Inconsistent Tone Index vs Middle Finger

[iiipopes]

Review classical double bass pizzacato technique: turn your wrist in slightly so the thumb is a little bit under the fingers of the hand and articulate the notes a little bit to the thumb side of the index and middle fingers instead of straight on, and slightly curve the hand and fingers, thinking more press than pluck, like you are "drawing out" the tone from the strings. This does several things:
1) it keeps the articulation from being harsh, like a harpsichord jack plucking the fingers compared to the smoother articulation of a felt covered piano hammer;
2) it evens out the difference in length of the index and middle fingers a little bit so that there is more inherent consistency;
3) it keeps the hands relaxed, which also improves consistency and overall tonality.

 

[Les Fret]

I don’t disagree that trying to improve technique is a good idea, I just think naturally we are gonna have a decent amount of variance.

Depends on how much the variance is If it annoys you it is too much.

 

[jimmydean]

I think you can get a million dollar government grant for that or just ask your girlfriend .

 

[micguy]

3 finger technique is really hard to do right. Your physical build is fighting you - to play with 3 fingers, the middle finger has to curl up, so it's compromised. The ring finger just isn't as strong, so you're in trouble with 2 of your 3 fingers. Lots of folks pluck with 2 as a result - you can set up your hand at a bit of an angle, so the index and middle fingers are both fairly straight - ergonomically, 2 is better then 3 for most folks. Yes, 3 can be a bit faster, but you have to really work at it, and 3 will never be as consistent as 2 for most folks.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Make sure your nails are very short. A slightly longer nail and your tone will sound a bit brighter.

It's certainly easy to be consistent this way. I have my nails just longer than fingertips and vary the angle of playing so I can use pads or nails as required, but it's sensitive to fingernail length and sometimes a bum bright note rings out, usually ring finger.

 

[SteveCS]

...
Any advice?

The main point is that you are hearing the difference. There are no specific exercises or techniques here. But there is a method, and that is listening. The thing is that, because your (everyone's) individual fingers are different, the movement of any given finger will be different to achieve the same result. The secret is to find ways to make each finger sound like the other, and visa-versa by listening. Play a single note - any note in any position - with one finger. Listen and consider all aspects of that note - attack, volume/dynamic, tone/timbre. Now try to replicate all of those things with the other finger. Try to become aware of the differences in inputs (speeds, angles, pressures and so on) between the fingers that lead to the same outcomes. Repeat for a whole range of attacks, dynamics and tones. Then repeat using the other finger to set the target.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

3 finger technique is really hard to do right. Your physical build is fighting you - to play with 3 fingers, the middle finger has to curl up, so it's compromised.

As noted before, turning the amp up can help. For me the ring finger issue is that due to the angle, that's the one most likely to result in nail contact when not wanted.

It also depends on how you play. I like polyrhythms so I am to go 1, 3, 2 over 4/4. and 1, 2 over 3/4. I don't actually like 1, 3, 2 over 3/4.

No ring finger plucking for me today as I seem to have cut it. I am not sure how!

 

[-Asdfgh-]

I'll still sometimes use just my index finger for certain things, but I really don't give in much thought.

If I use just one, I am almost always just giving it the middle finger, so to speak. I've caught myself playing just with the ring finger before, but there I probably have a particular tone in my head and my brain has selected the ring finger as the optimal choice.

For octave runs I might also use thumb and middle finger - it just seems easier.

My hands know, for the most part, what to do on their own.

They seem to do the job on your videos! Although what impresses me most is how you learn the parts apparently so easily and quickly.

 

[brianrost]

There are some studio pros who swear by one finger/one string (playing all the notes of the bass line on one string with the same finger if possible). In that circumstance consistency is much easier achieved.

That's what I do when I want a very consistent tone in situations like pumping roots.

As others have noted, turning up the amp and playing with a lighter touch helps but the real answer is to just practice. Do exercises on single strings starting at slow tempos and concentrate on keeping the tone consistent. Keep the material simple, like playing the open strings for 5-10 minutes then doing the same with single fretted notes on each string, before working into moving up and down the string.

Over time, pick up the tempo and start working across the strings. Consider using a metronome to keep track of the tempos as you increase them and keep a log. Pay attention to your finger alternation and experiment with the tonal effect of putting less or more of the meat of the finger on the string as well as changing the dynamics (crescendos and decrescendos). Practice straight time as well as shuffle/swing and triplets.

