Fingering Hand Technique

[JW56789]

I always look at various picking hand techniques as more tools in the tool box to pull out when it seems correct. I predominately play fingerstyle with 2nd/3rd fingers alternating, occasionally include the ring finger for certain things.

I'd heard of guys like Jamerson or Dusty Hill who were one-finger guys, and remember Chuck Rainey's comments about one finger in certain things. I'd regularly thought 'one finger? how am I gonna get around like that?'. Then I actually began to try it (this is where I hear my mother saying 'How do you know you won't like it if you won't taste it' . . . ), and in certain spots, it did give me a certain sound that was a little different than two fingers. OK, now I get it.

I just think the more things I can draw on for this or that, the better my chances of getting it good.

I wasn't there, so I have no idea about your teacher. I've had more than a few, and while I never minded tough but encouraging ones who were really out to help me, it can get a little hard in spots. If that's the case here, I can live with that.

But, I really got tired of 'Little Hitlers' where their personality and ego was on full display at my expense. IF that's the case, you can bet your Crazy Uncle JW would certainly show the man one finger as I was leaving.

 

[Ric5]

50 Ways To Play a Bass (Number 42 will BLOW YOUR MIND) - YouTube

 

[JamesDeGrandis]

IF that's the case, you can bet your Crazy Uncle JW would certainly show the man one finger as I was leaving.

Ok... Now back to the index finger!
And Repeat...

 

[Les Fret]

When you start with one finger technique as a beginner it is very hard to unlearn this. I have seen it too much when teaching. That’s why you should focus on two finger technique right from the start. Be it alternating or raking, that’s less important because both are valid.

When you are more advanced you can do whatever you want.
It doesn’t matter what Jamerson did because we ain’t Jamerson. And he didn’t have to play Havona.

 

[chris_b]

. . . . My bass instructor (an accomplished guitarist) insists that I must alternate fingers and never use the index finger consecutively. I can use my index, middle and ring finger but never use them twice in a row.

Seems like this guy is trying to teach you the "right" way to pluck the strings. I'd say that would be the correct approach if you were a learner, but as a veteran who has already developed all the bad habits and short cuts, maybe that opportunity has long gone. . . . or maybe it hasn't. Does he see your technique holding you back?

I wouldn't think learning to alternate fingers is a bad thing and focussing on different techniques should be good for your overall playing. I'm an old dog and I learnt a lot of new tricks when I had bass lessons a couple of years ago. They were my first lessons in 50 years of being a bass player. Some of the lessons were eye opening and good to know, some were a challenge and a few were difficult, but they were always a step forward. That's what I wanted, what do you want out of your lessons?