"BOARD HAND" TECHNIQUE

[lijazz]

I have always played with more of the tip of my fingers of my left (board) hand, however I am noticing that there are some players who seem to be able to glide about the neck while having a technique wherein they use more of the "pad" of their fingers. An example of a "pad" player would be Pino Paladino. While his playing does not really do much for me (please hold you comments, I know I am in the minority on that one) he does seem to move about the board with great ease. Just curious as to any thoughts/comments you have on either playing style.

 

[Stilettoprefer]

Do you play fretless or fretted? If you play fretless you get better tone from using the tips. If you play fretted, then it doesn't matter because the fret bar is what is making the note.

 

[RestInPieces]

+1 for Stilettoprefer

It is much easier to play single notes when you play with the pads of your fingers. If you need to make some insane chord fingerings and play them as chords then it is easier to play with the tips and put your fingers in a (almost) 90 degree angle like guitarists do.

Just my two cents

 

[kr0n]

Yeah with pads you can mute the higher strings with left hand fingers while playing notes. It's pretty natural way, at least for me.

 

[GL797]

You should play with all parts of your fingers. Rocking your finger from one string to another is a very useful technique.

 

[Chris K]

It's important to not consider the fingers seperately from the rest of the left hand issues.

IMHO you should play with the fingertips both on fretted and fretless. Tips are better for accuracy and control. Variation is possible, but tips are the standard.

A second reason is that playing with the pads may lead to stretching the fingers (and not curving them), which often leads to stretching the thumb also, squeezing the hand palm, flexing the wrist, risking injuries in the long run...


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