how to get better with two finger plucking technique

[dbsfgyd1]

As a noob bassist, I've been trying to graduate away from the single right hand finger to using two. I think I'm getting better, but it's still frustrating at times. Often times my brain gets confused about which finger to use and they trip over each other. Especially if I try to go too fast. Or else I inadvertently mute a string with one finger while trying to pluck it with the other. That's fun.

So what's a good way to get proficient? How can I train myself to use two fingers effectively?

I spent a lot of time working the kinks. It's pretty easy to alternate between fingers using one string, where the main issue enters is switching strings and making it smooth.

What I did to make this seemless was I played 3 notes on one string alternating fingers, then switching to the next string not using the finger that played the last of the three notes. Start on the E string to A to D to G play the three notes on the G then reverse the process. Three more notes on G then D-A-then 3 notes on E then reverse starting with three more notes on E proceeding to the next string.

The reason I use 3 notes on a string as opposed to 4 is if you go through the whole process, you will find you plucking finger when switching will alternate when you reverse.

What else is important is as you build up speed, to get your left hand coordinated with your right hand, I alternate the fingering with my left hand at the same time using a three fret chromatic scale.

There are some other skills you will need to master, like when to rake, slapping and such, but in general I can't begin to tell you how many hours I spent 40+ years ago developing my technique using this method. I still use it today especially if I haven't been playing much. I encourage you to take this seriously as boring and as mundane as it may be, but it is a great time investment.

Best wishes. I hope this helps.

 

[Jogobass]

I've been trying to incorporate the 3rd finger, like Gary Willis. But I don't practice it enough. I always default to the 2 fingers I've been using all my life when I don't want to think about fingering. So I guess the only way is to actually force yourself to use more fingers. (and persist with that)

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

harris taught me i cant do it with two fingers

Me neither man. Not like that

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Easy, play with your 2nd finger only. Then back to the 1st. Before you know if you will be using both. This skill will come in handy if you injure your 1st finger. Or play so much you develop a blister on the 1st

 

[Jrussblues]

Hand strength/grip strength is important. You can practice 100 times a day but if that is the toughest thing you make your fingers do then it will be harder to get them under control.
Playing closer to the bridge where string tension feels more even from string to string can also help.
Like others have said…practice until you forget what your hands are doing.
Good luck.

 

[HolmeBass]

Practice alternating plucking on one note very, very slowly. The idea is to do it so slowly that you can't mess it up. Make the note lengths and volumes as even as you can.

Just do that for 3 to 5 minutes every 2nd or 3rd time you practice. Keep doing it for months. The rest of the time, just work on learning songs, other technique like fretting, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and the all-important muting. It will start to pay off if you ACTUALLY DO IT.

 

[Dust2Dust]

Take it slow until you get the hang of it and then you will speed up in no time

 

[JanBerisha]

What I do is im just out somewhere or in my house and im just moving my fingers as if they were legs, kind of how @HardNHeavy put the picture in their post, and it also helps me with speed.

 

[Supernaute]

Wow thanks for all the tips guys. I bookmarked this thread and I'll be using it as a reference. So much good stuff here.

 

[SteveCS]

As a noob bassist, I've been trying to graduate away from the single right hand finger to using two. I think I'm getting better, but it's still frustrating at times. Often times my brain gets confused about which finger to use and they trip over each other. Especially if I try to go too fast. Or else I inadvertently mute a string with one finger while trying to pluck it with the other. That's fun.

So what's a good way to get proficient? How can I train myself to use two fingers effectively?

You should begin with a more critical analysis of where and why you technique fails. Typically these fall into three distinct groups.

1. Left/right independence. This is the rub-your-tummy-whilst-patting your-head problem. Left to nature, the right hand will readily follow the left hand without too much mental effort. It feels more natural to use 1/2/1/2 in the right hand to.play something like C D C D with 1 and 4 of the left, than to use 2/1/2/1 in the right. This is a common cause of 'collision' - where the left and right hands need to diverge and the divergence has never been practiced or learnt. You need to break those links.
2. Left/right synchronisation: I've written loads about this, so you might find this link useful. https://www.talkbass.com/search/36164755/?q=Synchronisation&o=date&c[user][0]=270182
3. Inequality between fingers. It almost goes without saying but the two fingers have to be developed as equal members of the team. Index should be equally capable of everything that middle can do, and v.v. That equality extends to tone, attack, dynamics and other articulations, as well as timing accuracy.

So be sure to focus on these areas when choosing right-hand exercises - make sure the exercise actually targets the specific aspect that needs development. Finally, speed and fluency are a product of these things - just 'working on speed' will get you nowhere unless you pick it apart then put it back together again.

Good luck!!