One finger

[jacohead]

I see a lot of players that pluck with only one finger even on a fast 16 note groove. Is there an advantage to this ? why do you not use both both index and middle ?

 

[donut]

Because every note will sound the same.

Try plucking a note with your index finger and then the same one with your middle finger. Listen carefully and you can hear they sound different.

 

[PZapdos]

yeah, i pluck one finger cause it sounds the same

 

[Gibbsalot]

This small difference bothers me in some songs and in others not at all. Found it best to have the ability to do both two fingers/one finger. Steady 8th/16ths on small gauge strings really stand out in sound difference.

 

[Gibbsalot]

A good example for me of a song that annoyed me when playing two fingers is:
Tom Petty - I wont back down.
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/tabs/t/tom_petty/i_wont_back_down_btab.htm

 

[guitardefector]

I see a lot of players that pluck with only one finger even on a fast 16 note groove. Is there an advantage to this ? why do you not use both both index and middle ?

I think it's called the James Jamerson technique. He was known for that and I think we all agree he was a "decent" bassist, no??

 

[jacohead]

I think it's called the James Jamerson technique. He was known for that and I think we all agree he was a "decent" bassist, no??

The best Darling Dear

 

[Mikio]

No advantage at all... it's supposed to give a more even tone, but the difference is almost not noticeable... besides, if you play fast with one finger, chances are you're gonna do it with certain strength, which won't help in getting a wide range of dynamics

 

[TheBasicBassist]

If you practice it, you'll be able to play at an even volume while plucking with both fingers.

 

[Elphisto]

I think the one finger way seems to have a better pulse. More of a feeling than heard. Really only applys to if you're bangin out the same note.

 

[MonetBass]

I've been using the one-finger RH technique for over 30 years. Why? 'Cause I didn't know any better. As a result I can play even fast string-crossing stuff no problem. Would I be a better bass player if I learned to play with two fingers? Probably, which I why I've been working on it.

 

[dan stanton]

When you get the three finger roll down,..WHHEEEEE!

 

[JimmyM]

I think it's called the James Jamerson technique. He was known for that and I think we all agree he was a "decent" bassist, no??

yes, but that's no reason others should do it. if james jamerson stuck his head in a fire, would you?

yeah, there are times you might feel like one finger works better than two, but there's absolutely no advantage to using one finger only. jamerson was a super talent, but we're not jamerson.

 

[PZapdos]

i dont see much of an advantage to two over one though, honestly. if it was such a big advantage.. wouldnt you see "experts" using all four fingers?

 

[gratt]

Ever since I really started really locking in with rhythm sections, I haven't looked at my right hand in ages. If you're not naturally using your index for the same sound, then I'd say don't worry about it. Close your eyes, follow some grooves, and let your right hand do the talking.

 

[PZapdos]

i don't think i ever looked at my right hand, always left when i was learning something.

that, and i use a pick 50-75% of the time anyway (for tone reasons, i actually prefer fingerstyle feel wise)

 

[Jools4001]

if it was such a big advantage.. wouldnt you see "experts" using all four fingers?

You do....there are several virtuoso players who do this

 

[JimmyM]

i dont see much of an advantage to two over one though, honestly. if it was such a big advantage.. wouldnt you see "experts" using all four fingers?

you do. but even if some of them didn't, you'd still have to be crazy not to see the advantage of two over one. less work for the one finger, and playing fast is pretty much out of the question with only one. yeah, jamerson did it, but we ain't jamerson.