scott's Bass Lessons on Youtube. Basically the thumb moves down to rest on the string above the one being played and act as an anchor and mute on that string. I like it. I couldn't do the method where the thumb kinda lays across all the strings. It felt too weird -- my thumb is somewhat long and my other fingers short, so the thumb almost felt in the way.

I apologize for blowing through your original post and not noticing you're using two finger technique. Here is a lesson from Scott's bass lessons that addresses this. It may be helpful:

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hey guys.

I've improved so much at finger style over the past year. But one thing I still struggle with is this: say I'm playing 3 notes on one string. Let's say 3 notes on the E string. I start with my index finger, alternate to the middle, then finish on the index. When I go down to the A string, should I start with my middle since that's next in the alternating sequence? I always want to start on the index. It's especially bad when descending (like from the G string moving toward the E playing 3 notes per string). Is there an exercise to correct this if this is incorrect?



Also, after rests, I tend to go back to the finger I used before the rest.
Say it's a note (index), a rest, then a note. The final note I play with the index. I think my brain views the rest as where the middle should have been. Is this wrong? If so, is there an exercise to correct it? Thanks!

First of all. Congrats on the progress. That doesn’t happen without a lot of work

Count me in with the alternating finger group when switching strings. To build up speed I play tjree note on each string going down, a total of twelve notes up, then reverse and go back up the same way you came, alternating fingers for each note both ways. It works better if you make up a scale while doing it. It’s a great way to loosen up your chops.

 

[bassgirls]

--If there is a rest between the string change, then you are already doing strict alternate finger picking, in a sense. One of the things that really fast shred guitar players do to keep in time, is to skip a pick swing on rests, so that they are always down picking on a downbeat. That's why you are relying on your index...it is essentially a down stroke with a pick.

But, even if I misunderstand what you are saying, unless your technique is limiting your playing in some way...then no need to change it. Do what is comfortable.

One piece of advice that I'll give you though...start developing a 3 finger technique for cases that involve odd note groupings. If you rely on your index finger to keep your time, having a competent third finger available will prove very useful from time to time. Also, if you can't already, you might want to develop your pick playing too. Some music is much easier to play with a pick. Having extra options is always a good thing.

Good stuff, thanks catfish.
I started on a pick because playing fast stuff (200 bpm) like punk there's no other option really. But I branched out into a lot of other styles and have been working on the fingers for maybe a year. They're finally feeling great and natural with even attack on both of them. The only remaining "issue" is the one mentioned in this thread. I only brought it up because I was tripping on a few passages here and there and figured each time it was due to the problem mentioned in my first post.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Hey guys.

I've improved so much at finger style over the past year. But one thing I still struggle with is this: say I'm playing 3 notes on one string. Let's say 3 notes on the E string. I start with my index finger, alternate to the middle, then finish on the index. When I go down to the A string, should I start with my middle since that's next in the alternating sequence? I always want to start on the index. It's especially bad when descending (like from the G string moving toward the E playing 3 notes per string). Is there an exercise to correct this if this is incorrect?

Also, after rests, I tend to go back to the finger I used before the rest.
Say it's a note (index), a rest, then a note. The final note I play with the index. I think my brain views the rest as where the middle should have been. Is this wrong? If so, is there an exercise to correct it? Thanks!

I've noticed that Jack Bruce (rest his soul) heavily favored his index finger.
(I recall seeing some three and four finger stuff on occasion. as well. Or was that The Ox?)
Now you need a quick "trigger" finger to do what Jack did, but I don't think anyone would argue that it worked for him.

Now the only thing I have in common with ol' Jackie is the second letter of my first name and fifth letter of my last.
He's my favorite bassist, but I don't begin to even belong on the same planet when it comes to skill.
To that end, I try to alternate two fingers but don't always get there and often use my thumb on the E string.

The point of this is... whatever works best for you, is best for you.