What fretting technique do you use most often? 🎸 Timestamps for this lesson: 0:00 - Fretting Technique Showdown 0:58 - Meet Your Challengers 2:04 - Round 1: Doing It To Death by James Brown 3:59 - Doing It To Death Play-along 4:53 - Round 2: Time Bomb by Rancid 6:02 - Time Bomb Play-along 6:43 - Round 3: Plush by Stone Temple Pilots 8:31 - Plush Play-along 9:15 - Final Judging + Fretting Myth 10:05 - Pros and Cons of Both Techniques 11:07 - How to Decide Which Technique 12:07 - 2 Principles of Good Fingerings
I've been playing for about 14 years and I've never really stuck to one them, I've always just done what was most comfortable for me, while playing that particular line.
I personally don't have a choice in that matter. I'm missing the ring finger on my left hand since 6 years old. So, Simandl it is. Gotta work with what I have.
Same here. I may switch back and forth in one song or riff. Basically I’m always just doing whatever is necessary to optimally achieve what I’m going for at a given time. Sometimes I even wrap the ol’ thumb around and pop 1 or 3 on low E for stylistic flair, when I’m feelin’ like bein’ a bit wacky.
I've recently switched to Simandl. After watching all these female RUclips bassists and seeing the relaxed fluidity of their fretting, I stopped stretching for notes and started moving my hand. Already seeing an improvement.
Thanks for this clarification Josh! Almost 100% of tutorials I ses enforce one of this technique. You're almost the only one who advocates for being smart, and that's a real relief.
The first time (out of 20-30 bass teachers) I see somebody who acknowledges the benefits of a fingering other than one finger per fret. Josh, you are a true wise man.
As a person with very small hands playing bass is a challenge and OFPF is almost never an option, but makes me feel extra accomplished when I learn a line I love to play. I've had to rely on Simandl for that reason, but practicing over and over again and adapting to a song better suited for OFPF than Simandl feels great. Just gotta practice and overcome guys!
best fretting technique video I ever saw was from Adam Neely he posted about 8 years ago where he's talking about how he played for several hours continuously. Basically you want you left had to be as relaxed and in as neutral a position as possible as much as possible. So use 124 for most stuff that doesn't require stretching and use 1234 only for things that do, such as playing full scales. The thing I see others do, that drives me nuts is playing a 3 fret span (e.g. box shape) with index and ring finger. You got that pinky there doing nothing. Should use it instead and save your hand the stretch.
@@58Stejam Agree. And if you've got small hands, it's kinda uncomfortable. I guess I mix styles. Sometimes I use my 3rd finger and pinky as one unit, if I'm doing something like sliding up or down a string. A glissando, I guess you'd call it. My ultimate goal is to hit the right note at the right time, and hell if I care how I got there!
Yes but Adam Neely says some nonsense too. In one video he said that the 1FPF is wrong technique and you should tape your ring and pinky together to forcefully play the right way and, in addition to that, it also improves your tone, groove, sound or whatever. Complete bollocks Bear in mind that the Simandl technique was designed to play the upright bass, which in its full form has a scale length of incredible 43 inches compared to the standard electric bass of 34 inches. Electric bass guitars can be even smaller like 30 inches or if they are really big they stretch to a maximum 36 inches. This massive scale of the upright bass makes 1 finger per "fret" (note) really challenging, if not impossible, and let's remember that just the finger 1 to finger 2 stretch for half step near the nut must be a big hand stretch. Electric basses with shorter scale length made 1FPF possible.
I have tiny hands and naturally just started doing Simandl, but I always thought 4 finger was the "right way" that I was just incapable of. Thanks for the video! I feel a lot better about my technique now!
I've been using OFPF for 9 years of playing with smallish hands. I run into that "pain mode" regularly especially in the lower frets. I wish I knew about this Simandl technique sooner. Definitely going to work this tool into my arsenal. Great video!
Josh - I wanted to say a huge thanks for all of your videos. I decided two months ago I wanted to learn the bass guitar and went into it without any experience whatsoever, but having watched nearly all of your tutorials I now feel confident in my ability and can play several songs. You make learning super easy, and interesting. Thanks so much - I really owe you one
I was originally taught one finger per fret on bass guitar, but once I started playing upright and learning Simandl, it forever altered my bass guitar technique. Now it’s a bit of a hybrid but is Simandl about 80% of the time.
This is the only video I've found that even talks about the different fretting techniques. My bass instructor calls it "34" because it's your 3rd and 4th fingers working together. I like it, I use it often. The only time I don't is when I'm playing something like that Rancid song, I think you perfectly illustrated why
Hey Josh, great video. I try not to "fret" about my fingering, but lean towards the left, no wait I lean towards one finger per fret. Going to head over to Bass Buzz and check out your courses. Always a pleasure. Stay safe, social distance and wear a mask when you can't awkwardly social distance. Cheers!! 👍♥️😜
this video helped me so much simandl helps me so much i’m so glad this technique exists it just feels so much more natural to me while also strengthening my pinky much more and forcing me to use it while playing it really helps flying fingers a mash up between the both is definitely the perfect technique, whenever it feels right to do so i absolutely love it
I had no idea those had names. No one ever told me, it just feels completely natural to stretch when I have to and relax when I can afford. Given that, I have rather small hands, so maybe that's why. And to be fair, I sometimes even go index, middle and ring, and keep pinky out of the way. Maybe I'm weird, but it just feels natural.
