For someone who is relatively new to bass (and finger plucking), is it better to practice a strict alternation of fingers when playing a fast figure, or is it OK to double up on one finger? For example, on the Beatles "I saw her standing there", I find it very easy to play that repeated riff if I double pluck the first two notes with my index finger, but I am having great difficulty getting it up to speed with a strict alternation. Should I be practicing strict alternation, or just go with whatever is working. I'm thinking long-term here. I don't want to develop bad habits for the bass. I already have quite a few from decades of guitar.
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finger style question...
- Thread starter rpt50
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Eventually you'll switch between the two depending on the situation, because both work great.
Some people are faster alternating, some people faster with one finger.
For me, alternating works best when the line moves, and one finger works best when I'm repeating one note.
It is really good to work on alternating though, but fine to just sit and slam that one finger.
Some people are faster alternating, some people faster with one finger.
For me, alternating works best when the line moves, and one finger works best when I'm repeating one note.
It is really good to work on alternating though, but fine to just sit and slam that one finger.
I think you're overthinking it. Just let your fingers figure it out naturally.
Agreed. Since you're thinking long-term and trying to avoid developing bad habits, I think this is one of those cases in which it's best to learn the "rules" before choosing to break them. In this case the "rule" -- i.e., the most widely accepted recommendation -- is to strictly alternate.
You have identified a weakness in your technique.
Yes.
Although you may have to double up on your index finger to play that tune, you really should be practicing alternate plucking. You will eventually gain more speed with practice.
Scott explains all the rationale here . . .
Best of luck
Yes!
After reading the OP I looked up the bass line for that song and spent a few minutes playing it. I actually found it difficult to use one finger for the first two notes and then switch to alternate plucking; I automatically/naturally wanted to alternate right from the start.
I mention this because, although I think strict alternation is usually best, I acknowledge that there are times where a one-finger approach might be preferable. Sometimes I just hear/feel the song a certain way that makes me want to double-up with one finger instead of alternating. For example, if the first two notes of the bass line in question were half-notes, or even quarter notes, before switching to eighths, it might "feel" right to play those first two notes with the same finger. But in this song, which is straight-eighths all the way, I can't think of any reason why it would be advantageous to not alternate throughout.
I think it's a good idea to get started with (pretty) strict alternating. Once you're solid on that you'll probably start to identify lines where it's more ergonomic/natural to use a raking technique like Scott describes in that video.
Agreed, but the issue of raking when descending is a completely different issue than the one O.P. raised.
I also find myself doubling up for the Steve Harris style gallop sometimes if it feels natural. Leading with the index and then going into the gallop..... I, I-M-I, I-M-I, I-M-I, etc
Agreed. In general, any riff or line that involves an odd number of notes raises the question of whether to strictly alternate -- in which case your right-hand fingering reverses each time around -- or whether to double-up on some note in order to keep the same fingering pattern each time around. Another example is "Roadhouse Blues," with the triplet at the end of each go-round. (BTW, same goes when playing with a pick.)
Again, though, this is a different problem than what O.P. raised. That song is straight-eighths so I see no good reason to not strictly alternate.
You should do whatever feels/sounds the best. The one place that you should REALLY be focusing on is figuring out which finger should start the run.
The trick is to practice alternating fingers so you have the choice to do so or not later
If you can’t do it then you’ll never have that option
If you can’t do it then you’ll never have that option
Going strings up alternating, going strings down raking. Or both ways strictly alternating. Both are equally good techniques.
I suggest practicing with alternating as much as possible, at least at first while you're learning the technique. There are situations where it makes sense to use just one finger, for instance if you're plucking a note on the A string followed by a note on the E string you can "rake" your finger down across the A and then the E string while muting with your fretting hand. You might also find on slower passages that you like the consistency in tone you get sticking to one finger. But these are uncommon exceptions, for the most part it's more efficient to alternate between your index and middle finger. Practicing with that pattern as you learn cements it as a habit.
As you develop you'll get a sense of when it works to deviate from that pattern. You might also find instances where you want to play a fast triplet with a three finger "gallop", John Entwistle of the Who famously used this to great effect (check out the bass solo in My Generation to hear an example). So you won't ALWAYS want to use alternating fingers, but it's a good idea to get in the habit of doing that unless you have a reason not to.
JeezyMcNuggles
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Whatever works for you. If it works, it works. If you find yourself stuck, try something different.
Some people play with one finger. Some with strict two. Some with loose two. Some with strict three. Some with loose three. Some with thumb. Some with all.
Do what works best for you, and keep doing it.
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Definitely practice the strict alternation and then choose when not to use it (versus avoiding it because of difficulty). It will get to be second nature!
Dude, that same song is one of the reasons I really went to the woodshed about plucking technique years ago. Parts of the bass line is relentless, and our drummer was bad about speeding it up live which equaled a train wreck for me on bass. It did, however, help me to realize how important breathing is to proper playing technique. I tended to hold my breath during fast passages and cramp up a bit. Concentrate on your breathing while you are practicing. You might be surprised how much it comes into play.
I use three fingers for this (adding ring finger). Once you get the technique down it really is vastly more efficient.
Came here to say this. Learning the correct technique is really important in the beginning.
