As well, trying to maintain the technique I'm getting some shoulder pains and hand fatigue. I'm not sure if I'm tensing up too much or something, but it's a huge effort for me to keep my fingers curled up as much as you do. 1) Did it hurt like that for you, or am I just doing something wrong, and 2) Is the finger curled-ness an integral part of the technique or are there less fatiguing ways of doing it? Thanks a lot.
@Wonko19 OK this comment concerns me as you should not be getting any pain while using this technique - it sounds to me like you need to set your bass up to be easier to play - this can mean lowering the action so the strings feel looser, using slightly lighter strings and if you install a ramp your fingers won't slip under the strings as much, this was you can play lighter, longer and faster overall. The hand shape is just like making a fist then relaxing it slightly - make sense?
@ijazzmunki Oh, I get it. Yes, my bass does need a set up, and I've been planning to downsize on strings for a while now. I guess I'll get that done soon, I'm really interested in learning this technique. Thank you very much for your quick response. I'll be sure to work on that, and on acquiring a ramp. Thanks!
Are you using any fingernail? It sounds rather sharp, and I'm wondering if that's a part of it. I'm having issues getting my hands to maintain shape like that, do you have any suggestions on how to hold your hand properly to maintain technique? Also, where did you get your ramp from, and why are they so damn expensive?
@Wonko19 Hello - firstly I keep my nails as short as possible on my picking hand, I hate it when I catch them on the strings, so no to the nails thing - I had the ramp installed on this bass when I had it made for me, a decent luthier should be able to make one for you or Google Gary Willis and ramp and you should find a great video he's made on how to build and install your own ramp, they can be inexpensive if you follow his method...
sir.mike. thanks a lot. i watched and listen on all your music, it's very inspiring. make me relax all day.=) too many bass player played so cool, but what i can say is you are the unique one.=))
sir.mike, i'm having problem downloading your new album at iTunes. is there anyway that i can dowload it on other music sites for free??=) thank you, i will wait for your response. =)
@megajhaz dude - try Bandcamp instead - it's there listed under the band name Mike Flynn's Urb and the album is called 'Homespun' - either that or try E-music or Napster - it's also on Spotify if you use that as well :-) - hope you can get hold of it
I have a Yamaha TR-6P (6 string, 19mm spacing) and I am having problems with this technique. After my fingers pluck the string, they hit the string below it, making it sound messy and incorrect. Any advice?
@TaterGumfries do what you like - make your own rules - do what works for you - I have no problem with people using whatever finger combinations they like - go for it!!!
@ijazzmunki Point is, musical technique keeps improvin the longer an instrument is around, but sometimes it gets to a dead end when folks copy someone they like, along with his limitations.
@jmattbassplaya the ramp helps A LOT - it just means your fingers don't slip under the strings so much - making each stroke even - it's good for normal finger style as well
Why do the index-middle-ring fingers in that order and not in the 'Billy Sheehan' order which is ring-middle-index? The Billy Sheehan ordering of fingers is easier to learn and one can go much faster because this is the natural way the fingers of the hand curl. Trying to learn it the other way (like you show it, index-middle-ring) is surely very ineffective because one has to teach the hand something which is unnatural. Also, thumb-ring is easier than thumb-index! Try it guys. Much faster.
@Playerx19 it might be faster but it's not necessarily more accurate - this way is much easier to break into different finger combinations and also empahsises articulation and control with you thumb and first or second fingers - I can do the Billy Sheehan method and it definitey sounds great but the way I play ith 4 fingers is not just about speed - it's about econmy of motion and also string skipping over wide intervals - much easier than with ring-middle-index
I love the four finger technique so much i have totally revamped my way of playing. This technique is so ergonomic, i have not felt pain in my right hand since I have started using this technique two months ago. Thanks a bunch.
how long did it take you to learn this? I've been trying to figure this out on and off for a really long time now and I just can't seem to get it. My ring finger is slow and dumb.
@a1bassman fair comment man - I hear what you're saying - this technique is best use sparingly - it works great for fast grooves, chords or a twist on traditional bass lines - but I actually agree with you :-)
It seems hard to go from the basics of the technique, as show later in the video, to the real musical application of it in the beginning of the video. Think you could go a bit more in depth about creating lines and noodling with the technique? I seem to have the right hand technique down, but I'm not sure how to turn this into a very musical technique with my fretting hand.
@codyhansonbass Hey Cody - it's a hard one because the whole point with this technique is that you need to learn it only to forget it and use it without thinking - which I know sounds like a contradiction but it's how I use it. Basically take a
scale or arpeggio and work out how you want to finger it - how many plucks per string this needs etc - likewise taking a bassline you normally pluck with 2 fingers and converting that into a 4 finger one are all ways of using this technique more often.
