Middle Finger too Long

[topaxi]

Hey peeps,

So I've started playing a lot more technically demanding stuff in the last few weeks, and one of the pieces I've learnt is Teen Town. Pretty tricky, a lot of fast runs and string skipping, etc. So in the course of playing through it, when I try to speed it up, I become super conscious of my middle finger being longer than my index finger. It feels super weird. I feel like it's either getting in the way of my index finger, or else dominating my plucking technique.

I guess it'll be fine with practice, but I just want to ask: is this something anyone else has experienced at any point? Or do I need experimental finger-shortening surgery?

 

[two fingers]

Bend your fingers. Raise your middle finger knuckle higher than your index finger knuckle. Done.

 

[Stumbo]

Practice bending your fingers so they line up.

 

[topaxi]

Bend your fingers. Raise your middle finger knuckle higher than your index finger knuckle. Done.

Yeah, that's what I've been trying to do, but it feels weird having different plucking action per finger. The alternative is having my fingers on an angle so they naturally strike at the same point, but that didn't feel particularly ergonomic.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

Your finger are fine, check out the video and see if it helps you understand how your hands work when playing.

 

[Element Zero]

Try alternating index and ring.

 

[Wasnex]

Hey peeps,

So I've started playing a lot more technically demanding stuff in the last few weeks, and one of the pieces I've learnt is Teen Town. Pretty tricky, a lot of fast runs and string skipping, etc. So in the course of playing through it, when I try to speed it up, I become super conscious of my middle finger being longer than my index finger. It feels super weird. I feel like it's either getting in the way of my index finger, or else dominating my plucking technique.

I guess it'll be fine with practice, but I just want to ask: is this something anyone else has experienced at any point? Or do I need experimental finger-shortening surgery?

Between the angle of rotation of your forearm, arch of your palm, and the bend of your knuckles, the tips of both fingers should be exactly the right length. If they are not, adjust your hand geometry and angle of rotation, and then practice slowly to solidify proper technique.

Another factor to consider is how high your palm floats above the strings. This is related to your thumb and the arch of your hand. You may need to find a specific height that works best for your current level of development. Later as you explore more advanced plucking techniques, you may find that varying the height is useful and necessary for creating different sounds.

 

[Wasnex]

Hey peeps,

So I've started playing a lot more technically demanding stuff in the last few weeks, and one of the pieces I've learnt is Teen Town. Pretty tricky, a lot of fast runs and string skipping, etc. So in the course of playing through it, when I try to speed it up, I become super conscious of my middle finger being longer than my index finger. It feels super weird. I feel like it's either getting in the way of my index finger, or else dominating my plucking technique.

I guess it'll be fine with practice, but I just want to ask: is this something anyone else has experienced at any point? Or do I need experimental finger-shortening surgery?

Between the rotation of your forearm, arch of your wrist, and bend of your knuckles, the tips of both fingers should be precisely long enough. If not, adjust the geometry of your hand and arm, and practice slowly until you can develop solid technique that feels natural. Speed will come with time. Best not to rush things .

 

[OogieWaWa]

Same deal here, but no biggie. During songs I'll regularly change up which one I'm using;
I always try to make sure I can play about anything with a different finger. I try to be able to do running 8's with each of the fist three fingers in addition to "running" with the index and bird fingers and the bird and ring fingers to sound consistent. Some times ya just gotta give your plucker a rest!

Edit: the little guy is pretty useless for me because it's a lot shorter, but I use that guy for muting.

So, are most of your hands large like mine? Only XXL and larger gloves fit me.

 

[ObsessiveArcher]

Yeah, that's what I've been trying to do, but it feels weird having different plucking action per finger. The alternative is having my fingers on an angle so they naturally strike at the same point, but that didn't feel particularly ergonomic.

The only time I'm adjusting my angle is to get a different tone. More finger tip/nail for a pick like attack and more meat/pad for a softer approach. Where you pluck the string on your finger will really change the tone.

 

[mrcbass]

OP, I share your pain. It does get easier after a while, but I'm with you on the "different" motion feel. One thing you might try is to take an approach like Stanley Clark, Steve Lawson (and others) - they tend to have their fingers pointing almost at the bridge when they play. This angle can help minimize e the finger length issues. I'm guessing Clark's approach came from his double bass technique, but it can be used outside of jazz.Of course this may more of an adjustment than bending your fingers, but it is a viable alternative. Just something to consider - good luck!

 

[Kukulkan61]

That's a good thing especially for road rage!!

 

[cnltb]

Middle Finger too Long
too long to play bass?!
...I doubt it.

 

[micguy]

I do a lot of fifth and octave double stops. Things that use the other fingers, but the middle one stands proud much of the time. While I'm aware that I'm giving everyone in the place the finger, nobody has ever said anything, and...I play in churches. If I can get away with it, I think you're cool. Nothing to worry about.

Oh wait, you're talking your picking hand. That's different. Yes, it is something you need to work with, and awkward at first when you start to use a second finger, but with time, it'l get easier.

 

[Pirate Captain]

you can always shorten it

 

[Bob_Ross]

Try alternating index and ring.

I picked that tip up from reading an old Fernando Saunders interview; apparently he started plucking with his index & ring fingers for precisiely the reason OP is having trouble with his middle finger. On most people the index & ring fingers are exactly the same length.

tbh though I haven't noticed any advantage to using my index & ring as compared to index & middle...but then, I never felt the length discrepancy interfered with clean, consistent, predictable execution. Sure worth a shot though.

 

[pacojas]

you can always shorten it

measure twice, cut once!

 

[lfmn16]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone whose middle finger and ring finger were the same size. I think you are overthinking this. Practice slowly and accurately and gradually add speed.

 

[Stewie]

MIne is too short. Sorry the picture is so large

 

[ThudThudThud]

These two seem to manage it.