New player questions

[Dan Sheets]

Hi Everyone,

Been playing bass for about 2 months - and lurking here for the same amount of time - thought it was time to finally time to join.

Got a couple questions hopefully someone can help with.

I've been following a Gibson book learning scales - and it stresses to use 1 finger per fret. Which is fine - but it's a bit of a stretch on frets 1 to 3. I've been watching youtube players though and I see alot of really good players use there pinky when playing those notes though. Should I really be forcing myself to use 1 finger per fret on every song? In fact it looks like a lot of them use the 3rd and 4th finger together even to fret a note.

Second question is i play with a pick as one of my favorite bands is Motley Crue and love that sound. I've been working on Muse Hysteria (decided to find the toughest song and learn it first) and can play the first part at 50% with guitar pro. 75% speed is almost doable but 100% looks to be crazy - would this even be possible to play with a pick? Also run to the hills is crazy hard for me - is it just a matter of practice and time? Or are some songs too fast for a pick ?

 

[pcake]

don't force yourself to play in any way that makes you physically uncomfortable. i moved from guitar to bass years ago, and i don't always play one finger per fret.

i play fingerstyle, and i used to play very fast by using my index finger, middle finger and ring finger in a fast alternating pattern, but it took me a while to get up to super speed for punk and death metal. i find that playing with a pick is faster once you've really gotten used to doing it. but it takes practice, practice, practice. you need to find the kind of pick that suits you, hold it comfortably in a way where they don't shoot out of your fingers, and then you just need to play slowly till you get it, then gradually speed up. this can take weeks or months if you've only been playing a couple months.

run to the hills - isn't that galloping plucking? i haven't played it since i think the '90s, but i think it is.

 

[Rib 13]

Welcome

I'm primarily a fingers/slap/ tap guy

To answer both questions about 1 finger-per-fret stretch and using a pick to play something, I have the same answer:

Do whatever you like and feels best to you .....Books and lessons are great tools, and I highly recommend them, but what they teach is orthodox ways of doing things (and there are good reasons for this: such as optimizing body mechanics) but there is still no such thing as a wrong way as long as the end result is good. If you can fret with your elbow, and use a booger for a pick, and you play solid and consistent with feel, then you are playing bass correctly...If its better for you to play with your index/pinky between those first frets and to use a pick as your choice of tools, then do it and do it well

Happy Adventuring

 

[two fingers]

Hi Everyone,

Been playing bass for about 2 months - and lurking here for the same amount of time - thought it was time to finally time to join.

Got a couple questions hopefully someone can help with.

I've been following a Gibson book learning scales - and it stresses to use 1 finger per fret. Which is fine - but it's a bit of a stretch on frets 1 to 3. I've been watching youtube players though and I see alot of really good players use there pinky when playing those notes though. Should I really be forcing myself to use 1 finger per fret on every song? In fact it looks like a lot of them use the 3rd and 4th finger together even to fret a note.

Second question is i play with a pick as one of my favorite bands is Motley Crue and love that sound. I've been working on Muse Hysteria (decided to find the toughest song and learn it first) and can play the first part at 50% with guitar pro. 75% speed is almost doable but 100% looks to be crazy - would this even be possible to play with a pick? Also run to the hills is crazy hard for me - is it just a matter of practice and time? Or are some songs too fast for a pick ?

I think you are getting ahead of yourself with the kmnusic you are choosing. Trying to play Iron Maiden right out of the gate is way too hard.

You need to back up and stick to the basics for a little while. You gotta learn to crawl before you can walk. Gotta learn to walk before you can run. Steve Harris bass lines are running. He has one of the best plucking hands in the business.... always has. His plucking technique is "advanced" if you do it right.

As far as your fingers go, use one finger per fret when doing finger exercises. It will serve you well down the road.

Once you start to play a song, don't stress if your pinky gets down with your ring finger. Concentrate on the music.

Use a pick if you like it better for now. But learn how to pluck with your fingers. Be able to do both. I took the opposite approach. I was only a finger snob for years. When I finally opened my mind to a pick, it was hard to learn. Now I play fingers about half the time and pick about half the time.

Welcome to TalkBass!!!!!!