A related exercise for tonal consistency is working on moving your right hand closer to the fingerboard as you move to higher strings and vice versa. This helps with the common problem of the D and G strings sounding thin and twangy compared to the E and A.

P.S. Another technique to try is using the index and middle together as a "fatter finger". I do this sometimes when playing long notes (halves and wholes) at slower tempos.

 

[Paul New]

Not bass related but I have issues with my middle finger when I’m driving.

Most people here are afraid to do that.

 

[g-dude]

Try living in California.

Done that as well! California is a magical place where stop signs are suggestions, and “close enough” constitutes a stop.

Frankly, the NJ lane change method is a powerful thing…

Simply put on your blinker and change lanes. The other cars will get out of your way if they know what’s good for them.

 

[Element Zero]

Done that as well! California is a magical place where stop signs are suggestions, and “close enough” constitutes a stop.

Frankly, the NJ lane change method is a powerful thing…

Simply put on your blinker and change lanes. The other cars will get out of your way if they know what’s good for them.

Blinkers? Nobody knows what that is here… or their blinker bulbs are all burnt out.

 

[SteveCS]

Blinkers? Nobody knows what that is here… or their blinker bulbs are all burnt out.

Here in Blighty, blinkers are put on horses to restrict peripheral vision. Perhaps that is what @g-dude meant?

 

[tbz]

Practice more, while specifically focusing on even-ing out the tone between them.

I’ve been there. There was no magic bullet. I just had to put time in.

 

[lermgalieu]

Practice more, while specifically focusing on even-ing out the tone between them.

I’ve been there. There was no magic bullet. I just had to put time in.

Exactly. Keep playing and focus on consistency and it will come. A lot of it is sheer finger strength and agility, which requires a lot of boring repetition. Playing in a rock band helps.

 

[LowActionHero]

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.

I've heard people say downstrokes sound more consistent than alternate picking. I've heard drummers say one pedal sounds more consistent than double bass. I feel it's a skill that can be developed, whichever way you choose. Same with fingers, you can go with one finger or you can work on making two or more sound even. I think it's worth the work to learn both ways. (or all the ways) more tools in the toolbox as they say

 

[JazznFunk]

Make sure you are pushing down, thru, and INTO the string with the pads of your fingers, kinda like you're trying to scrape something off of them, versus 'plucking' and 'hooking' at the string with the fingertip. I used to play with more of a pronounced bend in my right hand when I started, and it yielded a thinner overall tone because it made me 'pull' at the string with the tip.... it also caused the difference in length between the 2 fingers to be more pronounced, affecting the tone, thinning it out. I adopted Pino Palladino's technique as I progressed.... arm and wrist pretty much straight, which means no weird angles trying to contact each string.



Video quality isn't good, but you can get the jist here, especially with the super zoomed in shots. Make sure the pads of your fingers are doing the work... not the tips of your fingers.

 

[Bassamatic]

When pedaling 1/8 or /16 notes, many of the super pros use only one finger, just for consistency. Of course Jamerson did it for everything!

 

[Ben Esparza]

Try playing with your fingers perpendicular to the strings, if you weren't already. So as to have the same angle of attack across both fingers.

That angles your wrist at an extreme angle a la Stanley Clarke when he plucks. That might be the short route to carpal tunnel syndrome of your plucking hand.

The tip of my index finger was partially amputated when I was 11 years old. A patch of skin was grafted from my arm. The nail is now hooked from the trauma (looks like a COPD patient's nails) with the cuticle past what's now the tip. So...I can make a pick sound without playing with the pick. However, there's enough pad on that fingertip to give me a softer pluck if needed.

I embrace the difference and utilize the ability to vary my tone.

 

[Lobster11]

That angles your wrist at an extreme angle a la Stanley Clarke when he plucks. That might be the short route to carpal tunnel syndrome of your plucking hand.

Agreed. With all due to respect to the great Mr. Clarke, it makes me wince to watch him play like that. He must've been born with good carpal-tunnel genes to have lasted so long. Not everyone is so lucky.

The tip of my index finger was partially amputated when I was 11 years old. A patch of skin was grafted from my arm. The nail is now hooked from the trauma (looks like a COPD patient's nails) with the cuticle past what's now the tip. So...I can make a pick sound without playing with the pick. However, there's enough pad on that fingertip to give me a softer pluck if needed.

I embrace the difference and utilize the ability to vary my tone.

Kudos to you for turning the proverbial lemons into lemonade. Personally I'd probably just play exclusively with a pick.