Recently I've been going over the Jeff Beadrich (sp?) book and noticed that for the F# below the G harmonic he uses his third finger. I've started trying to put this in my playing and noticed that when you use the third finger in that my hand is in a more natural position and my vibrato is a lot better. I was just wondering if anyone else does this?
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Double Bass Third finger usage
- Thread starter Thelowestoflow
- Start date
Most people do. It is just a lot more in tune. While I tend to stress centering your self in Simandl or Billie 124 or 134, I think being able to use the all four fingers is important - I am not reccomending one finger per half step, but some lyrical shifts from that F# to lower can end up on the third finger and just sing a bit sweeter.
I have also worked through the Billie book using 134.
I still stick to 124 mostly, but I want the 3rd finger work when I need it.
I have also worked through the Billie book using 134.
I still stick to 124 mostly, but I want the 3rd finger work when I need it.
When to switch is a matter of the geometry of your hand and how it applies to the particular bass. In essence, if it starts being hard to reach with 4th, switch to 3rd. I normally use 3rd for that F# and the F below it.
It can also be really useful occasionally to use thumb position with the thumb below the octave... I've used it down another 4th or so.
It can also be really useful occasionally to use thumb position with the thumb below the octave... I've used it down another 4th or so.
Jeff does that to make the shift to the thumb position easier. When you play the F# with the 3rd finger it is more natural to go in TP than playing it with the 4th.
Before I was using 4 like most methods do. But now I use 3rd for F#.
Also lately I am starting to use the 3rd more on other notes, also in lower positions. Especially in fast or slurred passages. Some passages are just better to perform that way. Some passages are almost awkward or slightly impossible without 3rd finger. The basis still stays 124 but 3 is there whenever it is appropriate.
Jeff calls this one of the biggest revolutions of the double bass technique in the last decade(s).
Before I was using 4 like most methods do. But now I use 3rd for F#.
Also lately I am starting to use the 3rd more on other notes, also in lower positions. Especially in fast or slurred passages. Some passages are just better to perform that way. Some passages are almost awkward or slightly impossible without 3rd finger. The basis still stays 124 but 3 is there whenever it is appropriate.
Jeff calls this one of the biggest revolutions of the double bass technique in the last decade(s).
So true. You can use the thumb below the octave and, in some passages, it really makes a musical - technical difference. Also, the third finger can be used before you reach the thumb positions BUT because the third is the weakest of the 5, you have to prepare it with some strength exercises. You just can't start using it without preparation. I have been writing material about all this for over 25 years. I'm glad these techniques are finally being used.
Tom Gale
i routinely use the 3rd finger as low as the "9th fret" E on the G string. depends largely on which direction i'm headed.
- Aug 1, 2005
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I don't think I ever do F#-G with 3-4, but I do do it with 2-3 as often as with 2-4. My first teacher would go into conniptions when he saw me using the third finger in neck positions, even that high. As a result I do both, but I think that the Simandl dogma is just that when dealing with this part of the neck. 3 is practical!
Use 3 in half position. If it's in tune, nobody cares if you're using your 3rd finger or your big toe.