I only ever learned simandl up until I started watching your channel since my bass teacher mostly plays upright bass and originally taught me a lot of weird upright technique stuff on electric bass for some reason
The Simandl technique is the most useful in first position, because the frets are the most spread apart. Anywhere else on the neck one finger per fret is best. And, if you adjust your elbow out away from your rib cage, you can train your fingers to spread to 4 frets even in first position with no discomfort. The angle at the elbow and wrist are key. If the elbow is away from the ribs, it allows the fingers to spread, like classical guitar technique.
I've been playing bass for only a year now and at the start I learned the one finger per fret method since everyone said to me that was "the right way to play". Some months ago I noticed there was times when I used only three fingers (index, middle and pinky) 'cause I found it to be more confortable, I didn't know it even had a name or that it was a legit method, I just did it naturally. This video really helped me feel more confortable with my playing tho, I was questioning my self if I was playing "incorrectly".
The interesting thing is that the Simandl method is also a combination of both methods because on a upright bass you will play with only index,middle and pink but after Fret 7 (translated from upright bass to e bass) you will use the Ringfinger because then it is just better and logical. Btw love the content, 11 years upright bass player that is now buing a e bass to add something new to his bass collection :)
Hey I just got my bass three days ago and your vids have really helped. Thank you! P.S. the bass I got was actually the Yamaha trbx304, really good bass
I'm using both techniques, often mixed in the same song, depending on which one suits the best for the song or parts of it. I always use the one that gives me the most stable tone with the least force applied. For beginners I'd always recommend starting with 1FPF to learn the positions and practice stretching first. Later I'd also add Simandl. For double bass players (as I'm too) it's no question, You always use Simandl first, except Your fingers are as long as Stanley Clarke's ;) In thumb on fretboard position in the upper registers I mostly use 1+4 fingers most of the time.
Bear in mind that the Simandl technique was designed to play the upright bass, which in its full form has a scale length of incredible 43 inches compared to the standard electric bass of 34 inches. Electric bass guitars can be even smaller like 30 inches or if they are really big they stretch to a maximum 36 inches. This massive scale of the upright bass makes 1 finger per "fret" (note) really challenging, if not impossible, and let's remember that just the finger 1 to finger 2 stretch for half step near the nut must be a big hand stretch. Electric basses with shorter scale length made 1FPF possible.
I have average to large sizes hands and I generally use Simandl technique when my index finger is lower than the 6th fret and onfp above the 6th fret. For the second example keep in mind that Simandl method would discourage the closed A in favor of the open string, thus making fewer shifts necessary. Great video!
Josh, I've watched a bunch of your videos, as well as many videos from many other youtube teachers; you, my man, are the best! The combination of your teaching style with your educational and engaging videos is just right for my learning style. Thank you!
I just discovered your Channel. Over the past several years I've been focusing more on a guitar playing, but am starting it back into bass playing. There's some great Refreshers here for me. Thanks for the vids. They're both entertaining and informative
OMG, Simandl is so much better for me playing down on the fretboard. It keeps me from getting hand pain! Totally agree that both work at different times. I do sometimes get confused in the heat of the moment!
I would consider myself an intermediate bassist but recently I’ve been experiencing lots of pain and discomfort in my plucking hand and wrist when I play for 30-45 or more mins without a break and It would be great if you could do a video on reducing wrist angles and improving your right hand technique in order to avoid cramps and maybe some Beneficial hand and wrist stretches. I’ve been told to reduce my strap height which has had OK results but it hasn’t solved anything outright.
Oh, that would be an amazing video indeed! I also have been looking for hand stretches or hand exercises. I am a very, very beginner and I don't want to cause any trouble with my hands :(
I find that I use 3 fingers, and neglect my pinky most of the time. That leads to a weak pinky when I need it for the 4 finger stuff. Kids, don't be like me.
I'm not sure if anyone has pointed this out yet. You actually concede something up . That to you and your definition simandl is 3 finger for three frets hand position. It's actually also a very strict shifting system. Simplest way of describing it you never shift pinky to pinky ascending and first finger never shift to first finger descending. Practical example using your video the third tune, stone temple that Chromatic walk up from the b,c,c#d. Simandl would always have you going first,first , middle,pinky. Regardless of that 1/8 location in the line. Anyway, great content and presentation!! Your doing great! Ignore the ass behind the curtain
I use OFPF because: - I feel like I’m better of getting used to the “harder” version. - the “assigning one finger to a fret” thing just works for my brain. It helps with managing music by assigning each finger a role.
I’ve been casually / amateurly playing bass for over 20 years. Only took lessons for the first 5. I’ve never even thought about what technique I use, I just play what feels natural. Which as far as I can tell is probably a mix between the 2 and some other style. It depends what you’re playing too. On the lower frets, I tend to simandl, except I probably use the ring finger in favour over my middle often. Then go for 1fpf around the middle of the fret board. But if I were to play something like schism, I would hammer 10 to 12 with my ring finger. It’s too bunched up to use the pinky at that end, and the pointer to middle finger is too far to stretch a hammer more than 1 fret. Thanks Josh, you’ve helped me become a better bass player; my high school bass teacher used to mumble a lot and I could never really hear much of what he said, so you’ve helped me re-learn some of those basics I think I missed all those years ago. I never play in front of people anymore but it’s still nice to be able to figure out how to play a song instead of trying to robot learn tabs, as well as not sound like a noob simply because you haven’t picked it up in a few weeks.
