OT: Which finger do you start with?

[Fuzzy Dustmite]

(Sufficient pause for the Butthead chuckles)



For you fingerstyle players, which finger (index, middle, ring(?)) is your '1'? I am definitely a middle finger guy.

 

[adouglas]

I can confidently say that since 1979 I have not given this a single thought.

 

[keko]

First I was confused with this Q, ...than after a little practice today I realized that really depends, for each bass line is different (both hands).

 

[iamcatwarrior]

It's my middle finger, then index, chiefly. I also reach for lower strings with my pinky quite a bit, and recently, I have functionalized my ring finger, which took about 15 years to do.

 

[Moose308]

I always thought I was backwards until I read some of the responses here. My "1" is usually my middle finger. Then my index finger. Depending on the bassline, I might actually use my ring finger as well, which quite often becomes my "1". My pinky is useless, and I might as well chop it off.

My bass instructor hates this, and scolds me for not using my index as my 1.

 

[Bass Control]

This really depends on what types of figures I'm playing. My main finger 90% of the time will be my middle finger. However, there are other more complex structures where my first finger is actually my ring finger.

 

[njhammer]

I can confidently say that since 1979 I have not given this a single thought.

...and now?

Me = index.

 

[adouglas]

...and now?

Me = index.

Not then, not now. Just never occurred to me that it makes any difference at all.

 

[jlepre]

I can confidently say that since 1979 I have not given this a single thought.

+1000!

 

[KevinM]

Mostly index here but sometimes middle/index if it makes the roll timing sound better.

 

[DTG]

First I was confused with this Q, ...than after a little practice today I realized that really depends, for each bass line is different (both hands).

Yup same here

 

[Holdsg]

Index, and its apparent with every gig. I dig in way to hard with my index vs. middle finger, and as a result, I always get hot spots on the index finger. Despite the callus that has built up there, I often get a new blister under the callus. This needs to stop, I realize, I need to get better at evening out the amount of pressure used on both fingers. There, TMI for sure, but you asked.

 

[TherealAC]

My ring finger is usually my "1" if when I'm using the three finger technique, if I'm using two it's my middle.

 

[projectapollo]

Index for slow patterns. For 1/16th type patterns its middle, index. I don't know why.

I've also developed a weird way of anchoring for the A/D/G strings, not with the thumb, but with the ring finger pulling up against the E string -- it makes my index and middle very stable. The thumb just hangs out there.

 

[J Romano]

Guess I am just weird or have a bad habit, but going low to high (toward bridge) index. Coming back high to low, middle. Never having a lesson, I am sure a teacher would have corrected me. But is there really a right or wrong way?????? I am fine with it, it works for me!

 

[AlexBongoCrazy]

I think i start with my first finger most of the time, when i don't it can feel odd to me and i was wondering if anyone had any tips because my middle finger feels stronger which is annoying because i want them both to feel and sound the same (unless i want to accent any notes of course) and maybe it's just a psychological thing or maybe it isn't.

 

[adouglas]

Upon giving this some thought (but not much) it occurs to me that I start with my most significant digit.




That's a math joke, son.

 

[kamakazee]

Interesting tidbit for you guys, I ran across a John Myung exercise where you alternate patterns: first your index-middle, then your index-ring, then your middle-ring, and finally all 3. You can further take Billy Sheehan's advice and use these patterns in combination with alternating the order of your fingers and get some crazy rhythms and accents.

 

[stu42]

Most passages I just play with my middle finger if I can.

If I need to I will use an alternating index & middle but if I'm alternating I suppose which one I start with depends on what and where I'm playing...or what I just finished playing.

 

[mmbassplayer]

I typically use my thumb and index finger while playing mostly on the E and A strings. As i shift to the higher strings i shift to index and middle fingers. It is a very rare occasion i use any other fingers than that or... a pick. JOSH