I generally use the one finger per fret technique. However, I thought that the proper way to learn a song is to first find the key, position your hand/fingers so that you can play the scale within the key and than just learn the song based primarily on that hand position. Of course it’s also easier to learn the song and intervals this way.
The problem is that it too often makes it much more difficult to physically play the song by taking this approach because fretting/fingering the groove or melody of the song is much more difficult.
I think the answer is that the key position is just the starting point and that you need to adjust according to the song your playing…but it does make you question whether or not the proper fretting technique is being used. Any insight or guidance would be helpful. Thanks.
I don’t think there are many songs that work inside of a scale/key hand position.
Most everything will be moving a bunch and going for whatever that bassist felt like was a good move.
I think it’s really smart to think about what key a song is in and to practice positions in that key. This helps with being able to identify recognizable and traditional chord moves and song patterns. But for learning an actual part for performance, it’s comfort over form every time.
Yes, just like you said - key position is a good starting point, and then adjust.
The proper fretting technique is being used if you can play everything and have it sound good.
The fact that you’re paying attention to it will keep you out of the danger zone.
My strongest advice would be not to force things into fingering/scale patterns, as most of the recorded bassists you’re learning from weren’t playing to scale fingering patterns.
It’s also a lot of how many ways can you imagine your scales, and how many scales are you comfortable with.
If you have the pentatonic scales in their static and shifting forms, that will get you a whole lot, and it’s flexible enough to move around the fingerboard without being to stuck in a spot.
(I wrote a big ‘ol article about it here:
Thanks Gio…you have confirmed my suspicions on how it should work (for once I’m trying to learn an instrument the right way instead of hacking my way through). I’ll figure out the key to get my bearings but than adjust around the fretboard so that the fingering is easiest and most comfortable.
Your article is actually perfect for where I’m at technically right now so thanks for the link. I feel fortunate to get advice from such an awesome player by the way (I previously saw some of your vids)…it leaves no doubt that what you are saying is true and reliable. Thanks again dude.