Good video Josh. I use both and while watching the video picked the same as you for each song. Learning bass 25 years ago as a kid from a book it taught the 4 fpf way and I tried and practiced it but as you know, your little pinky in particular is very weak so I would use my ring finger and shift. Eventually the longer you play you use both styles and work out what's best for you. Some teachers out there insist 4 fingers per fret is the only way, but that's not practical all the time and can lead hand or finger injuries. Anyway, look forward to the next vid, cheers.
My first bass instructor taught me the "four fret spread" technique, I played that way for years, despite learning double bass was taught using a 3 fret spread. THEN... that carpal tunnel got me (aint nobody got time for that!) sadly this Timmy had to take a couple years off. Now upon returning to the cathartic sounds of the low tones, I use the 3 fret hand position when possible and concentrate on good thumb position and good posture. The 3 fret positioning & good thumb position allows me a straighter wrist. At 5'4" tall I don't have big hands. That said the extra attention to technique and posture are working as good as I could've hoped for.
Electric bassist turned double bassist (and now playing more bass guitar again). I wanted to go to school so learned double bass and studied classical double bass throughout. I use Simandl (not Bille which I use very rarely) almost all the time, unless I need the dexterity of using an extension or into one finger per half step. The comfort of Simandl as well as the added safety for your joints.
I love your videos, and they get me to want to play. I am a guitarist switching to bass, and I see merit in both techniques. I was naturally doing both without knowing what I was doing, so score one for me!!
I greatly enjoy your videos. I am having to learn these techniques in relation to bass. Playing guitar for twenty-five years, I have developed habits that work fine for guitar, but aren’t flying as well for bass. I do switch between the Simandl and OFPR techniques, but I don’t use my pinky as I should for bass. Since it’s just me in my apartment on my P Bass, I am allowing myself to be lazy in not learning proper techniques. I know I need to relearn it all, it’s just hard to break habits. -tangent, but bass-related- Another habit I’m having trouble breaking is using my left hand to mute strings I’m not playing, especially lower strings as I’m playing. On guitar, I only touched the string I was fretting with the tip of my finger rather than the pad of it. A whole lot to relearn... I plan on getting to Beginner to Badass course once I can afford it, but for now I am enjoying your free videos, Josh.
Before I got injured with both a TBI (2010) and high level SCI (2014) I used to be able to maintain the 1 finger per fret over the entire fretboard without issues but now that I regained enough finger function to play post injuries I honestly don't care how I do it and that my technique isn't textbook as long as I can play decently and am still improving as I started playing again barely 2 weeks ago. Look up how Gary Sinise plays the bass, that's kinda how I do it. Not how it's supposed to be done but like I said, I don't care. I tried 1 finger a fret on the smaller sections but it takes more energy to keep my fingers spread due to the nerve damage and causes a lot of pain in the wrist which is already an issue with manual wheelchair use.
I wish you the best of recovery. Please don’t settle for anything less than what your ideal recovery and ability is. The brain is capable of far more healing and adaptation than most people know. It’s great that you got back on bass. (:
I have average sized hands, my main issue comes from how physically short my pinky is in relation to my other fingers (it's barely taller than the second knuckle on my index finger!) Which clearly isn't a problem for the likes of Josh with his freaky (to my eyes) spider pinky Whenever I stretch across 4 frets at the low end of the fret board my middle finger and ring finger tend to wind up lying across the strings which is great for muting on slower lines but can cause real problems when having to play at speed so I end up switching between ofpf and simandl a lot.
Yeah, it depends what are you playing. I started to play bass in 1977 and i did use some classic double bass techniques on the electric bass with a italian method book-Bille- and -Madensky- for arpeggios ". Later i started with the double bass and that gave me an advantage. I make combined exercises in the 4 strings and in different fingering positions back and forward
I learned Simandil years after learning 4 finger when I took lessons and learned to sight read. In the end I use what suits the song best. Simandil works great on extended scale basses, over 34" scale in low registers and the technique of sliding into position and having that muscle memory especially with a fretless is awesome.
When I first started playing bass I was using all four fingers. I didn't read music and was a rock player. When I went to college for music the bass teacher introduced me to the Simandl method. It took a little bit to get used to and understand but I found it much better than the four finger approach, especially when reading bass notation. If you use the four finger technique you have your hand in one position and you are stretching your fingers out unnaturally. With the Simandl method your thumb is centered more on the back of the neck and you move your hand more than you stretch your fingers. Shifting is also much easier, which is seldom taught to students. My technique now is 95% Simandl and 5% four finger. Certain instances are easier for four finger technique, like crossing strings when playing intervals of fourths (using forefinger and ring finger to fret.) But I've been using Simandl method and have also had no issues with tendonitis or other health related matters.
Both, although I tend to do simandl on the first lowest 5 frets, then mostly 1-finger-per-fret for higher frets. Also, I previously for the life of me couldn't use my little finger! Thanks to constant exercises, now I use it more than the ring finger, such a world of difference!
Really like your channel....for me the best online..ultimately it's what suits you best because you don't have to copy other's bass lines...you can invent your own lines to suit your style...put simply do your own thing..
I was definitely trained to use one finger per fret and played that way for many years. I gigged on upright straight for about two years and then came back to electric playing mostly Simandl and I prefer it. That’s my story.
I switch back and forth. I mostly play fretless bass, though, so it's really crucial to keep stretches really accurate and to a minimum as needed and fingers need to be as close to perpendicular to the board as possible. One finger puts a lot more stress on the hand, but I also find that it's faster for some parts due to less shifting. Simandl feels much more natural for the kinds of root-octave-root kinds of things that make up a lot of bass lines.
I'm an upright player. The double bass has a string length varying from 40-41 inches (on different instruments.) It is just anatomically futile to utilize the 3rd finger consistently in the lower positions. When I play electric bass, I am so thrilled by the freedom to use all kinds of fingering systems. My third finger has actually gotten STRONGER when I go back to upright.
Almost always OFPF because I don't like shifting. But recently was playing Love Shack which never leaves frets 1-3. And my ring finger got tired. Simandl to the rescue!
Great video Josh. I'm also learning the upright bass, and the 3 fingered technique is what they all teach. I tend to still use 4 fingers on my bass guitar though.
Because of learning Simandl on a upright bass viol, my fingers are stretched out enough to play one finger per fret on the 34" Fender scale. But I usually laze out and just use my index and middle fingers. Mike B. B. From Philly
Rancid shirt. Street Fighter announcer voice. YOU WERE IN A SKA BAND WUUUUUUUUT? Great video. This really validates people that (can't) don't use 1 finger per fret. I've been fighting this fight for 15 years.
Thanks for this awesome video Josh. Your channel is great. I agree with you in this case and would like to add something. If you're playing fretless, it's best to use 124 in the first positions, on wider 'frets' , and switch to 1234 in the higher positions. It will help the intonation as it works in the double bass left hand technique.
I’d very relieving to watch this. I was having bass lessons with an acoustic 6string guitar teacher and he was fucking annoying as hell on trying to force me to use 1FPF ALWAYS, because that’s how you do on the acoustic guitar with the smaller spaces between frets. It’s changed teacher and now I am developing way more because the first thing he taught me was micro shifting.
Let’s just clear this up, no way is the wrong way, there’s certain techniques that give most people the ability to play better, but these textbook specifics don’t have to absolutely apply to everyone. Play however you’re comfortable, I CAN use my pinky but I just don’t most times. I find having more movement in my hand instead of being stretched, allows me personally to be more accurate.
Do and use both I’ve got smaller hands and with practice you will get strength to stretch . And don’t be afraid of using the thumb I do it allows your fret fingers to do so much more using the thumb over top
This was super helpful! I've got pretty small hand ang thougjt that 1fpf were the right way to go, so my hand would often hurt aftet practise. Recently i've gravitated towards the other, but thought it was wrong, so this really help me. Thank you 😃😊
What fretting technique do you use most often? 🎸
Timestamps for this lesson:
0:00 - Fretting Technique Showdown
0:58 - Meet Your Challengers
2:04 - Round 1: Doing It To Death by James Brown
3:59 - Doing It To Death Play-along
4:53 - Round 2: Time Bomb by Rancid
6:02 - Time Bomb Play-along
6:43 - Round 3: Plush by Stone Temple Pilots
8:31 - Plush Play-along
9:15 - Final Judging + Fretting Myth
10:05 - Pros and Cons of Both Techniques
11:07 - How to Decide Which Technique
12:07 - 2 Principles of Good Fingerings
Simandl as I have small hands. I do use OFPF when playing solos at the top of the neck though
I've been playing for about 14 years and I've never really stuck to one them, I've always just done what was most comfortable for me, while playing that particular line.
It's really useful
I would say normally Simandl from fret 1 to 5, and OF from 5 and up. I really need the added pressure of ring and pinky
I mostly play the Ubass, so OFPF works just dandy....
I personally don't have a choice in that matter. I'm missing the ring finger on my left hand since 6 years old. So, Simandl it is. Gotta work with what I have.
Great humble brag, dude : )
@@innocentoctave
Thanks man, never thought 'bout it this way. Sorry I wrote that.
@@HapyLLIuTeJIb Don't be sorry. It was fine.
@@HapyLLIuTeJIb Seriously, great attitude, man. Django Reinhardt still holds the record, though. : )
@Naki Ryan Yes, I was aware of this. His achievement is still astonishing, and should inspire anyone.
I basically use both techniques, it depends on what and when I'm exactly playing
Pretty much a summary of this video
Same here.
always handy to have plenty of tools to use
Same, because I play both contrabass and electric bass, I get to play both techniques depending in what I need.
Same here. I may switch back and forth in one song or riff. Basically I’m always just doing whatever is necessary to optimally achieve what I’m going for at a given time.
Sometimes I even wrap the ol’ thumb around and pop 1 or 3 on low E for stylistic flair, when I’m feelin’ like bein’ a bit wacky.
That ending one finger technique was a huge flex
Ikr
Noob Josh has really put in the work
@@cactustactics It's still a flex, but well deserved. Dude is a beast.
Right!
The Ytse Jam OMG
I've recently switched to Simandl. After watching all these female RUclips bassists and seeing the relaxed fluidity of their fretting, I stopped stretching for notes and started moving my hand. Already seeing an improvement.
Showoff. I just pick one note and stick to it until the song ends. 60% of the time, it works every time.
:P
Ah yes the sex panther technique
Hey, if it works, it works
One pedal note to rule them all, got it master
🤣🤣🤣🤣
I'd never heard of either technique so naturally shifted between the 2 as needed, the goal in mind was more about efficiency and less effort.
Dude, the graphics in this video are so smooth and crisp, its really on a new level
Thanks Djordje!
Thanks for this clarification Josh! Almost 100% of tutorials I ses enforce one of this technique. You're almost the only one who advocates for being smart, and that's a real relief.
Glad it was helpful Bob!
I started on upright bass: simandl up to the 7th fret (generally), then four finger. That's the way boys and girls.
I just started [not a new musician tho] and I never thought about it but this is EXACTLY what I do.
The first time (out of 20-30 bass teachers) I see somebody who acknowledges the benefits of a fingering other than one finger per fret.
