I don't see anything unusual happening with his ring finger. It appears to me he is using the standard classically-trained double bass technique.
Last edited:
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Simandl on bass guitar
- Thread starter MtManiac
- Start date
I don't see anything unusual happening with his ring finger. It appears to me he is using the standard classically-trained double bass technique.
I did upright using a 4 finger 4 semitone approach in the lower posistions. Wound up with serious tennis elbow which took me off DB. Went bacj to strict Simandl on DB. Be forewarned.
I have used IFPF on electric bass without problems for 3 decades.. Maybe using arm pressure combined with thumb pressure to fret has something to do with it. In other words, very little muscle used with the pinkie.
I have used IFPF on electric bass without problems for 3 decades.. Maybe using arm pressure combined with thumb pressure to fret has something to do with it. In other words, very little muscle used with the pinkie.
Wouldnt argue with you. My former instructor was a student of Joel Quarrington......
I play OFPF and have put a lot of effort into carefully assessing my fingering/shift patterns for everything I play, including some classic & jazz double bass & violin/guitar/sax solo pieces. I mark the "optimal position" in pencil as I play a piece for the first time, so I don't reinvent the wheel later. I often see a better position option on later play throughs.
The effort into looking at hand position paid big dividends, especially when playing non-bass sheet music.
I hope that some day, Someone will publish a method book for OFPF Bass on a par with Simandl.
The effort into looking at hand position paid big dividends, especially when playing non-bass sheet music.
I hope that some day, Someone will publish a method book for OFPF Bass on a par with Simandl.
Maybe you can do a 5 fret reach, because your body is predisposed to do that? OFPF is absolutely your preferred fretting, but it doesn't mean it's everybody's preferred fretting, and not everybody can achieve a 5 fret reach, OFPF or not.
@JimmyM I’m wondering if now is the time for a Why I keep hammering the Carol Kaye thumb pivot…thread
THIS is a guitar video but I found it particularly helpful with using OFPF on bass as well. A lot of the things he mentions are transferable. One thing that I realized when in was doing this slowly was my tendency to keep my index finger fretted down while fretting with my pinky. For me this created quite a bit of tension in my hand and I gradually started to train myself to release the index and almost roll with my pinky if that makes sense. Hope that some of you find the video useful.
I didn't say you had big hands. The amount of effective extension you are able to generate is something you can do, but not necessarily others. I can't believe I need to explain this, but there are things in life like joint and ligament structures that are unique to people, and there are other things like propensity to rheumatoid arthritis.
Don’t talk down to me like I’m some kind of idiot and not a 45 year professional unless you’re not interested in discussing this topic.
If we can play bass guitar without stretching we are doing it right.
OFPF is not the best method if you can't reach. Don't force yourself, use Simandl and get the job done safely.
Those saying one method is "right" and the other is "wrong" are giving bad advice. We should be able to use both styles where they are appropriate. I'll use Simandl at the low end of the neck and OFPF in the upper reaches, because that works for me. It's also how I see most other guys playing.
Whatever style is being used keep your hand mobile. Never anchor your thumb and stretch for the note.
OFPF is not the best method if you can't reach. Don't force yourself, use Simandl and get the job done safely.
Those saying one method is "right" and the other is "wrong" are giving bad advice. We should be able to use both styles where they are appropriate. I'll use Simandl at the low end of the neck and OFPF in the upper reaches, because that works for me. It's also how I see most other guys playing.
Whatever style is being used keep your hand mobile. Never anchor your thumb and stretch for the note.
This is a very good and very important point. Not just bad, but potentially bad for your health, in some cases.
I’ve never said it’s the answer for everyone. I’m just saying that it’s how I was taught by Dave LaRue, I made it work, and with proper hand positioning, it’s not impossible for MOST. If it’s impossible for you, or you feel more comfortable doing Simandl, fine. I often do Simandl when I don’t need to make a stretch, too. But there are times when it’s been very helpful for me.
My hands are probably smaller.
It's a longshot, but I'm considering picking up a cheapo Ibanez 5 string. Maybe a newer SR305. I've played a couple and naturally Simandl'd on them. In my experimentation, I've learned that I probably Simandl on my regular 30" scale basses without realizing it.