@ijazzmunki I have been trying this technique since february, But I still need more help haha!! could you please make a new video showing a couple of exercises using this technique and explain it!! it could be something funky, I believe that would helo me to open my mind and start using it! =)
what notes were you playing in that really quick riff at 5:12??? sounded really great but it was a mite too fast for my ears to break down all the note
As a self taught student of the bass for nearly ten months now I found this very very informative and helpful. This is exactly what I've been looking for thank you so much!
ahhh that little riff at 5:12. getting a little bored? haha. but in all seriousness that is awesome that you have the ability to throw that in there, sounded great
@jeffharper47 cheers bro - the bass is my Sei Single Cut series 1 made by London-based luthier Martin Petersen - the bass is a truly wonderful instrument
Thanks for the technique demo. I've been playing bass for 25 years, and only now have I started to really branch out and strive to learn how to really play. I've taken up guitar in the last year, and miraculously, after 24 years of being strictly a finger player, I can now find my way around a bass using a pick.
ads piss me off. They play for like two seconds, stop to load, then you wait until they are done buffering, then you have to sit through the entire thing just to watch a fucking video.
Jesus, it's hard adjusting to this type of playing after the constant configuring of the basic index/middle finger plucking (metal bassist). Not to mention I tense up and don't feel comfortable playing like this.
This is great. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain this - it's been a mystery that I haven't understood for the past year, and I thought I'd figure it out on my own eventually... But I wasn't on the track to unlocking this technique. This video is very very helpful.
Thanks for explaining your technique. Your four finger technique, besides adding speed, seems to result in certain notes being accented in an atypical (and cool) way, as well as notes being played slightly ahead and behind the beat in a very musical way. By the way, because of this video I am having a Willis ramp built for my 6-string to see how I like it. Thanks!
The "GW Ibañes electric bass (Gary Willis) has a ramp or wood between the pick up but this technique is very difficult, I can barely touch me exercises Adagio 76 metronome. The enormity thumb hurts me. Anyway, sounds very beautiful. I wonder what Equipment you use??
I am used to go from thumb(T) - ring finger(R) - middle finger(M) - Index finger(I) sequence. What do u suggest ?? Should i try to break this habit (T-R-M-I) and start following your T-I-M-R finger sequence??
This feels like the most economical and coherent approach to hit difficult string situations on the fretboard to me... awesome... tricky to master though
@duffmasterofpuppets there was already someone who did use 4 fingers and 5 fingers!!! guess who? Abe Laboriel!!! watch his vid and u'll notice how godly he ccan use every finger effectively....he fking use his pinky for high treble sound!! n he used it when he plays chord and stuff! so amazing!
I like it, I'm gonna have to try it, when I'm four finger/three finger picking I use my fingers and leave my thumb resting on the pickups, I didn't think of thing anything like this, thanks man.
Sweet bass. Does the bit inbetween the pickups help make this technique easier? I play a Yamaha TRB1006 and find this pretty tough because I keep accidently hooking my fingers under the strings.
Mike cheers for this! It's a really good breakdown on this technique. I've tried double thumbing, but never really gotten anywhere with it. I think this would be a good technique to try out to a similar effect to double thumbing. Do you prefer to use this in scenarios where you would previously would have used double thumbing? And lastly would you recommend trying to get further with double thumbing or jumping in with this 4 finger technique? Sorry for the essay =)
Thank you so much for posting this video, your exercises are now at the forefront of my practice regiment. You have definitely changed my playing for the better.
very impressive! great tutorial. explained well and easy to understand; let's hope it's easy for me to incorporate this technique into my playing.. that part could be tough! ;)
I started to learn how to do this around 5 years ago - it took me roughly two years experimenting with it to have it working properly - like I say in this video I was using the Vic Wooten technique of two thumb strokes and then two pluck with index and middle fingers - so I just had to learn how to use my ring finger - so after I focused on that it started to come together quite quickly. Bascially just get the 'mechanical' side of it togeher and then start trying different ideas.
ijazzmunki - this is great stuff. I always wanted to play bass but I can bearly play some guitar. do you believe a grown up guy can start playing funk bass?
I have a fender jazz, and this technique is quite difficult. I can only do it when I lie on my back with a thin book under the strings for my fingers to touch down on. On your bass you seem to have some sort of block or pad or something between the pickups. Is that commercially available? Is it something you made? I don't know. It seems like it would make this technique easier.