Josh, you are a true wise man.
I have not had a teacher advocate OFPF. they all probably retired with arm injuries before i got to them!
As a person with very small hands playing bass is a challenge and OFPF is almost never an option, but makes me feel extra accomplished when I learn a line I love to play. I've had to rely on Simandl for that reason, but practicing over and over again and adapting to a song better suited for OFPF than Simandl feels great. Just gotta practice and overcome guys!
best fretting technique video I ever saw was from Adam Neely he posted about 8 years ago where he's talking about how he played for several hours continuously. Basically you want you left had to be as relaxed and in as neutral a position as possible as much as possible. So use 124 for most stuff that doesn't require stretching and use 1234 only for things that do, such as playing full scales.
The thing I see others do, that drives me nuts is playing a 3 fret span (e.g. box shape) with index and ring finger. You got that pinky there doing nothing. Should use it instead and save your hand the stretch.
Absolutely agree! I always think it looks painful watching people playing index and ring 🙂
@@58Stejam Agree. And if you've got small hands, it's kinda uncomfortable. I guess I mix styles. Sometimes I use my 3rd finger and pinky as one unit, if I'm doing something like sliding up or down a string. A glissando, I guess you'd call it. My ultimate goal is to hit the right note at the right time, and hell if I care how I got there!
Yes but Adam Neely says some nonsense too. In one video he said that the 1FPF is wrong technique and you should tape your ring and pinky together to forcefully play the right way and, in addition to that, it also improves your tone, groove, sound or whatever. Complete bollocks
Bear in mind that the Simandl technique was designed to play the upright bass, which in its full form has a scale length of incredible 43 inches compared to the standard electric bass of 34 inches. Electric bass guitars can be even smaller like 30 inches or if they are really big they stretch to a maximum 36 inches. This massive scale of the upright bass makes 1 finger per "fret" (note) really challenging, if not impossible, and let's remember that just the finger 1 to finger 2 stretch for half step near the nut must be a big hand stretch. Electric basses with shorter scale length made 1FPF possible.
I let me pinky and ring finger work together in those instances, naturally they kinda want to anyway realizing I could do that was a life changer.
I have tiny hands and naturally just started doing Simandl, but I always thought 4 finger was the "right way" that I was just incapable of. Thanks for the video! I feel a lot better about my technique now!
Dude that one finger playing at the end!!!! RESPECT!
I've been using OFPF for 9 years of playing with smallish hands. I run into that "pain mode" regularly especially in the lower frets. I wish I knew about this Simandl technique sooner. Definitely going to work this tool into my arsenal. Great video!
Josh - I wanted to say a huge thanks for all of your videos. I decided two months ago I wanted to learn the bass guitar and went into it without any experience whatsoever, but having watched nearly all of your tutorials I now feel confident in my ability and can play several songs. You make learning super easy, and interesting. Thanks so much - I really owe you one
Glad I could help Liam!
I have been mixing both fretting techniques, and you are the only RUclips bass teacher that says it's ok to mix both techniques. I totally agree.
This channel is underrated. Enough said.
I guess I alternate depending on note location. I honestly can't say I've paid much attention. My hands are a little on the small side.
Honestly this helped me with my arthritis a ton, simandl just feels a lot more comfortable and I had no idea it was even a thing
I actually love the lick in the intro
I was originally taught one finger per fret on bass guitar, but once I started playing upright and learning Simandl, it forever altered my bass guitar technique. Now it’s a bit of a hybrid but is Simandl about 80% of the time.
I have to use Simandl for everything bc my fingers are too small lol
I have a similar issue; I used to play electric guitar so the scale length of a "regular" bass was a bit of a hurdle.
So I got a short scale bass. 🙂
SAME. It also picked up on it hard from playing upright bass.
@@MrClassicmetal short scale are awesome anyway, even if you don't have trouble with a full scale bass.
@@alexanderking9462 Yeah, they certainly are! 🙂
I feel you!
This is the only video I've found that even talks about the different fretting techniques. My bass instructor calls it "34" because it's your 3rd and 4th fingers working together. I like it, I use it often. The only time I don't is when I'm playing something like that Rancid song, I think you perfectly illustrated why
Hey Josh, great video. I try not to "fret" about my fingering, but lean towards the left, no wait I lean towards one finger per fret. Going to head over to Bass Buzz and check out your courses. Always a pleasure. Stay safe, social distance and wear a mask when you can't awkwardly social distance. Cheers!! 👍♥️😜
Be sure to join the forum and head over to INTRODUCE YOURSELF to get the usual warm welcome to the Bass Buzz community.
The course is awesome.
did you just-
this video helped me so much simandl helps me so much i’m so glad this technique exists it just feels so much more natural to me while also strengthening my pinky much more and forcing me to use it while playing it really helps flying fingers
a mash up between the both is definitely the perfect technique, whenever it feels right to do so i absolutely love it
I had no idea those had names. No one ever told me, it just feels completely natural to stretch when I have to and relax when I can afford.
Given that, I have rather small hands, so maybe that's why. And to be fair, I sometimes even go index, middle and ring, and keep pinky out of the way. Maybe I'm weird, but it just feels natural.
I only ever learned simandl up until I started watching your channel since my bass teacher mostly plays upright bass and originally taught me a lot of weird upright technique stuff on electric bass for some reason
The Simandl technique is the most useful in first position, because the frets are the most spread apart. Anywhere else on the neck one finger per fret is best. And, if you adjust your elbow out away from your rib cage, you can train your fingers to spread to 4 frets even in first position with no discomfort. The angle at the elbow and wrist are key. If the elbow is away from the ribs, it allows the fingers to spread, like classical guitar technique.
