Finger positioning

[nothinglikesun9]

As a beginner, I am having trouble with the following:

Using the (1,2,3,4) finger placement, I find it a hard stretch to get my pinky to the G string. Should I just keep practicing this way?

 

[MalcolmAmos]

That is a stretch for my hands also. If you have to slide a little I see no problem with that. However, keep trying to make the stretch -- but, I'd rather see a little slide that is getting a clean note than doing it by the book and getting a clunker sound.

I bet that is an exercise you are working on - so work on it, with a little practice you may be able to make it.

Good luck.

 

[nothinglikesun9]

Thank-you!

 

[fearceol]

Using the "one finger per fret" (1234) technique can be too much of a stretch for a lot of people...even seasoned players. Only use 1234 on the higher frets (above the fifth), at least until your hands have time to adjust. Even then it can be too much of a stretch.

Use fingers 1 & 4 on the lower frets and use the thumb as a pivot.

Be careful not to over stretch and cause yourself an injury.

 

[nothinglikesun9]

Using the "one finger per fret" (1234) technique can be too much of a stretch for a lot of people...even seasoned players. Only use 1234 on the higher frets (above the fifth), at least until your hands have time to adjust. Even then it can be too much of a stretch.

Use fingers 1 & 4 on the lower frets and use the thumb as a pivot.

Be careful not to over stretch and cause yourself an injury.

So it is OK to use my #1 finger on the second fret?

 

[fearceol]

So it is OK to use my #1 finger on the second fret?

IMO....yes. That diagram you posted is asking you to play octaves. Use fingers 1 & 4 on the lower frets. The OFPF is not a "rule"
as such. It is merely a beneficial way to reduce hand movement. It is a great technique. Just be careful using it on the lower frets.

Here is a video clip that might help :

 

[mambo4]

So it is OK to use my #1 finger on the second fret?

that's how I would do it.
It is very common to toss out one finger per fret when playing the lower frets.
the only rule is don't hurt yourself.

 

[nothinglikesun9]

Huge thanks to everyone!

 

[Bigeyes]

I'd personally use my index finger and little finger (1 and 4) for that exercise. Then going from the B to the Bb on the G string I'd use my little finger and then my ring finger (1 and 3)

If you can't make the stretch now just practice it for 5- 10 minutes a day with a metronome on a slowish speed. Make sure not to over do it and if you feel any pain be sure to stop.
After a few days of doing this you'll notice a big difference as your fingers are getting time to adjust to the stretch. Good luck!

 

[Dennis Peacock]

I agree with others here....this is playing octaves. Fingers 1 & 4 will fit nicely...even with my short-fat fingers. If you feel that playing something is a bit of a stretch, don't over-do it, but do practice it...because in time, you'll start making that stretch fairly easily. This isn't true of all positions....but in this case, it applies nicely.

 

[Mushroo]

Definitely fingers 1 and 4.

Also, it is okay to lift your 1st finger while you are fretting with your 4th (and vice versa).

Leaving your hand locked in a stiff, stretched position is one of the worst techniques you can learn.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Agree with Mushroo. But going back to the original fingering, there is no rule that says you have to leave your "2" finger in place to use the "4". You should be muting the strings as you make the jump. So technically, you shouldn't be stretching anything. At least not much... I don't see the 2 to 4 motion from the A to G string as that much of a technical issue. It's more a matter of controlling it, vice some perceived physical limitation in the hand.

Of course you don't want to injure yourself, but I think bassist tend to make a few too many excuses not to learn to use the pinky properly, and thereby limiting their fingering skills somewhat, but that's just my opinion.