You've nailed why I have a ramp on each of my basses - the piece of wood between my pickups that is - it really helps stop any of your fingers slipping too far below the strings and keep each pluck consistent. It essentially means the string vibrates less, so doesn't move as much and helps you pluck evenly. Sadly you will have to get one of these custom fitted though I wish someone would start making these commercially as the amount of questions I get about them suggests there's a market
I'd have to agree with onbleezies, sure there is a lot of playing skill and artistic value involved, but honestly it does not quite translate into that musical mellifluity... the four finger picking is cool but really it just kind of sounds like a bad amp or, in a more vulgar sense, like farting....
come on, don't really think he's suggesting an entire solo or tune with nothing but this technique. It's a TECHNIQUE guys. Helpful stuff to improve your repitoire and chops. Noone loves melodic lines (which he also plays beautifully) more than me, but this is some great stuff to throw in a really smokin solo.
Awesome bass, awesome playing, and great technique. Just wondering, how do you get that ramp on your basses between the pickups? Do you have it custom made? What material is it made of? Thanks.
I am trying to adapt this technique. I am fiding that when my left hand acends my right has is ok with t 1 2 3 , but when my left hand decends my right fingers want to go 3 2 1 t. Im not sure if that will end up being a bad habbit, Your thoughts?
exactly, just keep at it, it will take a while for your muscles to get used to the new direction your fingers need to move in, but it will come with time. Feel free to adapt this technique any way you please, but the method I demonstrate here is very efficient for playing fast grooves, it's done this way for that reason. Just keep practicing this as part of your wider studies, this is just one tiny element of playing music...
do you think this technique could be used for metal? i play heavier stuff than jazz, even though i love it, its not my music choice to play in particular
Erlend doesn't use the Garrison thing as far as I know. He has a solid Wooten technique and his open palm 3 (4?) finger picking is spectacular, but I don't think he does this.
Either way, yeah you could utilize closed palm 4 finger for metal, it would just lack that hard attack that metal so direly needs.
either this, 3 fingers, or 4 fingers (i,m,r,p) work as well. this is IMO harder to learn and master but alot less stressfull on the hand instead of using your pinky
Thank you so much, Mike! This technique feels so natural and relaxed and sounds great as well. Have you got some purchaseable solo-recordings or smth like that? You rock!
thank you for sharing your awesome skills with us. your explanation is cristal clear, and your tone is amazing. wonderful sei bass as well, although i don't like 33ers that much. i hope i'll be able to record a vid reasonably soon. i'm eager to show the skills i develope thanks to your inspiration. you definitely deserve a heartfelt thank you!
thanks a lot man, you have some great stuff down as well, but I have to say the more I use this 4 finger stuff the more possibilities open up, but it's all part of an overall approach that I'm trying to develop, thanks for the positive words
Thanks alot for this, really amazing, it's inspired me to try to develop this. You've shown me this has musical potential for all contexts, not just showing off.
Hello friend I wonder what is the best positioning down to apply this technique. I'm having difficulty level to apply this technique. thank you
lkscat 2 weeks ago
As well, trying to maintain the technique I'm getting some shoulder pains and hand fatigue. I'm not sure if I'm tensing up too much or something, but it's a huge effort for me to keep my fingers curled up as much as you do. 1) Did it hurt like that for you, or am I just doing something wrong, and 2) Is the finger curled-ness an integral part of the technique or are there less fatiguing ways of doing it? Thanks a lot.
Wonko19 3 weeks ago
@Wonko19 OK this comment concerns me as you should not be getting any pain while using this technique - it sounds to me like you need to set your bass up to be easier to play - this can mean lowering the action so the strings feel looser, using slightly lighter strings and if you install a ramp your fingers won't slip under the strings as much, this was you can play lighter, longer and faster overall. The hand shape is just like making a fist then relaxing it slightly - make sense?
ijazzmunki 2 weeks ago
@ijazzmunki Oh, I get it. Yes, my bass does need a set up, and I've been planning to downsize on strings for a while now. I guess I'll get that done soon, I'm really interested in learning this technique. Thank you very much for your quick response. I'll be sure to work on that, and on acquiring a ramp. Thanks!
Wonko19 2 weeks ago
Are you using any fingernail? It sounds rather sharp, and I'm wondering if that's a part of it. I'm having issues getting my hands to maintain shape like that, do you have any suggestions on how to hold your hand properly to maintain technique? Also, where did you get your ramp from, and why are they so damn expensive?
