gregbackstrom
These aren't stock curves--things move around!
One thing to practice is "floating" your thumb. It'll help you be more fluid when shifting from string to string.
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1- I think it's all fine. The only other limitation I see is that you might get tired earlier if you play a long set.
2- That is very normal. It is a something everybody learns and not super easy at first. I started with classical guitar, and that was one of the first things that I learned. It is imo the same idea as using a pick and getting the up and down strokes sound the same if needed.
3- I recommend starting with your middle finger first to see if you have better control. This might help you focus on controling the middle finger better. Start very slow. The idea is to get them sound the same. After some time, it will be automatic and you won't even think or know what fingers you play with.
As an alternative, try using the index and ring finger. They are more like the same size. Also, most likely your ring finger is not as powerfull as the middle (no pun intended
), and would not sound as bright as the middle. I got used to it and now can use either the index and the middle, or the index and the ring. This allows me playing longer sets with no problem.
And yes, I'd trim my fingernails. Ime if they are not trimmed, my fingers get stuck on the strings but that might not be the case for everyone.
That's all being said, we're making music and expressing our selves. Eventhough I think two finger technique might help you acheive that easier, it is not necessary.
Good luck! Rock.
2- That is very normal. It is a something everybody learns and not super easy at first. I started with classical guitar, and that was one of the first things that I learned. It is imo the same idea as using a pick and getting the up and down strokes sound the same if needed.
3- I recommend starting with your middle finger first to see if you have better control. This might help you focus on controling the middle finger better. Start very slow. The idea is to get them sound the same. After some time, it will be automatic and you won't even think or know what fingers you play with.
As an alternative, try using the index and ring finger. They are more like the same size. Also, most likely your ring finger is not as powerfull as the middle (no pun intended
), and would not sound as bright as the middle. I got used to it and now can use either the index and the middle, or the index and the ring. This allows me playing longer sets with no problem.And yes, I'd trim my fingernails. Ime if they are not trimmed, my fingers get stuck on the strings but that might not be the case for everyone.
That's all being said, we're making music and expressing our selves. Eventhough I think two finger technique might help you acheive that easier, it is not necessary.
Good luck! Rock.
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Since the middle finger is longer try angling your hand slightly pointing in the direction of the neck tilting down a bit, also try loosening the strap a bit so the bass hangs a little lower and the middle finger gets the same amount of contact as the index. This bit of self experience allowed me to throw away my picks forever.
I agree with the idea that you are catching a bit of finger nail when you use the second finger, I've had the same problem on the rare occasion that I use finger style playing ( I'm a pick player ) solution, for me, was to keep the nails on my picking hand as short as possible ! I also use the tone pots on the bass to get a more mellow tone if required.
I would but there's nothing left after I'm done biting them!
Also, every once in a while when I'm teaching someone to play I flip my instrument around and try to play with my opposite hands-- just to remind me how frustrating it can be in the beginning to gain coordination and control, and how long we all have to work at it before it becomes any kind of natural.
Stick with it I say, I think you'll end up a more versatile player if you learn the two finger method.
Peace!
I have the same problem. What I do is trim the nails short before the gig/session - especially the corners. That can work most of the times. Other times I will just let both nails remain long and get more of a pick sound going. Other times, if there aren't 16th note runs, I'll just use the problem as an advantage and mostly play with index and then throw in the middle finger as an accent note. Also learn other picking techniques like using the side of your thumb and palm muting to various degrees.
If your nail is hitting the string it will be brighter and probably louder. Sometimes I watch my plucking fingers close and try to hit the same spot on the string with both fingers. Looks kind of like putting your feet in the same line on a balance beam or tightrope, if that makes sense. Keep your fingers close but not rubbing and aim for the same spot with both. You should get the same tone.
I couldn't do it, but James Jamerson certainly showed it can be done with mastery...
Geddy plays largely with his index finger only. And swings his arm into it, too. I do it often. Even Timmy C from RATM said it seems to lend itself to a greater "pulse" to a song when you're doing things on the beat.
I see no issue as long as you feel no pain. You can always practice using index and ring alternating. It's usually a matter of muscle and length for why the middle finger sounds different. You can work on trying to use it a little pulled back and avoid the fingernail hitting. Maybe adjust where you wear the bass? Lots of variables.
In general, if you can play the part and it sounds decent, you're doing fine.
Let me offer you a look ahead. At some point your present concerns will be way behind you, and you'll discover that you can use the different attacks to achieve different sounds at will, including using only an index finger, only a middle finger, both alternating, thumb (including slap), muting with both hands and all of it together when the riff calls for it. ...and, you won't even have to think about it! ...your two hands learn what to do so you can concentrate on other things, like singing maybe. You'll just need to check in on your hands once every so often. I know it all sounds very challenging when you're getting started, but it will come if you just do it enough - like practice and practice and get on stage and take chances. Oh, and I suppose you COULD use a pick too 
!
!
I echo what others have said about fingernails, I have the same problem when I play if my fingernail is too long. The tone is percussive and sharp with my middle finger in particular when the nail is long. Try whacking it back and see if that helps.