Sounds like keeping your elbow up/out and not curling your wrist/tendons
I feel like getting comfortable with both and and using what’s best for the specific song/riff is the smartest option
I've been playing bass for only a year now and at the start I learned the one finger per fret method since everyone said to me that was "the right way to play". Some months ago I noticed there was times when I used only three fingers (index, middle and pinky) 'cause I found it to be more confortable, I didn't know it even had a name or that it was a legit method, I just did it naturally. This video really helped me feel more confortable with my playing tho, I was questioning my self if I was playing "incorrectly".
The interesting thing is that the Simandl method is also a combination of both methods because on a upright bass you will play with only index,middle and pink but after Fret 7 (translated from upright bass to e bass) you will use the Ringfinger because then it is just better and logical. Btw love the content, 11 years upright bass player that is now buing a e bass to add something new to his bass collection :)
Hey I just got my bass three days ago and your vids have really helped. Thank you!
P.S. the bass I got was actually the Yamaha trbx304, really good bass
Got one this week, I love it.
Welcome slaper
New to bass, my Yamaha tbrx304 is on its way, and the Vox bass amPlug 2. But your channel has been a huge help on learning so far, I'll keep watching!
I'm using both techniques, often mixed in the same song, depending on which one suits the best for the song or parts of it. I always use the one that gives me the most stable tone with the least force applied.
For beginners I'd always recommend starting with 1FPF to learn the positions and practice stretching first. Later I'd also add Simandl.
For double bass players (as I'm too) it's no question, You always use Simandl first, except Your fingers are as long as Stanley Clarke's ;)
In thumb on fretboard position in the upper registers I mostly use 1+4 fingers most of the time.
Bear in mind that the Simandl technique was designed to play the upright bass, which in its full form has a scale length of incredible 43 inches compared to the standard electric bass of 34 inches. Electric bass guitars can be even smaller like 30 inches or if they are really big they stretch to a maximum 36 inches. This massive scale of the upright bass makes 1 finger per "fret" (note) really challenging, if not impossible, and let's remember that just the finger 1 to finger 2 stretch for half step near the nut must be a big hand stretch. Electric basses with shorter scale length made 1FPF possible.
I have average to large sizes hands and I generally use Simandl technique when my index finger is lower than the 6th fret and onfp above the 6th fret.
For the second example keep in mind that Simandl method would discourage the closed A in favor of the open string, thus making fewer shifts necessary.
Great video!
Josh, I've watched a bunch of your videos, as well as many videos from many other youtube teachers; you, my man, are the best! The combination of your teaching style with your educational and engaging videos is just right for my learning style. Thank you!
Thank you!
One of your vids encouraged me to learn the 1 finger per fret style. I’m definitely glad I went through the pains of beginning that.
I just discovered your Channel. Over the past several years I've been focusing more on a guitar playing, but am starting it back into bass playing. There's some great Refreshers here for me. Thanks for the vids. They're both entertaining and informative
Another Winner from Josh and BassBuzz, thanks teach!!!!!
Thanks Toby!
Alright I liked, subscribed, and rung the bell so there's my vote. You know what to do!
OMG, Simandl is so much better for me playing down on the fretboard. It keeps me from getting hand pain! Totally agree that both work at different times. I do sometimes get confused in the heat of the moment!
I would consider myself an intermediate bassist but recently I’ve been experiencing lots of pain and discomfort in my plucking hand and wrist when I play for 30-45 or more mins without a break and It would be great if you could do a video on reducing wrist angles and improving your right hand technique in order to avoid cramps and maybe some Beneficial hand and wrist stretches. I’ve been told to reduce my strap height which has had OK results but it hasn’t solved anything outright.
Oh, that would be an amazing video indeed! I also have been looking for hand stretches or hand exercises. I am a very, very beginner and I don't want to cause any trouble with my hands :(
Lianne Vreezen yeah man totally bass can be tough on your wrists and hands
Glad to be your 200.000 subscriber! I had the same bass years ago, it got stolen, and you make the right justice by playing it with majesty :)
Nice, thanks Manfredi!
I find that I use 3 fingers, and neglect my pinky most of the time. That leads to a weak pinky when I need it for the 4 finger stuff. Kids, don't be like me.
Too late... XD
@@BlackJackLopez It's not too late! Save yourself! :oD
That us exactly what I do. And curse my pinkie for running from some work 🤣
My scrawny pinky can't hold a string down...
@@insertmetalusernamehere Time to pump! You up!
I'm not sure if anyone has pointed this out yet. You actually concede something up . That to you and your definition simandl is 3 finger for three frets hand position. It's actually also a very strict shifting system. Simplest way of describing it you never shift pinky to pinky ascending and first finger never shift to first finger descending. Practical example using your video the third tune, stone temple that Chromatic walk up from the b,c,c#d. Simandl would always have you going first,first , middle,pinky. Regardless of that 1/8 location in the line. Anyway, great content and presentation!! Your doing great! Ignore the ass behind the curtain
I use OFPF because:
- I feel like I’m better of getting used to the “harder” version.
- the “assigning one finger to a fret” thing just works for my brain. It helps with managing music by assigning each finger a role.
today I learned cor the 1st time the name of the two bass technique I've been using for the last 20 years... thanks 😄
I think it's worth mentioning that on a fretless bass, the Simandl technique helps you play much more "in tune"
On upright there is no 1 finger per fret until you are up in thumb position
I learned bass on the upright double bass in school orchestra. Now I know why I play electric bass differently than a lot of videos I have seen.