Wonko19 3 weeks ago
@Wonko19 Hello - firstly I keep my nails as short as possible on my picking hand, I hate it when I catch them on the strings, so no to the nails thing - I had the ramp installed on this bass when I had it made for me, a decent luthier should be able to make one for you or Google Gary Willis and ramp and you should find a great video he's made on how to build and install your own ramp, they can be inexpensive if you follow his method...
ijazzmunki 2 weeks ago
nice one man great playing here!
will902 4 weeks ago
Yo Mike!! The Jazzmunki! What's that pickup config you've got workin' there? Sounds good :)
4StringedMenace 1 month ago
how much time take u to domine this technique ?
tomaspepino 2 months ago
sir.mike. thanks a lot. i watched and listen on all your music, it's very inspiring. make me relax all day.=) too many bass player played so cool, but what i can say is you are the unique one.=))
megajhaz 2 months ago
sir.mike, i'm having problem downloading your new album at iTunes. is there anyway that i can dowload it on other music sites for free??=) thank you, i will wait for your response. =)
megajhaz 2 months ago
@megajhaz dude - try Bandcamp instead - it's there listed under the band name Mike Flynn's Urb and the album is called 'Homespun' - either that or try E-music or Napster - it's also on Spotify if you use that as well :-) - hope you can get hold of it
ijazzmunki 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I have a Yamaha TR-6P (6 string, 19mm spacing) and I am having problems with this technique. After my fingers pluck the string, they hit the string below it, making it sound messy and incorrect. Any advice?
codyhansonbass 3 months ago
Seems like you ought to use the little finger too. Shame to waste a perfectly good finger.
TaterGumfries 4 months ago
@TaterGumfries do what you like - make your own rules - do what works for you - I have no problem with people using whatever finger combinations they like - go for it!!!
ijazzmunki 3 months ago in playlist Four finger picking lessons and technique based videos
@ijazzmunki Point is, musical technique keeps improvin the longer an instrument is around, but sometimes it gets to a dead end when folks copy someone they like, along with his limitations.
TaterGumfries 1 month ago
Question - how important do you think the ramp is to being able to pull this off efficiently?
jmattbassplaya 6 months ago
@jmattbassplaya the ramp helps A LOT - it just means your fingers don't slip under the strings so much - making each stroke even - it's good for normal finger style as well
ijazzmunki 3 months ago in playlist Four finger picking lessons and technique based videos
Surely with practice you can do it with 2 fingers?
JPastorius3 6 months ago
Why do the index-middle-ring fingers in that order and not in the 'Billy Sheehan' order which is ring-middle-index? The Billy Sheehan ordering of fingers is easier to learn and one can go much faster because this is the natural way the fingers of the hand curl. Trying to learn it the other way (like you show it, index-middle-ring) is surely very ineffective because one has to teach the hand something which is unnatural. Also, thumb-ring is easier than thumb-index! Try it guys. Much faster.
Playerx19 7 months ago 2
@Playerx19 it might be faster but it's not necessarily more accurate - this way is much easier to break into different finger combinations and also empahsises articulation and control with you thumb and first or second fingers - I can do the Billy Sheehan method and it definitey sounds great but the way I play ith 4 fingers is not just about speed - it's about econmy of motion and also string skipping over wide intervals - much easier than with ring-middle-index
ijazzmunki 6 months ago 2
@ijazzmunki interesting ideas...i must try to employ them... but you got mad hitchhikers thumb. does it help slappin?
CommBreakDown 6 months ago
Your technique is almost hypnotic
SuperStratosfear 7 months ago
how long have you been playing?
TheZombieXecutioner 8 months ago
You have very flexible hands
Dojotortoise 8 months ago
You should make a lesson on theory
UhMysteryGuest 9 months ago
I love the four finger technique so much i have totally revamped my way of playing. This technique is so ergonomic, i have not felt pain in my right hand since I have started using this technique two months ago. Thanks a bunch.
DonaldWaughMusic 10 months ago
wonderful lesson i love how your bass sounds what type of bass is it
and is it your strings or pickups that gives the sounds
what pickups and strings is on it thank you
nyronHarrison 10 months ago
Mike,
I think you are a great bass guitar teacher. Thanks...I have plenty of practicing ahead of me!!!!
ncbasspraise 10 months ago
Great stuff
bassblasta 11 months ago
thank you for existing it is greatly appreciated
shellslug1 11 months ago
Boy that is one honky sounding bass I love it.
PennybagDarrell 11 months ago
is this a fodera?
imakedookie 1 year ago
beautiful saund, congratulations!
