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Inconsistent Tone Index vs Middle Finger

#21
I have the same issue with upright bass, was reminded in a master class video by Carlos Henriquez that you really need to work on developing even tone between your two fingers, consistently alternating on open strings at 60 bpm starting with quarter notes working up to sixteenths . I've been working on it for a few weeks and making progress.

When I was primarily a bass guitar player, I found that "Bass Fitness - an Exercising Handbook" by Josquin Des Pres was really helpful. 10-15 minutes per day of consistent right hand practice (alternating index and middle finger) made a huge difference for me, as well as increased left hand strength/dexterity. Find it on Amazon.
 
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#24
juggahnaught said:
An alternative way of thinking about it, though - drummers don't get completely identical sounds from their left and right hands. You can use the discrepancy between the sounds to reinforce your rhythms and create accented beats. You can also opt to use one finger for more consistency when necessary (but this only works well, at least for me, when playing slow or simple lines).
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^^^ this. and, to me, the difference between my index, middle, and side of my thumb is just another of many other tone tools I have available in my plucking hand along with position on the string, angle/strength of attack, etc. I never sweat making alternating notes exactly the same. If the song needs that, then I would just use a single finger and approach. I am more likely to try to purposely mix it up to add color a texture. FWIW
 
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#26
try this little exercise to get a little more consistency. play your alternating two fingers on one string but accent every third note. so like: (index and middle)
I m i M i m I m i M i m
you can also do this with your three fingers but accenting every second note, like:
I m R i M r I m R i M r
you get the idea. play around with that
 
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#27
Honestly, I think it’s a natural part of using your fingers to play bass. If you listen to enough isolated bass tracks from legendary bassists you will hear similar things.
There’s a reason virtually every bass amp has a built in compressor and bassists obsess over compressors… it helps smooth out some of the peaks and valleys of multiple fingers while still maintaining the unique sound playing with fingers gives us.
I have no shame in using a rather “squishy” compressor (Analogman Juicer) to make sure my gallops and variations aren’t jarring to the live audience if I pluck too hard or soft.
When I am doing something that requires more precision, stamina, and speed (like Barracuda for example) I will lighten up a little bit as you have been trying, but I, too, like to “dig in” sometimes and comp is my best friend for that.
 
#30
DaveParker39 said:
There’s a reason virtually every bass amp has a built in compressor and bassists obsess over compressors… it helps smooth out some of the peaks and valleys of multiple fingers while still maintaining the unique sound playing with fingers gives us.
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A compressor won’t take away a bright sound versus a dark attack sound. Better to work out the technique first before masking it with a pedal.
 
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#31
Lobster11 said:
No promise that this is the solution, but.... Try turning up the amp and playing with a soft touch. I think the more you "dig in," the more the difference between your fingers (in terms of thickness, bony-ness, etc.) will matter, but if you're only brushing across the tops of the strings with the tips or pads of your fingers -- which is all that's really needed with an electric bass -- the difference should matter less. Also lots of other advantages of plucking softly and carrying a big stick, so to speak.
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Yeah I'm not taking advice on plucking with a soft touch from a guy who plays with a claw. You don't even have fingers, dude!

Good recommendation nonetheless :)

That guy Jamerson had the same issue and being the amateur that he was he chose to play with his index finger only instead of working on his technique...
 
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#32
You are perhaps overthinking this IMO. All fingers are different so what you're describing is perfectly normal. Any attempt to "think" this right will probably just affect your playing negatively IMO. Just keep playing and you will probably adapt your playing technique subconciously over time.

Have you actually gotten any complaints from band members, engineers, etc.? Or is this something that just bothers you when practising alone? If the latter, it might not a problem at all, except in you head. It's one of those things that can seem like a huge issue when you focus too much on it but not really a problem at all when having fun playing will a full band. It's kinda like when you've played a song flawlessly a billion times and you mess up a fill in the studio and then when you're just gonna punch in for those 3 seconds you mess it up 20 times because you get all tense and stressed out about it (don't ask me how I know this, LOL).

My advice: Just enjoy your playing unless this is REALLY an issue (as in "band members/engineer has complained about it").
 
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#34
MidlifeBeginner said:
I have difficulty getting consistent tone with my index versus middle fingers. Middle finger is a lot thicker. Index is more boney. The middle finger is giving that softer tone expected from fingers. Index is close to a light pick.

Ring finger is thick like the middle and gives a similar tone. However, my ring finger has a lot of side curve and is not as dexterous.

Any advice?
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You have a variety of tones. Don't knock it.
 
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#35
juggahnaught said:
I found that using the floating thumb method made my sound more consistent across strings and between my index and middle finger. my plucking fingers aren't perpendicular to the fretboard (they're closer to parallel due to the floating thumb thing) and I think that's actually why I get a more consistent tone between fingers.
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Me too. And one of the things I like about the floating thumb is that it encourages (forces?) me to pluck softly: It's a lot harder to "dig in" when your thumb isn't firmly anchored somewhere.
 
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#38
MidlifeBeginner said:
I have difficulty getting consistent tone with my index versus middle fingers. Middle finger is a lot thicker. Index is more boney. The middle finger is giving that softer tone expected from fingers. Index is close to a light pick.

Ring finger is thick like the middle and gives a similar tone. However, my ring finger has a lot of side curve and is not as dexterous.

Any advice?
Click to expand...
Just play and listen to yourself.
No two fingers are same, even if they were - they can't play in the same spot. That means that through playing and listening to yourself, you will develop slightly different techniques for index and mid finger, so they sound similar.
As for lighter-heavier touch, I recommend you to try and find both for youself, and than settle in the middle, where ever that may be. Later you will need both, as control of tone and dinamics is one of most important skills of any musician.
For now, just try to get consistent good tone.
 
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