I used to assert my middle finger dominance when someone cut me off in traffic...
I've calmed down with old age.
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Is This A Major Problem?
- Thread starter Mr Cheese
- Start date
I used to assert my middle finger dominance when someone cut me off in traffic...
I've calmed down with old age.
Glad someone posted a Scott Devine video. He’s so helpful with this sort of thing.
If you haven’t before, I can’t recommend enough the 2-week free trial at Scott’s Bass Lessons. His technique course addresses all of this very specifically and methodically. In 2 weeks, my entire approach had been transformed. And now, it’s almost impossible for me to try and go back to my old habits.
This is a limiting habit that I recommend breaking ASAP. You can do it, but you have to be diligent about it and practice it very slowly. I suggest a strict regimen of alternating fingers only, never any raking, and practice patterns that force you to skip strings with both. For the first couple weeks it will be insanely awkward, and then it'll get easier, and one day you'll notice you're doing it no sweat.
I know some great players who like to lead with their middle finger. Dave LaRue for example. There's no rule that says you can't. But he can lead with both because he's practiced leading with both for a very long time. When I took lessons off him, he forced me to strictly alternate fingers, and I told him that this one thing he had me doing made me end up having to start the same phrase with different fingers due to the strict alternation. He replied, "Good. Get used to leading off your phrases with both." So I did, and I'm a much better and cleaner playing bassist for practicing the strict alternation and learning how to lead with both fingers.
The impression that I get is that you're trying to run before you can crawl. You've allowed these habits to develop because you're not disciplining yourself to avoid them. You're trying to play stuff that's fast, which is fine, but you need to slow everything down to a crawl, really take a look at how you're doing things, and practice them at a slow enough speed that you can pull them off. The first thing I would do is practice strict alternation and eliminate any sort of raking, any sort of using the same finger for two notes in a row, and take it at a painfully slow speed for a good while, and the speed will eventually come. But you've got to replace your bad habits with good, not ask for permission to stay with your bad habits
Yes, it will cause you to suck for a little while, and then it will make you better than you ever were.
Wrong. The only old dog who you can't teach new tricks to is one that refuses to do them. If you wanted it bad enough, you'd do it.
I never think of it, I just do it. Play the part, play it well, but for the love of God (like everything in life) do not over analyze it.
Thank you all for the great advice!! I'll definetly practice the exercises some of you posted. The only question I have is; should I still practice the songs at full speed so I won't get rusty? Or strictly practice these alternating exercises?
Unless you're forced to play those songs in a band at full speed, then don't worry about full speed. Like I said, the speed will come, but bad habits will last a lifetime until you force yourself to break them.
Not in a band right now, but my guitar buddy will be bummed that I can't jam with him for a while.
He'll get over it when you end up so much the better for itNot in a band right now, but my guitar buddy will be bummed that I can't jam with him for a while.
Just play. Who cares what finger you use?
I honestly have no clue what plucking finger I use. It just works out naturally. I don't even think about my right hand.
My guess is what comes naturally wil be faster.
I want to believe that, but you've given me no example or story to back up your statement.
There are a ton of exercises you can find on the inter webs and also stretching, strengthening to isolate your less dominant fingers.
On a related note my middle finger is dominant when I am driving sometimes.
On a related note my middle finger is dominant when I am driving sometimes.
I would suggest practicing the exact opposite of what you’re good at. So for a month only practice starting and leading with your index finger. Then after a month start mixing leading fingers again. You have to be able to do both.
1. Cheese is saying it's a problem for him.
2. Geddy is not asking for advice on Talkbass.
3. Geddy doesn't do the things he does because of bad habits. In his case, it's a conscious choice he made.
4. Cheese ain't Geddy, and I think if you asked him if he was, he would deny it.
5. The idea that there is no right or wrong is feel-good stuff that doesn't apply when you're having a problem.
I don't judge, broOK, so not a great excuse. The truth is, I suck.
I'm glad to have anyone in the ranks, and skill level is unimportant as we're all part of the family. If you're happy, I'm happy.
Yeah man. You know as well as anybody that when it comes to music there's no reason to argue for any type of limitations.
Correct. And by and large, most limitations are caused simply from ignoring bad habits we have or not realizing we actually have a bad habit. Bad habits can be unlearned and replaced with good habits, but it does take a little discipline and repetition of the good habits. Not saying I don't have any bad habits because I have a flying ring finger on my left hand, and I have to work at it to remember not to let it fly around. That said, it's gotten better but I do still have to be conscious of it when playing more difficult stuff.
Show me 2 people that play the same. Geddy uses just index most of the time. According to some here, that is wrong and he needs to practice alternating fingers.
Don't need a story. Everyone plays different. That in itself means there is no single way to play.