3esmar3 1 year ago
why playing by starting with the thumb, its more natural on the other way no ?
feedyoursoul01 1 year ago
Also, how often were you using the double thumb technique? It was kinda hard for me to tell, when you were going so fast :P
MrBassbassbassbass 1 year ago
how long did it take you to learn this? I've been trying to figure this out on and off for a really long time now and I just can't seem to get it. My ring finger is slow and dumb.
MrBassbassbassbass 1 year ago
@MrBassbassbassbass try victor wootens technique, it uses only the thumb and two fingers
HiImJerry8 1 year ago
i don't really like the look of single cut bass's but my god that wood looks amazing!
cameronj279 1 year ago
@a1bassman fair comment man - I hear what you're saying - this technique is best use sparingly - it works great for fast grooves, chords or a twist on traditional bass lines - but I actually agree with you :-)
ijazzmunki 1 year ago
It seems hard to go from the basics of the technique, as show later in the video, to the real musical application of it in the beginning of the video. Think you could go a bit more in depth about creating lines and noodling with the technique? I seem to have the right hand technique down, but I'm not sure how to turn this into a very musical technique with my fretting hand.
codyhansonbass 1 year ago 2
@codyhansonbass Hey Cody - it's a hard one because the whole point with this technique is that you need to learn it only to forget it and use it without thinking - which I know sounds like a contradiction but it's how I use it. Basically take a
scale or arpeggio and work out how you want to finger it - how many plucks per string this needs etc - likewise taking a bassline you normally pluck with 2 fingers and converting that into a 4 finger one are all ways of using this technique more often.
ijazzmunki 1 year ago
@ijazzmunki would you upload some patterns you use in scales and arpeggios?? that'll give me a clue to use this in a solo..
P.D.: thanks for the vid, it helped a lot, and now i'm grooving most of the time with four fingers haha
unjuanchomas 1 year ago
@ijazzmunki I have been trying this technique since february, But I still need more help haha!! could you please make a new video showing a couple of exercises using this technique and explain it!! it could be something funky, I believe that would helo me to open my mind and start using it! =)
kineticx 9 months ago
what notes were you playing in that really quick riff at 5:12??? sounded really great but it was a mite too fast for my ears to break down all the note
GatoradeIsNotJuice 1 year ago
Excellent playing. Trying to learn this technique, your video is very helpful.
Out of curiosity, are you tuned E-C or B-G?
codyhansonbass 1 year ago
What's your string action like?
RonPaulMountainBiker 1 year ago
@RonPaulMountainBiker quite low... ;-)
ijazzmunki 1 year ago
As a self taught student of the bass for nearly ten months now I found this very very informative and helpful. This is exactly what I've been looking for thank you so much!
HahaLesbians 1 year ago
ahhh that little riff at 5:12. getting a little bored? haha. but in all seriousness that is awesome that you have the ability to throw that in there, sounded great
GatoradeIsNotJuice 1 year ago
You have a mean tone, man. Props.
TPCrackerman 1 year ago
as soon as i put that last comment down.. about making a lesson vid.. it turned into a lesson vid.. thanks...
another thing.. what kinda bass is that... and about how much?
jeffharper47 1 year ago
@jeffharper47 cheers bro - the bass is my Sei Single Cut series 1 made by London-based luthier Martin Petersen - the bass is a truly wonderful instrument
ijazzmunki 1 year ago
you should make a lesson vid on how to do your dumble thumb technique,, very unique....
jeffharper47 1 year ago
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE SEEN ANYONE PLAY WITH ALL FOUR FINGERS ...... I HAV HEARD ABOUT IT BUT NEVER SEEN IT TILL I SAW YOU .... WOW !!!!!!!!!!
MYHEARTNMUSIC 1 year ago
Thanks for the technique demo. I've been playing bass for 25 years, and only now have I started to really branch out and strive to learn how to really play. I've taken up guitar in the last year, and miraculously, after 24 years of being strictly a finger player, I can now find my way around a bass using a pick.
sonicfrogdotnet 1 year ago
ads piss me off. They play for like two seconds, stop to load, then you wait until they are done buffering, then you have to sit through the entire thing just to watch a fucking video.
TheZombieRitual 1 year ago
The tech. is similar to classical guitar.
porkyo123 1 year ago
can you only order sie basses in Britain or can they be shipped to the U.S.?
52ndWarhawkGerbil 1 year ago
Jesus, it's hard adjusting to this type of playing after the constant configuring of the basic index/middle finger plucking (metal bassist). Not to mention I tense up and don't feel comfortable playing like this.
