Is switching fingers on a note considered bad technique?

[HawldieMPB]

It's better to plan ahead and already be on the right finger. That's really great technique. But, sometimes that doesn't work out and if you have the dexterity and wherewithal to set yourself up for the your next move by switching fingers, then I don't think that's anything to be ashamed of. It's good to have many tools, many solutions.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

It probably shouldn’t be your primary technique, but if needed to make a phrase work - especially if you have smaller hands - go for it. But I would see if I can work out fingering to just get where I want to be in the first place.

 

[somegeezer]

It can be useful, but it's worth looking into your position each phrase and thinking if there's a better way to finger it from the start.

 

[bassliner50]

In general, yes I would say the finger switch is problematic. There may be rare occasions when it could be an advantage but I can't think of one.

 

[4dog]

just do it..if ya have to !!! jeez

 

[Fletz]

Using the same finger to move across never felt right to me for some reason. I could never get a clean transition so I always walked with a different finger.

Refer to the video I posted below, but at 1:15 is where I do the technique I'm describing in my original post while also walking to a 4th\5th using a different finger.



I can't find a cover of the song I'm learning, but here is me playing another Coheed song where I use the same technique.



Right at 1:15 of the song is where I actually do what I'm describing and swap fingers.

Two comments - loves me some Coheed. And holy spider fingers!

 

[lfmn16]

It's one more thing to think about and one more thing that can go wrong. I'd suggest re-evaluating your fingering to see if you can't find a better way to play the part.

 

[The Nameless]

I do this naturally, but I don't make a point of it. It just happens. I just took a month to learn 17 Smiths tunes for a tribute band. Those of you who know the Smiths know Andy Rourke's playing is not text book, but certainly in the "high degree of difficulty" column, especially if one had never heard or studied the Smiths. His position shifts are quick, repetitive and in time. To do many of his "tricks", I had to employ and practice the OP's technique a lot. Especially switching from pinky to index to increase my speed and reach up the neck. When I caught myself doin it over the years, I'd practice it, tryin to get the finger switch and next phrase as seemless as possible. I never go in to a tune with the idea I must employ the technique. But my hands seem to naturally draw upon it when necessary. With a bit of intent practice I understood what my hands were attempting to do, and I let em go to work. And? Don't tell anyone, but I also rake strings with my plucking hand. Supposedly a bad technique, but one I see pros use all the time. Your hands will, in general, do naturally what you need to get a job done. Once we learn what our hands are doing, it's up to us to practice it til it becomes invisible. I can employ the technique anytime, now. But I let my hands tell me when it's necessary.

 

[Slevage]

If it works, it works BUT
Learning the instrument with a good teacher who uses a “method book” will eliminate the need to use that technique.

As lessons progress, the exercises venture into more difficult note passages and fingering, making those things second nature to a well rounded player.

Another plus is that you can learn to read standard notation along the way.
You can get sight reading gigs as well as gigs that don’t require reading at all.

 

[dab12ax7ef]

When I find myself in that situation, I think, “whew, glad I pulled that off without a problem.” I’d try to avoid it unless it’s really necessary for the line. It’s pretty easy to lose the note and have to pluck it again. Same way my former teacher stressed avoiding 1-1 down shifts and 4-4 up shifts. It happens, but it might not be the best practice.

 

[BassChuck]

I use it a good bit. Mostly when I'm sight reading a chart and realize I need my hand in a better position for the next phrase. So, I probably don't use it as much with music I'm familiar with.
It is an extra movement that might mess up your timing if not done smoothly. So, probably not a good technique to plan to use.
But... it is an advantage with a fretted instrument. Yea, you can do it on fretless, but the chance of messing the intonation is very present.

 

[Andy Daventry]

I've seen Jack Bruce do it.

 

[DuckSoup]

Thanks for the feedback guys. A healthy mix of opinions on this one. I'll try to get better about not doing it, but on some songs I play, it almost feels like I have too.

Two comments - loves me some Coheed. And holy spider fingers!

Yeah, Zach Cooper is one of the biggest inspirations to my playing.

And I have no idea what spider fingers are. Is this a good thing?

 

[GBBSbassist]

Unless you lose some of the sustain when you switch fingers, I can't see an issue with it.

 

[RustyAxe]

Seems like you're dexterous with the ability to plan ahead. Can't see a down side to that. Whatever gets the job done without inflicting injury, I say

Pretty much what I would have said. Fingering choices depend on where you are now and where you need to be next. Whatever makes it work.

 

[joebar]

I needed to use this technique in the studio recently for a recording.
All of the songs were in closed keys (capo).
Some songs I needed to get up the neck and so I did exactly this out of necessity. I didn’t have the benefit of open strings to make the jump, so I had to switch fingers on the same note here and there.
Totally legit; whatever gets the job done.

 

[Nev375]

I do it when I have to.

 

[pappabass]

its ok. As long as you can change without making the sound change. It is not avoidable especially when you fret with your 1st finger & have to walk down a couple of notes. A better technique would fret with your middle finger as a starting point.

 

[mrjim123]

Seems like you're dexterous with the ability to plan ahead. Can't see a down side to that. Whatever gets the job done without inflicting injury, I say

+1. I do it and don't see a problem as long as you press finger 1 before lifting finger 2. And if we have to name it how about "dynamic digital transition". .

 

[mrcbass]

I do it sometimes, mostly for a position shift or when I'm figuring out my fingering for a line.

Watching your video, I don't see any technique issues or at least your is way better than mine! As is with any other thing bass technique related, there's no right and wrong - there's getting the job done. Yes there are things that some people find better/easier/more efficient than others, but if it's what you need to do to play a line, then no sweat. I didn't feel that your substitution interfered with the flow of the line, and you did seem to use it to accommodate a string jump (up tot he B string).

I agree that if you were doing it to cover up a weakness, that would be wrong. I don't see that to be the case for you. I honestly would not even have noticed it if I hadn't been looking for it and indeed had to watch that segment a couple times to spot it.