BILLIE JEAN

[Ruknrole]

How do you play the F# and C#? Pinky and ring finger or pinky roll?

 

[bass12]

I usually play the line staccato so I lift my pinky. If I’m holding the notes for their full duration then I use my pinky and ring finger. I’ll sometimes play an octave double stop for the low F# but not always.

 

[Lagado]

I'd rather the independent feel of the pinky and ring, it sounds more defined.

 

[CallMeAl]

I always play both notes with my ring finger, individually (not rolled.) Just felt natural that way

 

[Watchootognbout]

Ring finger roll for the F# and C#.
Index for the E and B.
No effort.

No pinky was used.
Although I could.

 

[sean_on_bass]

I always roll the pinky finger. Ring could work too but i tend to go to 1-2-4 fingering that low on the neck.

 

[ZainyBass]

I've always played those first two notes with my ring finger, as I tend to keep 4-finger positioning all the way down the neck, and I guess what I do for the articulation would be considered a "ring finger roll." I just tried the "pinky and ring" fingering after reading this post, and it works well too. But I've been doing it with the ring for years, and I think just easier that way, pinky or ring and rolling. As long as you play the first note long and the second short, which is how I've always heard it.