Switching from OFPF to 1-2-4 Left Hand Technique

[Debaser4635]

Hi — small-handed bass player here. I’ve been playing for about three years using the one-finger-per-fret (OFPF) technique.

I recently had a lesson where my teacher recommended switching to 1-2-4, and it’s been going well so far. There’s definitely been a learning curve, but I feel like I can play faster in the lower frets without hand pain or having to over-stretch my pinky into awkward positions.

I do have a couple of questions, though. When playing three notes across four frets on the same string—say a triplet like G, A, Bb—should I play the G with my index finger, the A with my pinky, and then shift my pinky to the right to play the Bb again? That approach doesn’t sound as clean as when I’d play it using OFPF. In songs with a lot of these three-notes-over-four-frets patterns, it also feels like there’s a lot of movement happening between my index and pinky. How do players who use 1-2-4 typically handle this?

Also, I know many players use 1-2-4 in the lower register (roughly frets 1–7) and then switch to OFPF higher up the neck. Does that transition take a while to get used to? It seems tricky to switch between the two techniques, but I’m guessing it just takes time.

Thanks!

 

[Slevage]

I’d use an open G string.
If the key was 1/2 step higher, I’d use two strings unless the bass line warranted a slide.

 

[Kevin Hailey]

Hi — small-handed bass player here. I’ve been playing for about three years using the one-finger-per-fret (OFPF) technique.

I recently had a lesson where my teacher recommended switching to 1-2-4, and it’s been going well so far. There’s definitely been a learning curve, but I feel like I can play faster in the lower frets without hand pain or having to over-stretch my pinky into awkward positions.

I do have a couple of questions, though. When playing three notes across four frets on the same string—say a triplet like G, A, Bb—should I play the G with my index finger, the A with my pinky, and then shift my pinky to the right to play the Bb again? That approach doesn’t sound as clean as when I’d play it using OFPF. In songs with a lot of these three-notes-over-four-frets patterns, it also feels like there’s a lot of movement happening between my index and pinky. How do players who use 1-2-4 typically handle this?

Also, I know many players use 1-2-4 in the lower register (roughly frets 1–7) and then switch to OFPF higher up the neck. Does that transition take a while to get used to? It seems tricky to switch between the two techniques, but I’m guessing it just takes time.

Thanks!

I generally avoid shifting up with the pinky. G A Bb I’d play as 1 2 4

 

[Wasnex]

Hi — small-handed bass player here. I’ve been playing for about three years using the one-finger-per-fret (OFPF) technique.

I recently had a lesson where my teacher recommended switching to 1-2-4, and it’s been going well so far. There’s definitely been a learning curve, but I feel like I can play faster in the lower frets without hand pain or having to over-stretch my pinky into awkward positions.

I do have a couple of questions, though. When playing three notes across four frets on the same string—say a triplet like G, A, Bb—should I play the G with my index finger, the A with my pinky, and then shift my pinky to the right to play the Bb again? That approach doesn’t sound as clean as when I’d play it using OFPF. In songs with a lot of these three-notes-over-four-frets patterns, it also feels like there’s a lot of movement happening between my index and pinky. How do players who use 1-2-4 typically handle this?

Also, I know many players use 1-2-4 in the lower register (roughly frets 1–7) and then switch to OFPF higher up the neck. Does that transition take a while to get used to? It seems tricky to switch between the two techniques, but I’m guessing it just takes time.

Thanks!

I think a lot of people use OFPF in higher neck positions and switch to 1,2,4 (Simandl) in lower positions. I generally used use OFPF in lower positions but certain minor patterns can overtax my hand, especially if the pattern is repeated over and over across the lower 4 or so frets.

I may revert to Simandl. Another option is to use a four finger technique that involves microshifts to avoid over spreading the fingers This generates different shifts and fingering than OFPF. If you are proficient in OFPF this may be a better option for you long term...however you may be on your own as far as developing it, unless you can find a teacher who uses it.

I too find it confusing to switch back and forth between OFPF and Simandl. So I prefer to use OFPF when I can and that is what I default to. When necessary I choose a different option, which may involve working it out

To play a triplet G,A,Bb on the E string using Simandl fingering, I would usually default to 1,shift 2,4

However, the choice can depend on where you are coming from and where you are going.

Other Simandl options:
1,shift 1,2
1,4,shift 4
2,shift 2, 4
4, shift 1,2
4 shift 2,4

Default 4 finger technique with microshift (MS)
1,MS 3, 4

The microshift may involve pivoting on you thumb. It may also involve keeping angle of the thumb and shape of the hand remain relatively fixed. The trick is to apply only light pressure with the thumb. You should actually be able to play without using the thumb at all. Adding light pressure with the thumb increases stability. Use only enough pressure with the thumb to achieve the desired stability.

I think there are inaccurate believes about whether 3 or 4 is better. Simandl teaches that the 3rd finger is weaker than the 4th. I don't believe this is true all the time...perhaps it's true for some but not me. With OFPF I think I use 3 way more often than 4.

Other 4 finger options
1,3,MS 3
1,3, shift 1
1,3 shift 2
1,shift 2,3
2, shift 2,3
2, shift 3,4
3, shift 1,2
3, shift 2,3
3, shift 3,4
4, shift 1,2 (same as Simandl)
4, shift 2,3
4, shift 3,4

There are more options. but you get the idea.

You generally avoid putting two shifts together.

 

[Whousedtoplay]

I generally avoid shifting up with the pinky. G A Bb I’d play as 1 2 4

For me, it's so easy and simple - 1 - 3 - 4.
Playing as 1 - 2 - 4 for G A and Bb

 

[Debaser4635]

For me, it's so easy and simple - 1 - 3 - 4.
Playing as 1 - 2 - 4 for G A and Bb

So you're saying you only use OFPF?

