Bass playing, 3 finger technique

[tomizm]

Anybody out there play bass and worked themselves up to 3 fingers on the right hand? Since my middle finger extends out further than my ring and index, it makes it akward to try and play this way. I understand about playing the fingers in a 2-3-4 sequence no matter what and not deviating, but I cant get the fumbly-ness out of the way. Got any tips? I know a metronome will be an important tool in this leap.......

[Harry_D]

I use 3 fingers and play in the order : ring-middle-index. It's a more natural motion for me dan the other direction.

About your longer middle finger, when you bent the fingers they kind of become the same length.

A good exercise for me was playing groups of 4, and accenting the first.

Like:

- Ring - Middle - Index - Ring
- Middle - Index - Ring - Middle
- Index - Ring - Middle - Index

etc.

Try to play all kind of different groups of 4 with your left hand to teach
the brain all the combinations.

When you can get a hold of Billy Sheehans instructional video, do it. He uses the same technique and has tons of tips and exercises.

Enjoy.

[tomizm]

Yea, without realizing it, I guess I indicated I was playing with my index starting the pattern off, but I actually try to play the same way you mentioned, starting with my ring finger. I should have put 4-3-2.
I will definitely look out for the Sheehan video. I never thought to try that. so many videos are out there that are just whack off sessions, so I dont normally go to videos for instruction. I have the Petrucci, and like it, and I've seen Gilberts and LOVE those!
Thanks for the tips