 

[MrLenny1]

At 2 months into bass I would recommend easy material
to learn. A hard tune can discourage you. As always i recommend
a good teacher to start.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Welcome to TB! IMHO use whatever technique necessary to accomplish what's in your mind the easiest way. But I don't mean you should not have a proper technique by any means. When I'm playing down on the neck, I use my pinky instead of the ring whenever it's convenient. One finger per/fret comes in handy while playing fast/intricate melodies and/or when playing high up on the neck. There's no need to put extra stress on your hands/fingers. Good luck.

 

[Dan Sheets]

Wow thanks for all the advice guys.

I do practice some easier stuff as well - I can play quite a few Motley Crue / ACDC / Motorhead songs already.

Any tips for some good beginner songs - but that still push things a bit ? Doesn't matter the style of music - I find myself interested in a lot of bass lines now for artists/bands that I would have never listened to before playing an instrument.

 

[JimmyM]

I learned one finger per fret early on despite having very small hands, and I am very glad I did. I also learned the 5-fret stretch as well, and I'm also very glad I did it. If I don't need it, I don't use it, but when you need it, it really comes in handy.

 

[Marc DLarosa]

Don't take this wrong... and I may be mistaken... but... all of the GREATS, invented themselves, while RE-inventing the bass, while practicing, practicing, practicing!!!
Nothing wrong with learning to play along with these guys. But, who knows... be dedicated, be original, be diligent, and... one day... We may be trying to emulate Your style!!!

JUST PLAY BASS!!!

 

[Karlson541]

Hi Everyone,

Been playing bass for about 2 months - and lurking here for the same amount of time - thought it was time to finally time to join.

Got a couple questions hopefully someone can help with.

I've been following a Gibson book learning scales - and it stresses to use 1 finger per fret. Which is fine - but it's a bit of a stretch on frets 1 to 3. I've been watching youtube players though and I see alot of really good players use there pinky when playing those notes though. Should I really be forcing myself to use 1 finger per fret on every song? In fact it looks like a lot of them use the 3rd and 4th finger together even to fret a note.

Second question is i play with a pick as one of my favorite bands is Motley Crue and love that sound. I've been working on Muse Hysteria (decided to find the toughest song and learn it first) and can play the first part at 50% with guitar pro. 75% speed is almost doable but 100% looks to be crazy - would this even be possible to play with a pick? Also run to the hills is crazy hard for me - is it just a matter of practice and time? Or are some songs too fast for a pick ?

It's a matter of practice, don't force yourself till it hurt, but do train every day with the goal to get there.
You'll be thanking yourself in the long run for doing it right from the start.
Also not everyone has similar physics, you might find that a short scale bass will be more comfortable for you and there are a lot of great options for that out there at the moment.

To your last question it will also be a matter of practice, and yes, no shame in using a pick if you find it suits the songs you play and your playing style better.
You do it right by playing it slow to start with and then slowly gradually speed it up when you feel comfortable with it.

 

[design]

Welcome! And check out Scott’s Bass Lessons on YouTube, I recommend them!

 

[hrodbert696]

Welcome to TB! My 2 cents...

One-finger-per-fret is not necessary, especially on the lower frets. You can use "Simandl" style fingering (see it has a name, it must be legit!), which is 1-2-4, and switch to OFPF above the 5th fret. It's all a matter of what's healthy for your hands - nothing WRONG with OFPF if you can do it, but it's not so essential that it's worth contorting and straining to do.

I don't know the particular songs you're talking about, but I would recommend walking before you run. Nothing wrong with having ambitions, but don't get frustrated over a tune you're not ready for yet.

 

[Wisebass]

Motley Crue / ACDC / Motorhead songs

Any tips for some good beginner songs

Hi Dan Sheets

When you like the heavy stuff, check out Judas Priest!

Tons of "easy" licks, you can practice to get a good right hand technic (try pic and fingerstyle!) and timing,

before you get into heavy metal masterclass.

have fun (up the irons )


may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

[gary mitchell]

I had an accident crush my wrist, I play fine now I suggest don't try and play a song. I sat down and just played scales slow then faster using all my fingers trying to stretch them out. I played scales because trying to play a song all the time bother me, before I was a bass player I was a lead guitarist. Maybe you could try it just play around on the fret board and use all your fingers and stretch those fingers. after the accident I have played in bands metal bands , blues bands and worship over 30 years now. But get your bass sit in front of the tv are anywhere with are without an amp, and just play around on that fret board. are get you a fretless bass and fret not just kidding.

 

[BassAndReeds]

Get a private teacher!!!!

