Fingering

[KevenFox]

Just wondering, as I started to learn this process of fingering the strings I had a thought, why just the two fingers?

I'm talking about normal not slapping, etc.

I decided to not get too complicated so I'm just practicing the two fingers but has anyone done 3, or all 4?

Yes I'm a total newb but I wondered if using all 4 you would be faster, or better?

 

[James Judson]

I use 9. Yes that pinky on my right hand has never been trained. The rest are useful.

 

[PJSShearer]

Just wondering, as I started to learn this process of fingering the strings I had a thought, why just the two fingers?

I'm talking about normal not slapping, etc.

I decided to not get too complicated so I'm just practicing the two fingers but has anyone done 3, or all 4?

Yes I'm a total newb but I wondered if using all 4 you would be faster, or better?

I use 3 fingers as a matter of course - have done since day one more or less - and use the thumb as well when playing octave runs etc.. I have experiemented with all 4 fingers, but with my (and everybody's) pinky being a lot shorter than the rest means it is of limited use, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try it!!.

 

[KevenFox]

Thanks.

As a beginner though I'm concerned I should do it the "right" way for now, you know?

As it is I'm confused about thumb placement since I'm getting 2 different instructions on that, one says thumb on pickup for the E, then on the E for A.... the other says thumb on pickup for E and A then move down....


I'm going with E & A then move down it seems I can reach the A with no problem that way. I've seen some who keep their thumb on the pickup all the way through the strings too.

Confusing!

 

[KevenFox]

Sorry, should this have gone under the Techniques forum?

 

[Flipsnake]

Well, this is general instruction for all bass guitarists, IMO.
And if you want to get confused some more, look up the "Floating thumb technique".
But if you're just learning, stick to the tried n' true "2-finger picking."
When your timing is tight, and you get to the point where two fingers simply are not fast enough for you, then consider the 3-finger approach.
As for "anchoring" your RH thumb, just go for whatever feels good to you.

 

[KevenFox]

Okay thanks, I'll continue with the thumb on the pickup for the top two strings for now.

And yeah I'll keep working with the two fingers, maybe work a 3rd later into it.

Floating thumb technique? Sounds interesting I think I will search it thanks

 

[Buchada Azeda]

If you don't start working with the 3 finger technique, it will be harder to incorporate that in your playing in a while. Same thing happens to bassists who learned on a 4 and want to play ERBs. It takes a long while to get used to them.

 

[KevenFox]

Okay so I should try it now?

Same thing as two right, alternate when going back up to the E?

 

[fearceol]

There is no "right" or "wrong" way to to it. If it works for you, and it's safe (as in it wont cause physical problems later on), then that is the way to go. A lot of people, myself included, get by perfectly well using two fingers to pluck. If you want to use 3,4, or 5, that's your call.

Here is a link for the Floating Thumb technique. It has two advantages, muting the strings, and as the wrist is straight, you avoid possible carpel tunnell etc. problems also.

 

[m_bisson]

I use the floating thumb, but gently anchor it on the last string as well. Just keep that wrist straight and not all twisted up and you'll be good

 

[KevenFox]

Okay thanks, that link is much better than the results of the search I did here, I guess it was meant for me to search youtube or something

I will give it a try with 3 fingers at least, see how it feels.

You guys are so helpful, thanks!

 

[Fergie Fulton]

Follow the link for some ideas to develop.

 

[the general]

i'm trying to learn to play with three fingers now, as i would like to have the ability to play metal without having to use a pick because i don't like them. but its tough since i'm so use to playing with 2 fingers. so make a call, if your trying to tackle genres that are very technical and very quick, such as metal, it might be better to work with three fingers now. but its just my opinion

 

[bass_snake]

I used to use 3 fingers when I first started. But now I only use 2 and sometimes my thumb.

Whatever feels comfortable to you man.

Fred

 

[KevenFox]

Well I tried it, and yes I think I *could* get used to it.

The floating thumb thing I don't know about that one, maybe I'll try that again soon though.

Not sure what I want to play but metal will be some of it, so yeah maybe 3 fingers will help.

Thanks again everyone, will be working with 3 fingers now. So far it's okay but having difficulty alternating i, m, r, m, i etc.

 

[Craig630]

I use mainly two fingers, but generally use three for triplets (r m i).

It just feels right.

 

[cliffbass]

When you start developing at bass.Your third finger will attempt to hit some notes.
3rd finger isn't only for triplets.Its a matter of style.I was using it quit often without having my mind on it.So i discovered it one day.xD (That i was using it.

 

[KevenFox]

Okay 3 fingers is slowly progressing, very slowly. I keep messing up considering 3 is an off number especially keeping in time. My biggest issue is keeping the right hand separate from what the left hand is doing.

Now for the "floating thumb" technique, not sure if I'm doing this right but if I am it's basically the same as before except that for each string I use, the thumb is touching the one above it each time, except on the E string when it's on the pickup. Is this good?

 

[*insertcoolname]

Keep at it man. I started with 2 for the first year and a half and realized that I wasn't going to be able to play top speeds comfortably if I didn't switch to three. Yes it can be done with two but I find it so much easier with three. Start now with three and soon you won't notice you're using them all. And yes, that's how you do floating thumb. I prefer to be two strings above it with a root for the E and A but again, different strokes.