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Use the 1-2-4 fingering or 1-2-3?

#21
I do both... depending on the patterns I'm playing. For walking bass lines, I tend to use 1-2-3-4. For more repetitive patterns, where 1-2-4 works as a part of the pattern better, I'll do that. But, really its all about what the part calls for.

Howerver, I think its more important to use good technique in positioning your hand... thumb and fingers appropriately/ergonomically on the neck.
 
#22
uethanian said:
either u have ridiculously huge hands or your bass wasnt the right size. i can use 1-2-3-4 easily on a 1/2 upright but never a 3/4. and my hands are about as big as it gets.
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Hmmmm. Not sure how to respond, except that I wear a ML golf glove, my hands are not very large, nor do I have unusually long fingers. But I imagine that 6 years of playing upright does get one to stretch the fingers one has. I can cover 1-2-3-4 at the open string (1st) position whenever I need to. I think doing this does require some practice and effort, but having the use of that 3rd finger at all positions is very handy.
 
#23
I am pretty much 1-2-4 up until the 10th fret or so, that is about where the frets get to close for me to use my pinky as much. Plus I play low down the neck anyway, so I work my pinky alot. It is great to use my pinky for bar chords and such, since it is pretty strong now.
 
#24
Pilgrim said:
Hmmmm. Not sure how to respond, except that I wear a ML golf glove, my hands are not very large, nor do I have unusually long fingers. But I imagine that 6 years of playing upright does get one to stretch the fingers one has. I can cover 1-2-3-4 at the open string (1st) position whenever I need to. I think doing this does require some practice and effort, but having the use of that 3rd finger at all positions is very handy.
Click to expand...

Holy mackerel! I have long fingers and would be terrified to try playing 1-2-3-4 in half position/first position on my 42" string length upright. I'm almost certain I would injure myself doing that and would probably have to do some crazy pivoting or shifting anyway. I'm curious about the mensure/string length on your bass, what kind of strings you use and how your setup is.
 

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