Starting with index versus middle

I find myself wanting to start with my middle finger versus my index finger - especially if I’m just playing along like while riding in the car without an instrument. When practicing, I guess because I’m more aware of it - I don’t have an issue with starting with my index finger. Anyone else experienced this? I want to learn the “right” way so I’m constantly fighting the urge to start with my middle. Am I overthinking this or does it even matter?

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@johnbilbrey74 welcome to the forum :slight_smile:

and yes I have similar issues, I try to do what Josh tells me to do and start with my pointy finger, but I have not noticed a diffrence while playing really depending on what finger I use first

I’m new at instruments though, dunno if I have the best advice, I’m currently in module 7 and been playing less than a month, but I dont let this bother me, if it becomes a problem later on, we will just have to work on it then

:heart:

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There are a few places in the course where Josh will very specifically tell you a plucking fingering, which is really based on what will work easiest/best for the line. Otherwise, alternating is the key. He generally starts on the index just as a standard starting point.

If you’re starting on your middle finger but still alternating and getting an even tone, it’s fine. It is worth getting practice starting on index as well, so that if you have a song where that works better you aren’t completely lost.

And if you’re on stage and starting with your middle, you know who will notice? Absolutely no one.

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Right on, thanks guys!

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I generally lead with my index but if if I’m crossing to a higher string (lower vertically) and leading with my index means I’m reaching for the higher string with the index, then I’ll often change to get my middle on the string crossing. And vice versa if I’m crossing to a lower string when I prefer to use the index. I find that after I’ve played a passage several times with the chosen fingering, I no longer really need to think about it, I just seem to do it.

But it’s not rigid; find what works best and go for it! I think the key thing is to get comfortable with alternating so you are doing that without thinking about it.

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It’s a great discipline to alternate plugging practice. You’ll don’t need or have to follow that. Sometimes your instincts and brain dominant take over so just let it. Sometime I’d start with the middle to setup the phrase or fills.

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Yeah I’m alternating pretty well at this point regardless of which one starts. I figure it won’t be an issue as I get more practice time in and muscle memory starts kicking in!

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I thought it was just me. My middle finger dominates and always wants to lead. Maybe it gets too much use in every day life :face_with_hand_over_mouth:

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