Proper technique for playing notes on same fret / different strings

[acbert]

What is the proper technique when I need to play (as an example) F on the D string/3rd fret then C on the A string/3rd fret. If I try and play it with the pad of my finger under the nail I can't move fast enough. The answer could be that it will come in time as my technique improves. OR... do you use the part of your finger more towards the first joint to play the F and then the pad under the nail sits properly over the C so all you do is rock the finger to cut off the F and play the C? I guess I could use the middle finger to play the C but it's rather awkward.

I'm using my index finger in this example as the rest of the lick is played on the 5th fret.

 

[Stumbo]

I try different ways and, like you said, based on the run, you need to use the finger that gets you set up for the next note(s).

 

[pbass74]

use the part of your finger more towards the first joint to play the F and then the pad under the nail sits properly over the C so all you do is rock the finger to cut off the F and play the C

Based upon what I read in your post, this is what I would do. You bar your finger across the two strings and roll it back/forth whichever is the right direction for the order in which you are playing the strings. Then, your 3rd or 4th finger is free to hit the next note on the 5th fret. Different techniques work better in different phrases.

 

[geesharp]

Middle finger on F and index finger on C, pinky or ring finger on the 5th fret.

Or if you want to do it with one finger, cover D and A string with your index finger...just like if you're playing C chord on guitar, where your index finger on A string on the 3rd fret and the middle, ring and pinky fingers on D, G and B strings on the 5th fret.

 

[Russell L]

One reason I like a Jazz Bass neck is that the narrower nut width makes it easier to rock back and forth from one string to another, especially near the nut. A Precision neck feels too wide to me.

 

[mambo4]

Fretting without strain and maintaining relaxed accuracy is what 'proper technique' should focus on, not absolute rules about which finger goes where.

The exact fingering I would use depends entirely on what comes before and after the F and the A in the bass line.
Sometimes It would make more sense to barre both notes with my index, or any other finger.
other times it would make more sense to use one finger per string and stop each note individually.
Any of these choices can be 'proper technique'.

It all depends on which fingers are available after the preceding passage, and which I fingers I need free for the upcoming passage.

 

[JRA]

mambo4 's post has you covered. good luck sorting out your 'technique(s)', OP!

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Major scale box showing scale degree numbers and the root note on the 4th string.
...Index...Middle..Ring…..Little
G|---2---|-------|---3---|---4---| 1st string
D|---6---|-------|---7---|---8---|
A|---3---|---4---|-------|---5---|
E|-------|---R---|-------|---2---|4th string
Want the G major scale put the R on the G note 3rd fret and the correct notes for the G major scale will fall under hour fingers automatically. Want the C major scale put the R over the C at the 8th fret. Or move the pattern to the C on the A string .

This box pattern is also known as the one finger per fret pattern. Run your scales a zillion times using the box, that should do it.

After awhile the fingers start making the decision as to what finger gets the next note. Start with the major scale box and then let the fingers decide. Yes I was not kidding, it will take about a zillion times before the fingers start deciding what finger gets what note.... But you gotta start somewhere.