Any (obvious) tips on posture?
deadpisser88 1 year ago
Great video!!! Before Wooten and Sheehan, Abe Laboriel was using the four finger technique. Check it out.
66iguana 1 year ago
This is great. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain this - it's been a mystery that I haven't understood for the past year, and I thought I'd figure it out on my own eventually... But I wasn't on the track to unlocking this technique. This video is very very helpful.
jcookonbass 1 year ago
omg a 400 string bass !
neurocosm 1 year ago
That is a gorgeous bass man. Mad respect.
Endeken 1 year ago
you sir are talented
gutzs 1 year ago
Amazing technique! I've been woodsheding on this for hours everyday. What string height do you have at the ramp?
randee99 1 year ago
Thanks for explaining your technique. Your four finger technique, besides adding speed, seems to result in certain notes being accented in an atypical (and cool) way, as well as notes being played slightly ahead and behind the beat in a very musical way. By the way, because of this video I am having a Willis ramp built for my 6-string to see how I like it. Thanks!
afeschyn 1 year ago
I love your playing in the beginning of the video, what would you call genre you are playing?
MrRandompower 1 year ago
are you a self taught bassist?
GoreTheClown666 1 year ago
@GoreTheClown666 pretty much - I've had a few lessons over the years but I'm 99% self-taught
ijazzmunki 1 year ago
@ijazzmunki ohh alright, did you happen to use any internet websites to help or did u just stricktly learn by playing for a long time
GoreTheClown666 1 year ago
awkward looking bass but good playing! Well done.
sandwichez123 1 year ago
You are great. Thank you very much for this wonderful lesson. I will work on it.
By the way, which strings do you use? (Kind, brand and gauge)
All the best
marcelloney 1 year ago
Impeccable technique. Wow that's crazy good.
MoHawkinsBass 1 year ago
The "GW Ibañes electric bass (Gary Willis) has a ramp or wood between the pick up but this technique is very difficult, I can barely touch me exercises Adagio 76 metronome. The enormity thumb hurts me. Anyway, sounds very beautiful. I wonder what Equipment you use??
JJQuijada 1 year ago
very very cool is perfect for me excercises. congratulations for you tecnich
JJQuijada 1 year ago
nice job! Thanks for breaking it down clearly and for the close ups. Now, if we only had 10 fingers on our right hands!
Scottehicks 1 year ago
Excellent! just needs to sound musical now instead of a duck shooting pellets out of its arse.
barnabybum 1 year ago
that thechnique that u've been experemanting is abe laboriels four finger picking style
JuAuo0 1 year ago
damn man. thats a nice bass. you got like a fat brick of pickups lol
lectwar 1 year ago
you my very good friend have inspired me to use this technique i can see it being very interestin in jazz and funk
baggy121091 1 year ago
very very good men!!! thank you so much for the lesson...
wbstrsc 1 year ago
BRILLIANT!!
DaVeMiDdLeToNe 1 year ago
I Love your mic :O
Ivaneedled 1 year ago
Thanks for this video! extremely helpful technique and very useful for me when it comes to progressive
JeroB666 1 year ago
extremely helpful, ive been trying to nfind just simple things to practice with this technique for ever now, you rule man you sound amazing
DecentlyDangerous 1 year ago
ijazzmunki:
I am used to go from thumb(T) - ring finger(R) - middle finger(M) - Index finger(I) sequence. What do u suggest ?? Should i try to break this habit (T-R-M-I) and start following your T-I-M-R finger sequence??
Phycho101 1 year ago
Great lesson. Good camera angles. Great explanations. thank you
markpilkerton 1 year ago
nice job.thank you.
acura119 1 year ago
I think you are a great teacher, you explain in a very easy to understand way and are clear and precise in your instruction and your play.
stawoopid 1 year ago
thanks man, amazing
Raigden 1 year ago
I regret I didn't practice classical guitar techniques for the right hand on bass now!
I guess it simply comes from classical guitar initially.
SimulacronX 1 year ago
Wow thanks for this video.
This feels like the most economical and coherent approach to hit difficult string situations on the fretboard to me... awesome... tricky to master though
Listendudeok 1 year ago 6
wow, amazing stuff. you ever think about thrownig your pinky in there?
duffmasterofpuppets 1 year ago 6
@duffmasterofpuppets there was already someone who did use 4 fingers and 5 fingers!!! guess who? Abe Laboriel!!! watch his vid and u'll notice how godly he ccan use every finger effectively....he fking use his pinky for high treble sound!! n he used it when he plays chord and stuff! so amazing!
mixedfunkiez 1 year ago
@duffmasterofpuppets that's what she said!
a1bassman 1 year ago
thanks
im just starting 4/5 finger picking
nyronHarrison 2 years ago
I am getting into this fingering style, it´s great!!!, the sound + the speed = Excellent
freddyrulez 2 years ago
How do you mute the lower strings?