John Entwistle is one of the most interesting bass players to watch, his technique is all over the place.
I’ve been casually / amateurly playing bass for over 20 years. Only took lessons for the first 5. I’ve never even thought about what technique I use, I just play what feels natural. Which as far as I can tell is probably a mix between the 2 and some other style. It depends what you’re playing too. On the lower frets, I tend to simandl, except I probably use the ring finger in favour over my middle often. Then go for 1fpf around the middle of the fret board. But if I were to play something like schism, I would hammer 10 to 12 with my ring finger. It’s too bunched up to use the pinky at that end, and the pointer to middle finger is too far to stretch a hammer more than 1 fret. Thanks Josh, you’ve helped me become a better bass player; my high school bass teacher used to mumble a lot and I could never really hear much of what he said, so you’ve helped me re-learn some of those basics I think I missed all those years ago. I never play in front of people anymore but it’s still nice to be able to figure out how to play a song instead of trying to robot learn tabs, as well as not sound like a noob simply because you haven’t picked it up in a few weeks.
You're the best Josh! Love your videos
Love the fun accompanied by great knowledge. Love the video!
Looks like I've been using Simandl technique without even knowing something like that existed 🤔
I'm from Brazil. Thank you very much for this video, it's save my bass. Congratulations for the channel, it helps a lot. 🇧🇷🙏🏻
Good video Josh. I use both and while watching the video picked the same as you for each song.
Learning bass 25 years ago as a kid from a book it taught the 4 fpf way and I tried and practiced it but as you know, your little pinky in particular is very weak so I would use my ring finger and shift.
Eventually the longer you play you use both styles and work out what's best for you. Some teachers out there insist 4 fingers per fret is the only way, but that's not practical all the time and can lead hand or finger injuries. Anyway, look forward to the next vid, cheers.
My first bass instructor taught me the "four fret spread" technique, I played that way for years, despite learning double bass was taught using a
3 fret spread. THEN... that carpal tunnel got me (aint nobody got time for that!) sadly this Timmy had to take a couple years off.
Now upon returning to the cathartic sounds of the low tones, I use the 3 fret hand position when possible and concentrate on good thumb position and good posture. The 3 fret positioning & good thumb position allows me a straighter wrist. At 5'4" tall I don't have big hands. That said the extra attention to technique and posture are working as good as I could've hoped for.
Glad the technique tweaks are working for you after the time off! So glad I've never had to deal with that, sounds rough.
Electric bassist turned double bassist (and now playing more bass guitar again). I wanted to go to school so learned double bass and studied classical double bass throughout. I use Simandl (not Bille which I use very rarely) almost all the time, unless I need the dexterity of using an extension or into one finger per half step. The comfort of Simandl as well as the added safety for your joints.
Rancid! Matt has been such a huge influence on me, it makes me so happy to see you covering this
I love your videos, and they get me to want to play.
I am a guitarist switching to bass, and I see merit in both techniques.
I was naturally doing both without knowing what I was doing, so score one for me!!
Good to know that I’m not the only one who uses the Simandl technique. I find it more comfortable and easier on the fretting hand.
Thanks! As a guitar player just learning bass, I appreciate your attention to fundamentals. Well done! 👍
I greatly enjoy your videos.
I am having to learn these techniques in relation to bass.
Playing guitar for twenty-five years, I have developed habits that work fine for guitar, but aren’t flying as well for bass.
I do switch between the Simandl and OFPR techniques, but I don’t use my pinky as I should for bass. Since it’s just me in my apartment on my P Bass, I am allowing myself to be lazy in not learning proper techniques.
I know I need to relearn it all, it’s just hard to break habits.
-tangent, but bass-related-
Another habit I’m having trouble breaking is using my left hand to mute strings I’m not playing, especially lower strings as I’m playing. On guitar, I only touched the string I was fretting with the tip of my finger rather than the pad of it. A whole lot to relearn...
I plan on getting to Beginner to Badass course once I can afford it, but for now I am enjoying your free videos, Josh.
Before I got injured with both a TBI (2010) and high level SCI (2014) I used to be able to maintain the 1 finger per fret over the entire fretboard without issues but now that I regained enough finger function to play post injuries I honestly don't care how I do it and that my technique isn't textbook as long as I can play decently and am still improving as I started playing again barely 2 weeks ago.
Look up how Gary Sinise plays the bass, that's kinda how I do it. Not how it's supposed to be done but like I said, I don't care.
I tried 1 finger a fret on the smaller sections but it takes more energy to keep my fingers spread due to the nerve damage and causes a lot of pain in the wrist which is already an issue with manual wheelchair use.
I wish you the best of recovery. Please don’t settle for anything less than what your ideal recovery and ability is.
The brain is capable of far more healing and adaptation than most people know.
It’s great that you got back on bass.
(:
What’s an SCI ?
As someone who started from rhythm guitar this cleared up a lot of confusion of what to do’
I have average sized hands, my main issue comes from how physically short my pinky is in relation to my other fingers (it's barely taller than the second knuckle on my index finger!) Which clearly isn't a problem for the likes of Josh with his freaky (to my eyes) spider pinky
Whenever I stretch across 4 frets at the low end of the fret board my middle finger and ring finger tend to wind up lying across the strings which is great for muting on slower lines but can cause real problems when having to play at speed so I end up switching between ofpf and simandl a lot.
Your videos are always so fun and creative, haha. Loving it, keep 'em coming!