 

[JonathanPDX]

I also have small hands, but I don't really see how 1-2-4 is going to do anything but limit you. How are you tackling lines like Teen Town without ever utilizing your ring finger? Or even doing standard walking lines, like G major to D by playing G B C C# D. That seems like it would be far more awkward without using your third finger.

 

[Whousedtoplay]

So you're saying you only use OFPF?

No. I'm not saying that you ONLY USE OFPF.
I'm just expressing my vision about that particular case of G A Bb on the E string.

 

[Zooberwerx]

So you're saying you only use OFPF?

The neat thing about Simandl is there are situations where you have to "break out" to 1-2-3-4. Play some scales (major & minor) on 2 strings and find the fingering which works best. Simandl is conservation-of-energy but a staunch adherence to 1-2-4 is simply not practical in all applications. Also, play a 3rd's exercise (1-3, 2-4, 3-5, etc.) in both styles and get back to us.

Riis

 

[Lobster11]

I think Scott Devine got it right when he said in one of his videos, "Use OFPF when you need it, not when you don't."

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

I cannot resist encouraging a TBer to check out Joel Quarrington's LH technique. Total relaxation, total freedom, totally applicable to EB. For your example I'd probably play 1-3-4, but it really depends where on the board, what happened before, and what's happening next.

 

[BassicJazzy]

One finger per fret, unless something else works better. I have small hands but do not find I'm overstretching in lower register, or in minor key, by keeping pinky in the mix. I don't use my pinky much in the upper register above the 15th fret, it doesn't extend well up there. Probably wrist angle is an issue?

I play long scale 4 string basses, i.e., shorter scale than those of you who are playing fivers or multi strings. Never played one, so don't know what would work best on those.

I agree about not using pinky to do shifts. 2nd or 3rd fingers work much better.

 

[Element Zero]

I think Scott Devine got it right when he said in one of his videos, "Use OFPF when you need it, not when you don't."

Yup. Never had real “lessons” when I started playing in the 90’s but I naturally adopted this method of using OFPF and 124 after another bass player suggested I try using different techniques and position changes/shifts when I first started learn upright. Been that way ever since.

 

[fdeck]

I also have small hands, but I don't really see how 1-2-4 is going to do anything but limit you. How are you tackling lines like Teen Town without ever utilizing your ring finger? Or even doing standard walking lines, like G major to D by playing G B C C# D. That seems like it would be far more awkward without using your third finger.

Most upright players use 1-2-4 exclusively, and get around just fine. I played 1-2-3-4 for a few years before I finally got a teacher, and he switched me to 1-2-4. It was awkward for maybe a few months. Now it's second nature. I'm glad I learned it before picking up upright. Of course the noticeable thing is that there's a lot more shifting, and most of my work was on shifting exercises.

The walking line would have a shift.

 

[JonathanPDX]

Most upright players use 1-2-4 exclusively, and get around just fine. I played 1-2-3-4 for a few years before I finally got a teacher, and he switched me to 1-2-4. It was awkward for maybe a few months. Now it's second nature. I'm glad I learned it before picking up upright. Of course the noticeable thing is that there's a lot more shifting, and most of my work was on shifting exercises.

The walking line would have a shift.

Upright has physical limitations that aren't present on the electric bass. 1-2-4 makes sense on the upright. OFPF is the most efficient way to play the electric bass.

 

[djmay]

Relaxation is the objective. For most people this means 124 most of the time and 1234 when needed.

I play cello, double bass and bass guitar. All three instruments require versatilty in fingering depending on the music being played.

 

[JamesGrant]

Hot take… ring finger is as versatile and strong as you make it. It’s also free!

 

[RattleSnack]

I was exclusive OFPF player, but for years I combine it with Siemandl seamlesly. I even use "baseball batt grab" intentionaly, when peddaling a tone, e.g. for a rock classic. I often switch between any of those during one song, thus relieving muscles.
I took me couple of years to become comfortable with that mid-song technique switch, but now find it worth. I would advise everyone to incorporate OFPF AND Siemandl equaly in their playing. When you do that, you can forget about hand cramps and injuries.

 

[Cleezmo]

For years - and I mean like 35 years - I played OFPF. Then last year I took several lessons with a pro most on this forum would recognize the name of, with the goal of making my left hand cleaner and more efficient, and the very first thing he did was recommend/instruct me to use 1-2-4 in the lower register. It took a few weeks to get down as a new habit, but then it felt 100% natural. It has made most things in the lower register more comfortable/less taxing to play, and it especially lightened up the load when playing my 35" scale 5er, which I had basically put into semi-retirement because I found it uncomfortable to play for 3- and 4-hour gigs.

That said - even he said you don't do 1-2-4 ALL THE TIME. In the upper registers, OFPF makes more sense, and for a chromatic run in the lower registers I'd still use OFPF. I'd say my playing now is a mix of both techniques depending on what I'm playing. But I will say adding the 1-2-4 felt like a game changer and has made my playing overall more efficient/less taxing.

 

[Whousedtoplay]

For years - and I mean like 35 years - I played OFPF.

OFPF is ONE of numerous ways to play on the bass guitar!

Some TB members bring some "confusion" into this particular discussion by talking about playing on the UPRIGHT BASS while others are talking about the electric bass guitar.

N.B. I'm just telling my personal approach to playing the bass - don't try it at home.

The following are a few fingering snapshots that totally express my approach while playing on the Electric Bass Guitar (nothing about the Upright/Double Bass.)
It's from a nicely written book by Ed Friedland, "Bass Method."

N.B. It's only a GENERIC approach to fingering while playing on the bass guitar.
In music, there are so many specific requirements that demand specific fingering combinations!
Please be advised.