Ok, had to get that off my chest.

1 finger per fret. No! That’s wrong close to the headstock. 1st fret = pointer. 2nd fret = middle. 3rd fret = pinky. Up the neck you can switch to 1 finger per fret. Wherever is comfortable. (Note: there’s not many musical situations where you’d need to play, 4 consecutive frets in a row. So why even bother? Consecutive frets is purely a hand stretching exercise)

Practice at slow speeds. And gradually work up. You’ll get there. As you build hand strength and technique, you’ll be able to play faster.

 

[Wfrance3]

Don’t jump speed too in too big of chunks. 50 to 75 is pretty big. If your song speed changer (sorry about the techno jargon) only has those settings, there are others... the other thing is that it is way better to be 100% at a slower speed and then move up to a faster one. Concentrate on timing and rhythm. That is key. Play with good solid technique and speed will come.

 

[BassHappy]

I learned one finger per fret early on despite having very small hands, and I am very glad I did. I also learned the 5-fret stretch as well, and I'm also very glad I did it. If I don't need it, I don't use it, but when you need it, it really comes in handy.

Hey Dan

Welcome to TB. May you find hours and hours of joy thumping away on the bass of your choice. Your subject in question #1 is controversial at best here on TB, and there will be many differing opinions, many of which I heartily disagree with.

I absolutely agree with Jimmy. If you plan on playing well into your twilight years, it's best to learn proper technique. You shouldn't have to "force" much, but yes, there is a lot of stretching and muscle memory training involved. If you are dealing with a lot of hand cramping and other potentially serious issues, I would make sure that you find the bass that fits you perfectly. Basses are like shirts. They come is S-M-L-XL and even XS and XXL. There are world-class options in every size. Simply find the one that fits you properly, particularly if you are using the four finger guitar technique - and you plan on perfecting the 5 fret stretch.

Players with smaller hands generally have problems with the full four fret technique down in the first position on long scale basses. I started with the basic Mel Bay four finger guitar technique and moved to the Carol Kay bass method shortly after. Last I looked it's called "Bass Guitar". I also took upright lessons at university and learned the 1-2-4 upright technique, which in the end was not useful to me at all - for the more challenging type of music I was playing. I have abandoned that technique completely - for a variety of reasons, but I was lucky enough to have a custom bass made for me in my very early playing years that fit me perfectly. If you are interested in my journey it's documented in another thread here:

3 Finger vs. 4 Finger Technique and Scale Length Issues

Best of luck with all!

 

[Leo Thunder]

I've been following a Gibson book learning scales - and it stresses to use 1 finger per fret. Which is fine - but it's a bit of a stretch on frets 1 to 3. I've been watching youtube players though and I see alot of really good players use there pinky when playing those notes though. Should I really be forcing myself to use 1 finger per fret on every song? In fact it looks like a lot of them use the 3rd and 4th finger together even to fret a note.

Yes, plenty of players do that and I see also plenty of guitar players use mostly three out of four fingers. Quite often it looks like a limitation.
Now, if playing down the neck is a stretch, you'd better find a better solution for that area but learning to play scales with four fingers on four frets further up remains a different exercise, one that will bear fruits when it comes to playing or improvising more than pentatonic things.

 

[APGP]

First question: I recommend playing one finger per fret, if you keep playing for years you will have a better technique down the road, don't fall for bad habits. Your tendons may hurt now but they will get used to that, just don't hurt yourself by trying too hard early on.

Second question: Everything is relative, you find that song hard to play now, you will find it easy some months from now, just keep practicing and you will soon change your mind regarding that difficulty.

Never forget that playing an intrument takes a long time, pacience and hard work, even if you just want to play a couple of cover songs, adquiring the required dexterity is a long process, a lot of people just give up too soon! Almost everything is a matter of time and practice.

I hope this helps, and welcome

 

[knumbskull]

all good advice, I'd add that Hysteria isn't the best tune to be trying after 2 months – not because it's difficult (which it is!) but it's essentially a sequenced synth line doubled on the bass, and the bass part is designed to be played like a synth. Each note is exactly the same in terms of how hard you play it, and how long you hold it. While this is a skill in itself, it's not necessarily the best habit to get into early on.

It's a great bassline and it makes a good technique and endurance exercise – but if you're starting out, it might be better to focus on lines with a bit more dynamic variation.