ChuninBass 2 years ago
with his thumb by the looks of it..
screeeeeee 2 years ago
u sir are a bass god x]
Dodgedude30 2 years ago
this is incredible
JaredtheBassist 2 years ago
i am going to practice this technique over and over again untill i have it perfect this was very inspiring man. keep it up.
lilgelly93 2 years ago
can you explain the reason you would use index middle ring rather than the ring middle index like you had mentioned with billy sheehan.
ChildofDust6969 2 years ago
Tempo!!!
jwar28 2 years ago
Terrific demonstration! Bravo! And THANKS!!
-Lucas
luke125 2 years ago
I like it, I'm gonna have to try it, when I'm four finger/three finger picking I use my fingers and leave my thumb resting on the pickups, I didn't think of thing anything like this, thanks man.
pooliesrock 2 years ago
Very nice instruction indeed. This looks as though it's also applicable if you play guitar open handed.
69erthx1138 2 years ago
absolutly great! Very good break down, gonna practice that tonight!
kswart2 2 years ago
OMG
I would never be able to do that
Libanass 2 years ago
really awesome man, particularly loved the muted triplet thing near the end. Cheers for allowing us in on your technique.
Peace
gunryobassist 2 years ago
I think you made it plain and easy to understand and the visual is perfect. you can really see what the fingers are doing.
Nasute 2 years ago
Sweet bass. Does the bit inbetween the pickups help make this technique easier? I play a Yamaha TRB1006 and find this pretty tough because I keep accidently hooking my fingers under the strings.
BedroomBassist 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
THE THUMB ISN"T A FINGER!! :O :O
markacola 2 years ago
lol....what a stupid comment...
Kobajajajajaja 2 years ago
very very impressive!I `ll try to use this technique!!!
xjabass 2 years ago
GREAT playing, that's an amazing technique, I'll start practicing it right away...Awesome playing man
jorgebassmaster22 2 years ago
wow and i thought bass couldnt produce such sounds.
Eltroim 2 years ago
@Eltroim Depends on the bass.
69erthx1138 2 years ago
Incredible!
whipmanjak 2 years ago
Mike cheers for this! It's a really good breakdown on this technique. I've tried double thumbing, but never really gotten anywhere with it. I think this would be a good technique to try out to a similar effect to double thumbing. Do you prefer to use this in scenarios where you would previously would have used double thumbing? And lastly would you recommend trying to get further with double thumbing or jumping in with this 4 finger technique? Sorry for the essay =)
Cheers!
Bjorn
phantomofguilt 2 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this video, your exercises are now at the forefront of my practice regiment. You have definitely changed my playing for the better.
mAuIsDiSc 2 years ago
I like the 0:17 - 0:34 part
SDeezyMusic 2 years ago
very impressive! great tutorial. explained well and easy to understand; let's hope it's easy for me to incorporate this technique into my playing.. that part could be tough! ;)
mikec393 2 years ago
good shit man ive been practicing with the victor wooten technique also but this is great i got a long way to go love the sound
siklilmonkee 2 years ago
How long did you spend practicing that technique until you dominate it ?
luxmita 2 years ago
I started to learn how to do this around 5 years ago - it took me roughly two years experimenting with it to have it working properly - like I say in this video I was using the Vic Wooten technique of two thumb strokes and then two pluck with index and middle fingers - so I just had to learn how to use my ring finger - so after I focused on that it started to come together quite quickly. Bascially just get the 'mechanical' side of it togeher and then start trying different ideas.
ijazzmunki 2 years ago
pitolenie
basowlas 2 years ago
stunning!!! i love this
la00kers 2 years ago
merci pour les videos munk superbe technique
pingus1er 2 years ago
ijazzmunki - this is great stuff. I always wanted to play bass but I can bearly play some guitar. do you believe a grown up guy can start playing funk bass?
chironjo 2 years ago 2
well it dosnt hurt to try just practice.
jubjub09222 2 years ago
i wanted to start on a 5 string bass, but i had to settle for a 4 string are 4 strings easier to learn on?
randombud45 2 years ago
Still, it sounds awesome and I want to be able to do this.
pgonyer80 2 years ago
I have a fender jazz, and this technique is quite difficult. I can only do it when I lie on my back with a thin book under the strings for my fingers to touch down on. On your bass you seem to have some sort of block or pad or something between the pickups. Is that commercially available? Is it something you made? I don't know. It seems like it would make this technique easier.