^^^^ I think you hit the nail on the head here with your own observation. It would be like using a plastic 2mm pick and a felt 2mm pick and expecting to get the same tone from both of them. It sounds to me like you already had the answer to your question very early on in this thread. I haven't read more than the first page of this thread, and I hope for your sake that others have pointed out this detail as it is the most likely reason for your tone issue.
My father had to give up playing bass after he cut the tip of his left index finger in a table saw accident and could no longer hold down a string without pain.
Things happen in our lives and we must learn to live with them. If you're more happy with the tone you get playing one finger style, then be the best one finger style player ever.
And what this guy said !!!
Let me offer you a look ahead. At some point your present concerns will be way behind you, and you'll discover that you can use the different attacks to achieve different sounds at will, including using only an index finger, only a middle finger, both alternating, thumb (including slap), muting with both hands and all of it together when the riff calls for it. ...and, you won't even have to think about it! ...your two hands learn what to do so you can concentrate on other things, like singing maybe. You'll just need to check in on your hands once every so often. I know it all sounds very challenging when you're getting started, but it will come if you just do it enough - like practice and practice and get on stage and take chances. Oh, and I suppose you COULD use a pick too
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OK. Just because you can't doesn't mean there isn't someone that can. There is always someone better than you; faster, smarter, and more talented. I love it when some 8 year old shows up and just blows everybody away.
good for lindsay buckingham
in 1994, i shredded my nails off playing guitar at an 8 hour rehearsal for a show we weren't ready for. pain and bleeding began to occur, and we had a couple weeks to get ready for a 2 day show that meant a lot to us. so i ran to the nail place on the corner and got overlays and tips (you don't need tips once your nails grow to the length you want them) so i could keep playing.
and discovered that i like the tone from my nails with acrylic MUCH more than nails alone or finger flesh. they sound like using a thick pick. add in that if maintained, they're almost bulletproof, and they're great if you play with lots of attack. you gotta figure i really like 'em since i've been using them for 23 years.
You know the answer, man.I will be waiting for that "some 8 year old" to show up...drool
Or maybe, some robot could play those 16th notes with its one finger?
Who knows.
Is there ANYBODY else at TB who would like to comment about playing those 16th notes from "Come on with it" with
ONE FINGER?
Even if somebody can play that line with one finger, that doesn't mean it's the best or smartest way to do it. I get really tired of people saying "there's no right way, just you do you", and then they turn around and say "Jameson does it, so you can and should do it too". None of you are Jamerson. He was a freak of nature. He also used super heavy flats and plucked really hard. And I don't think that even he could play a Rocco Prestia type line at tempo with a single finger.
Look, if what you hear in your head is really efficiently do-able with one finger, then go for it. But the fact is, you can play faster and with less risk of injury with two fingers than with just one. If all you ever intend to play is 1-5 quarter notes, it probably doesn't matter. But if you ever want to play a staccato fast line or fill, it just makes sense to whip out them extra fingers.
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[QUOTE="pcake, post: 19921971, member: 202366
"i like the tone from my nails with acrylic MUCH more than nails alone or finger flesh. they sound like using a thick pick. add in that if maintained, they're almost bulletproof, and they're great if you play with lots of attack. you gotta figure i really like 'em since i've been using them for 23 years"[/QUOTE]
I will definitely look into that since I hate using a pick but sometimes want a pick attack_ Good to know - thanks !
"i like the tone from my nails with acrylic MUCH more than nails alone or finger flesh. they sound like using a thick pick. add in that if maintained, they're almost bulletproof, and they're great if you play with lots of attack. you gotta figure i really like 'em since i've been using them for 23 years"[/QUOTE]
I will definitely look into that since I hate using a pick but sometimes want a pick attack_ Good to know - thanks !
You can hold your hand like you're holding a pick and then extend your index finger just a bit. Then use your index finger just like a pick.
Don't think I would really waste my time dissing a technique by trying to find sometime that you can't use it. A ha! See?? It sucks!!!!
I will definitely look into that since I hate using a pick but sometimes want a pick attack_ Good to know - thanks ![/QUOTE]
there's a catch. they have to be maintained - you can't just remove them. if you decide to try it, try it on one nail. an option would be to get gel nail overlays. i hear they're not quite as strong, but still stronger and thicker than your natural nail, and they're fully removable by a nail tech.
I like to point the fingers of my right hand toward the bridge in order to use more of the meat of the middle finger.
In that way there is very little difference in the way the two fingers sound. Of course to do this the neck and entire bass is pointed more vertically than horizontally at times.
One of my teachers pointed out that energy (Chi) moves more efficiently in circles (as opposed to hitting corners), so holding the bass so that the arms encircle the bass would allow for more fluidity. A bit esoteric I'm sure, bit he remained principal bassist with a major symphony for years.
In that way there is very little difference in the way the two fingers sound. Of course to do this the neck and entire bass is pointed more vertically than horizontally at times.
One of my teachers pointed out that energy (Chi) moves more efficiently in circles (as opposed to hitting corners), so holding the bass so that the arms encircle the bass would allow for more fluidity. A bit esoteric I'm sure, bit he remained principal bassist with a major symphony for years.