Yeah, it depends what are you playing. I started to play bass in 1977 and i did use some classic double bass techniques on the electric bass with a italian method book-Bille- and -Madensky- for arpeggios ". Later i started with the double bass and that gave me an advantage. I make combined exercises in the 4 strings and in different fingering positions back and forward
Loved the one fingered Trooper at the end. Nice!!
I learned Simandil years after learning 4 finger when I took lessons and learned to sight read. In the end I use what suits the song best. Simandil works great on extended scale basses, over 34" scale in low registers and the technique of sliding into position and having that muscle memory especially with a fretless is awesome.
When we play high up on the fret board we need the 1 finger per fret technique . On low end sim technique is great . This vid proved we need both .
You're the best bass teacher on RUclips and I've devoured your videos but this was over my head.
Makes me want to sell my bass.
Don't sell your bass!
BassBuzz My fretting technique is survival.
When I first started playing bass I was using all four fingers. I didn't read music and was a rock player. When I went to college for music the bass teacher introduced me to the Simandl method. It took a little bit to get used to and understand but I found it much better than the four finger approach, especially when reading bass notation. If you use the four finger technique you have your hand in one position and you are stretching your fingers out unnaturally. With the Simandl method your thumb is centered more on the back of the neck and you move your hand more than you stretch your fingers. Shifting is also much easier, which is seldom taught to students. My technique now is 95% Simandl and 5% four finger. Certain instances are easier for four finger technique, like crossing strings when playing intervals of fourths (using forefinger and ring finger to fret.) But I've been using Simandl method and have also had no issues with tendonitis or other health related matters.
_Very cool fretting techniques runthrough there! Thanks for sharing_ 👍🎸😍🎵
I just bought my first bass guitar and you got a new subscriber (: great content man!
You're amazing! I've never heard about Simandl
Both, although I tend to do simandl on the first lowest 5 frets, then mostly 1-finger-per-fret for higher frets. Also, I previously for the life of me couldn't use my little finger! Thanks to constant exercises, now I use it more than the ring finger, such a world of difference!
Really like your channel....for me the best online..ultimately it's what suits you best because you don't have to copy other's bass lines...you can invent your own lines to suit your style...put simply do your own thing..
this video is awesome in terms of the mini skits of finger fights
I was definitely trained to use one finger per fret and played that way for many years. I gigged on upright straight for about two years and then came back to electric playing mostly Simandl and I prefer it. That’s my story.
I switch back and forth. I mostly play fretless bass, though, so it's really crucial to keep stretches really accurate and to a minimum as needed and fingers need to be as close to perpendicular to the board as possible. One finger puts a lot more stress on the hand, but I also find that it's faster for some parts due to less shifting. Simandl feels much more natural for the kinds of root-octave-root kinds of things that make up a lot of bass lines.
I usually use both, but I mostly use the simandl technique because it feel way more comfortable than having to stretch my fingers out.
I'm an upright player. The double bass has a string length varying from 40-41 inches (on different instruments.) It is just anatomically futile to utilize the 3rd finger consistently in the lower positions. When I play electric bass, I am so thrilled by the freedom to use all kinds of fingering systems. My third finger has actually gotten STRONGER when I go back to upright.
Nice T-Shirt! I started to try playing bass when I was young because of Freeman' lines...
Same :)
It's worth noting that Simandl's later versions of the technique used the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
Almost always OFPF because I don't like shifting. But recently was playing Love Shack which never leaves frets 1-3. And my ring finger got tired. Simandl to the rescue!
Jesus Christ Josh is the tattoo on your left arm the Blackstar stars? I loved you already now I love you even more
Yes!
Great video Josh. I'm also learning the upright bass, and the 3 fingered technique is what they all teach. I tend to still use 4 fingers on my bass guitar though.
Because of learning Simandl on a upright bass viol, my fingers are stretched out enough to play one finger per fret on the 34" Fender scale. But I usually laze out and just use my index and middle fingers.
Mike B. B. From Philly
Rancid shirt. Street Fighter announcer voice. YOU WERE IN A SKA BAND WUUUUUUUUT? Great video. This really validates people that (can't) don't use 1 finger per fret. I've been fighting this fight for 15 years.
Thanks for this awesome video Josh. Your channel is great. I agree with you in this case and would like to add something. If you're playing fretless, it's best to use 124 in the first positions, on wider 'frets' , and switch to 1234 in the higher positions. It will help the intonation as it works in the double bass left hand technique.
I’d very relieving to watch this. I was having bass lessons with an acoustic 6string guitar teacher and he was fucking annoying as hell on trying to force me to use 1FPF ALWAYS, because that’s how you do on the acoustic guitar with the smaller spaces between frets. It’s changed teacher and now I am developing way more because the first thing he taught me was micro shifting.
That last one finger techniques was impressive!
Now go with the pinky! :)
Excellent as always, thanks Josh
Let’s just clear this up, no way is the wrong way, there’s certain techniques that give most people the ability to play better, but these textbook specifics don’t have to absolutely apply to everyone. Play however you’re comfortable, I CAN use my pinky but I just don’t most times. I find having more movement in my hand instead of being stretched, allows me personally to be more accurate.
Do and use both I’ve got smaller hands and with practice you will get strength to stretch . And don’t be afraid of using the thumb I do it allows your fret fingers to do so much more using the thumb over top
This was super helpful! I've got pretty small hand ang thougjt that 1fpf were the right way to go, so my hand would often hurt aftet practise. Recently i've gravitated towards the other, but thought it was wrong, so this really help me. Thank you 😃😊
Glad it helped Bjørg!