About a week and a half into playing bass, i have noticed i have some problems with muting a note, if i am immediately moving to another string, like using the e string then having to mute to move my index up to a and middle up to d right after like in dark red by steve lacy, i have found myself using my ring finger subconsciously to just play my d string and just muting with my index instead of just muting the e string then and moving up, will playing like this be a detriment to me learning down the line? I would definitely need to improve my ring finger speed and do need to improve my muting but at this point its just feels almost natural
There is certainly no law against using three fingers
If you feel comfortable playing with three fingers and you can build consistency and fluency with that, then I’d say go for it.
As a beginner, it might, however, be better to stick to two fingers for the time being, as this is what most people do, and what most teachers teach. If you - like it seems you do - assign one finger per string (index E, middle A, ring D), this will cause you a lot of issues soon; you are also just pushing the challenge of playing on the G string in front of you.
As for muting the lower strings: I assume you have a thumb!? That is one of your strongest weapons for muting the lower strings. At the same time, it acts as an anchor providing stability and letting the other fingers work more freely.
Some bassists use 3 fingers to play, and it can make doing a gallop easier.
Generally not needed.
It’s an abomination !!!, ![]()
I’ve been trying to convert to three finger plugging for the last 2 years. To be specific I really want to adopt Gary Willis method. You are still new at this so take advantage of it and try it out. I know it works I’m just an old dog that can’t learn new tricks. , ![]()
Yeah i use my thumb sometimes i just gotta work on speed and consistency with it because im god awful on it, and i wouldnt say i do one for each string because if the change isnt that fast ill just mute and move my index and middle up but on some songs another example being time of the season by the zombies it just seems easier to play the highest string with my ring instead of moving my index and middle but thank you for the advice i def gotta work on getting my form and muting right in thenfirst place lol
If you are not yet taking the “Beginner to Badass” course, then you should! It’s the best beginner course for bass out there and teaches you everything to provide a good foundation for later further development, including all about hand positions, how to pluck, and how to mute.
In the meantime, you could also google “anchored thumb” or “moveable thumb” or “floating thumb” to see how the thumb rests on various strings (and thus mutes them).
Other than Gary Willis, there is also Damian Erskine’s “Right Hand Drive”: