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Posted by blunderbass (203.147.0.44) on March 07, 2004 at 06:49:14:
In Reply to: fretting styles, thumbs, & . . posted by Doug on February 28, 2004 at 07:37:56:
: I'm learning from books (not the best way I know) and they all teach "1st finger first fret, second finger second fret . . . 4th fret" and this is a commom style I see.
: I once read of another fingering, 'Similan' or something like that, used by upright bassists.
: Lately I've seen a few well known bassists with their thumb wrapped round the neck. What are they doing?
: Is there more than the one standard fretting method that is valid for electric basses?
: AND
: When I practice exercises I use the 1st - 4th fingers ok but when I get focused on playing I tend to use two or three fingers and slide up and down the neck a lot. Is this bad? Should I try to subdue my natural movements?
: I have special trouble above the ninth fret because the neck is wider than my small finger from that point.
: Most 'famous' bassists seem to have extra long fingers.
: Thanks,
: Doug
There is a metod called Simandl, taught & promoted bt Herb Mickman.
1st fret = Ist finger,
2nd fret = first + second fingers,
3rd fret = first, second, third and fourth fingers
Has anyone tried it?