Double Bass Parallel notes, which fingers?

[gabehizer]

As a fairly new bassist, when reading exercises or transcriptions I try to work out the fingering first. But I'm stumped if I should use two different fingers when playing on adjacent strings at the same position (is that "legit"?), or "bar" one finger across the two strings. I assume it may depend on the speed of the piece and the desired amount of legato/connection between the two notes.
Any tips from experienced players most welcome!

 

[skwee]

I don't think it matters a ton--finger strength might have more to do with it than "correct" procedure.

 

[AGCurry]

As a fairly new bassist, when reading exercises or transcriptions I try to work out the fingering first. But I'm stumped if I should use two different fingers when playing on adjacent strings at the same position (is that "legit"?), or "bar" one finger across the two strings. I assume it may depend on the speed of the piece and the desired amount of legato/connection between the two notes.
Any tips from experienced players most welcome!

Both methods are "legit," and your assumptions are correct. The "barre" method may facilitate smoother legato string crossings, while the two-finger method may not require as much stamina when you have repeated figures of those two notes. A lot, too, depends on the notes preceding and following. In general, consecutive notes a fourth from each other will be played by the same finger. Assuming the first note is in tune, the second note will be as well.

 

[g-dude]

Assuming the first note is in tune, the second note will be as well.

For sake of argument, suppose that first note isn't in tune...

 

[chilensko]

Totally legit!..I remember seeing photos at the Rabbath's Method and I was ***!! then with time I realize that is posible....your middle finger can go over your index playing the next string.
I'm talking in the upper register

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Hal Robinson calls these 4th crossings “pull bars” (ascending) and “push bars” (descending). I can’t make legato push bars work, but will occasionally use a pull bar. Most times, I prefer to finger each note to ensure legato crossings.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Personally i do both depending on the situation. I used to think barring was a bad practice but i've come around to using it pretty frequently. John Clayton approved, so that was enough for me