• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

I've had a realization today.

T

Tupac

May 5, 2011
2,644
366
#1
I've used 1234 classical guitar fretting since shortly after I started playing. It made things a little awkward, but the real problem started when I was getting pains in my left wrist a few months ago. Playing lighter helped, but that conflicted with the inner sound I wanted. But now, I've seen the 124 fingering light. Standing up is no longer an obstacle to me, in fact, standing up with 124 is even more comfortable than sitting down with 1234. Ah... so comfortable! And even my muting has improved since I find my hands naturally sprawl across the strings as I play.

So, the realization I had is that no matter how widely accepted the "correct" technique, it's not a skeleton key that will apply to everyone. Actually, it's merely a springboard to help you find your own technique that fits the way your brain wants to play. Considering how different we all play (scale choice, aggressiveness, ect.) there's simply no such thing as one technique that fits all. So do what's comfortable!
 
#4
I've been given feedback by instructors that my technique was "wrong" in a couple of areas, and their "right" technique is either painful or just doesn't match my physiology. It used to irritate me quite a bit, but now I just focus on playing and enjoying making good music.
 
#5
Teachers often teach "cookie-cutter" technique. This is unfortunate. In my teaching methods classes we read books by pedagogues, Ivan Galamian and Shinichi Suzuki as well as studying body mechanics. All of these stress do what is correct and natural for each student. You start with a baseline concept and adapt as needed. That DOES NOT mean you just allow the student to do 'what feels good'. I often have a student stand and sit with their instrument so I can assess their natural bone and muscle structure in the hands, arms, and shoulders.

And you are very right - 1 2 4 is a very comfortable fingering in the lower positions and has been used by classical players for hundred of years.
 
#7
I mostly play 124. I can do the 1234, 1 finger per fret 'rule' on guitar no problem. But it never worked for me on bass. My fingers just aren't all that long and it just cranks my wrist to the point of risking an injury. I also shift position a lot instead of stretching for the most part. If I'm in a higher position I might stretch, might use the ring finger more, or sometimes an arpeggio type of phrase might work better off the ring finger for a certain note in there. But 124 is much better for me ergonomics wise and endurance wise. I don't like 'rules.'
 
#8
MostlyBass said:
Teachers often teach "cookie-cutter" technique. This is unfortunate. In my teaching methods classes we read books by pedagogues, Ivan Galamian and Shinichi Suzuki as well as studying body mechanics. All of these stress do what is correct and natural for each student. You start with a baseline concept and adapt as needed. That DOES NOT mean you just allow the student to do 'what feels good'. I often have a student stand and sit with their instrument so I can assess their natural bone and muscle structure in the hands, arms, and shoulders.
Click to expand...
Thank you for this point. It doesn't have to be a dichotomy between "this is the only way to do it" and "do whatever feels good". Starting with a principle, then wisely adapting it to the individual is definitely the best approach.
 
#9
Is 1-2-3-4 actually taught to be the right way by... anyone ? :eek:

OK for people with big/supple hands and higher up the fretboard... in the lower positions, not so much.

Having said that, I'm 2-3-4 at the moment as I've broken my index finger!
 
#10
topo morto said:
Is 1-2-3-4 actually taught to be the right way by... anyone ? :eek:
Click to expand...
Of course it is! Both my teachers taught it, and my last teacher, Dave LaRue, taught it with a 5-fret span! I have the smallest hands of any male I've ever met, and I have no problem doing it. Having said that, unless I need it, I usually just use 1-2-4 ;)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back