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Is the Cliff Burton way right?

A

ALiP BoB

Sep 6, 2006
2,775
11
The little red dot on the map.
#1
What pedals can I get to sound like him? :hiding:

I kid, I kid. :p

I was wondering if starting out fretting with 3 fingers is appropriate (Index, Middle, Ring) is right.
Will there be disadvantages in the long run?
I have trouble fretting using the pinky although I know it is an extremely common problem from beginners, I also have trouble REACHING strings and frets using it.
I am quite comfortable using the three fingers thou.

Suggestions, thoughts, advice please. :)

Also, (Off Topic)
I don't get why the Black album isn't included in most people's list of "Only METAL Metallica albums" (you know, Kill em all up to the bassles.. er, I mean, Justice for all) Is it because it is commercial?

Just putting it out there... :o
 
#2
Just make an effort to get that pinky involved as often as possible. It will be the last finger to cooperate with what the brain is wanting it to do, but will pay off in the long run. There are plenty of good exercises you can do to help.

Here is an easy one to get started on: play the first four frets, one at a time, one finger for each...then move up one so that you start on the second fret, then the 3rd fret, 4th and so on until you reach the 12th.

Fret- 1 2 3 4
Fngr- I M R P

Then


Fret- 2 3 4 5
Fngr- I M R P

Then just do it backwards.

Fret- 12 11 10 9
Fngr- P R M I

Fret- 11 10 9 8
Fngr- P R M I


Then go to the next string and repeat the whole thing. Start slowly and try to be as accurate and even as possible...a metronome would help here, the speed will come in time.
 
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#3
ALiP BoB said:
Also, (Off Topic)
I don't get why the Black album isn't included in most people's list of "Only METAL Metallica albums" (you know, Kill em all up to the bassles.. er, I mean, Justice for all) Is it because it is commercial?

Just putting it out there... :o
Click to expand...


It's not a question about commercial or not.

The Black Album plainly isn't metal, simple fact. No fast solo's, heavy distortion, complicated musical structures like in Master of Puppets. Just plain hard rock.

When Metallica went rock with the black album, theyr'e music reached a lot more people, therefore suddenly considered commercial.

Metallica in the 80's: the best speed-metal band ever
Metallica in the 90's: very good hard rock, almost Metallica easy listening edition.
Metallica now: whatever you want to label that crappy rock thingy they are doing now

Sorry to went OT also. :) Thought I should clear this up with my opinion. ;)


About playing like Cliff. Practice, practice...
If you stumble upon a chord he uses, train your fingers to it. Play something else and the try to grab that chord as fast as you can again.
 
#4
Another tip: when you play a chord involving your pink, try rocking your hand so you distribute pressure ong the strings when they are plucked or picked.

With training your pink will be stronger and more flexible.

Careful not to break anyting. :D
 
#5
ALiP BoB said:
What pedals can I get to sound like him? :bag:

I kid, I kid. :p

I was wondering if starting out fretting with 3 fingers is appropriate (Index, Middle, Ring) is right.
Will there be disadvantages in the long run?
I have trouble fretting using the pinky although I know it is an extremely common problem from beginners, I also have trouble REACHING strings and frets using it.
I am quite comfortable using the three fingers thou.

Suggestions, thoughts, advice please. :)

Also, (Off Topic)
I don't get why the Black album isn't included in most people's list of "Only METAL Metallica albums" (you know, Kill em all up to the bassles.. er, I mean, Justice for all) Is it because it is commercial?

Just putting it out there... :oops:
Click to expand...
Cliff barely ever used his ring finger. Plus, in live videos it seems like he's using his right pinkie, but he isn't. As a child he unfortunately got trauma to that finger and it was left very weak, so rather than try to hold it in a fist like all other players he just let it drop down. Plus, it looks like a devil horns salute, so it's awesome.
 
#6
Man, I'm just rolling though from the double bass forums, but what a weird question. :D

My pinky is way easier to use than my ring finger, especially if I have to use both. Close to the nut on the DB, you don't use the ring finger, generally (I do, but my technique is iffy at best :D ).

That said, use all four fingers for bass guitar. I dunno Cliff or not, but there is no reason not to use all four on a bass guitar, so go ahead and get used to using it, cause you'll want to use it for sure if you play for very long at all.
 

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