Finger Positions - Related to box Patterns & Frets ?

[MonetBass]

Cool, thank you!

No problem. And I just noticed that the diagram uses flats and sharps together, which can be confusing.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Any particular reason you'd play a scale that way instead of the box pattern like mentioned in my previous post or is that personal preference?

Well, I don't want to get too complicated with it, but if you start studying modes (the shapes, that is, not the application) you will find that if you use the 3 notes per string fingering, it makes it easier to navigate the bass, meaning it's easier to get around the fretboard because all the mode shapes fit together like puzzle pieces. This fingering is called "Application fingering"

Check this out: This example is in the key of G major.
Play the F# with your 1st finger, then play the rest of the G major scale in your "box shape" that you already know, with your 2nd finger on the G on the 3rd fret. The fingering on the E sting is 1-2-4.

So when you play all of those notes, starting with the F# at the beginning of the scale, up to the C on the G string, be aware that what you just played, using 3 notes per string is the Locrian Mode shape. The Locrian mode starts with the major 7th of a scale. You can also clearly see that the box shape "lives inside" the Locrian mode shape. You only have to add one note (the F#) to turn that box shape into the Locrian Mode.

OK so, if you leave out that F#, then you are back to your original box shape which is the regular ole G major scale. Now play that G major scale using the fingering I showed you, starting with the 1st finger. So now, you know two different ways to play the same major scale, which is more information you can use. The three notes per string gives you more one note too.

Using Application fingering, you can see that the Locrian mode sits right next to the Ionian (major scale) mode. So as exercise, starting on the note B, 7th fret of the E string, play the Locrian mode using application fingering. Now starting on the note C, 8th fret of the E string play the Ionian mode using application fingering. Now you have begun to learn two different modes. How about that!

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Any particular reason you'd play a scale that way instead of the box pattern like mentioned in my previous post or is that personal preference?

IMO double bass is played differently than the 4 fret, 4 finger method as the DB is much larger than an electric. I think it really boils down to how you were and in our case how you are being taught. So yes personal preference does enter into what is used.

I think you have to chose one and learn that one. Later if you want to expand your skill level you can always move into something else.

Case in point. Learn how to sound the string using the thumb, pick or fingers. After you have one down get another down. No point being a one trick pony, but, we do have to focus on one right at first.

 

[Spin Doctor]

IMO double bass is played differently than the 4 fret, 4 finger method as the DB is much larger than an electric. I think it really boils down to how you were and in our case how you are being taught. So yes personal preference does enter into what is used.

I think you have to chose one and learn on that one. Later if you want to expand your skill level you can always move into something else.

Hey Malcom, FYI, the fingering I was explaining is for electric, not double bass. But when I do rarely play upright, I use the same fingering. There's no reason for me to play it any differently.

I'm not sure if you are trying to say the fingering I was explaining is for DB, but it is not.

 

[Mushroo]

I've never really understood the whole "position" thing because it seemed pretty arbitrary. But I must admit that I've not given it a lot of thought.

Where I've seen "positions" used the most is in classical guitar sheet music. It is a way for the composer to convey some of the same information as TAB, but using standard music notation.

I don't see "positions" used much in bass sheet music. More likely (if the composer wishes to indicate specific fingerings, as opposed to leaving it up to the performer) there will be two staves, with standard music notation on the top staff, and TAB on the bottom staff.

 

[mambo4]

Wow I was completely wong about what DB positions were.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Wow I was completely wong about what DB positions were.

Yeah I was too. Like I never knew there was a 2 1/2 or 3 1/2 position...

 

[TomB]

OP, I finger the G major scale the same as you do on electric, avoiding open strings (was taught that way in the mid-sixties). I've seen the fingering that locates finger 1 on the root before, but never found a reason to adopt it. ...different strokes, I guess, and no one right way to do it, that's for sure!

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Hey Malcom, FYI, the fingering I was explaining is for electric, not double bass. But when I do rarely play upright, I use the same fingering. There's no reason for me to play it any differently.

I'm not sure if you are trying to say the fingering I was explaining is for DB, but it is not.

Was not talking about your post. Just a statement that fingering for the DB can be different than for an electric. Point being how we do the fingering is kinda left up to us.