pgonyer80 2 years ago
You've nailed why I have a ramp on each of my basses - the piece of wood between my pickups that is - it really helps stop any of your fingers slipping too far below the strings and keep each pluck consistent. It essentially means the string vibrates less, so doesn't move as much and helps you pluck evenly. Sadly you will have to get one of these custom fitted though I wish someone would start making these commercially as the amount of questions I get about them suggests there's a market
ijazzmunki 2 years ago
Nice man , thanks x the lesson!!
cajuare 2 years ago
Is that a "ramp" between the two pickups?
thedukeofno 2 years ago
5 star..............
SDeezyMusic 2 years ago
Cool.
NiGhTeMpEsT 2 years ago
does a pick made out of rubber make that soft sound on the bass?
imadey0utube 2 years ago
I guess but why not just use ur fingers until they have calluses or something. Popping really wears ur fingers out so they get stronger.
mohan1988998 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
wow that shit sounds fuckin awful
onbleezies 2 years ago
Are you on some kind of drugs?, I bet you own a encore bass that you got from argos as a starter pack, I'd love to see one of your bass videos
drwang76 2 years ago 3
I'd have to agree with onbleezies, sure there is a lot of playing skill and artistic value involved, but honestly it does not quite translate into that musical mellifluity... the four finger picking is cool but really it just kind of sounds like a bad amp or, in a more vulgar sense, like farting....
bloeregard 2 years ago
come on, don't really think he's suggesting an entire solo or tune with nothing but this technique. It's a TECHNIQUE guys. Helpful stuff to improve your repitoire and chops. Noone loves melodic lines (which he also plays beautifully) more than me, but this is some great stuff to throw in a really smokin solo.
mandiblephone 2 years ago
you have 5 fingers man , but that's pretty cool!!!!
xMetalMosherx 2 years ago
actually you have 4 fingers and one thumb
jolleyjames13 2 years ago
Wouldn't this be a little different on four string since there is a much larger space on a four string as opposed to a five or six string?
Joetime90 2 years ago
check out his other videos
he does it fine on his 4 string.
he just loves his bass, and can you honestly blame him hahah.
Laughrey21 2 years ago
Awesome bass, awesome playing, and great technique. Just wondering, how do you get that ramp on your basses between the pickups? Do you have it custom made? What material is it made of? Thanks.
HrapovikPlush 2 years ago 2
yes they are custom fitted by my Luther pal Martin Peterson who made this lovely bass
ijazzmunki 2 years ago
this video is incredible, thanks so much for posting it, man!
SteakMusic 2 years ago
I am trying to adapt this technique. I am fiding that when my left hand acends my right has is ok with t 1 2 3 , but when my left hand decends my right fingers want to go 3 2 1 t. Im not sure if that will end up being a bad habbit, Your thoughts?
tsodano 2 years ago
I was the same way at first, just practice with a metronome.
peanutbuddha 2 years ago
exactly, just keep at it, it will take a while for your muscles to get used to the new direction your fingers need to move in, but it will come with time. Feel free to adapt this technique any way you please, but the method I demonstrate here is very efficient for playing fast grooves, it's done this way for that reason. Just keep practicing this as part of your wider studies, this is just one tiny element of playing music...
ijazzmunki 2 years ago
this needs looooooooot of practice
kucor01 2 years ago
very nice!
acidmetalrocker666 2 years ago
i find this hard without a ramp :[
TAYGUNOV 2 years ago
do you think this technique could be used for metal? i play heavier stuff than jazz, even though i love it, its not my music choice to play in particular
omnitron1234 2 years ago
of course!
polishpirate123 2 years ago
Yes, you totally can. You should seriously check out bajskung's videos.
Igastopheles 2 years ago
thanks will do
omnitron1234 2 years ago
Erlend doesn't use the Garrison thing as far as I know. He has a solid Wooten technique and his open palm 3 (4?) finger picking is spectacular, but I don't think he does this.
Either way, yeah you could utilize closed palm 4 finger for metal, it would just lack that hard attack that metal so direly needs.
peanutbuddha 2 years ago
either this, 3 fingers, or 4 fingers (i,m,r,p) work as well. this is IMO harder to learn and master but alot less stressfull on the hand instead of using your pinky
DespairsRox 2 years ago
in any genre, i play metal to, but i love jazz :).
jorgehellbassist 2 years ago
Thank you so much, Mike! This technique feels so natural and relaxed and sounds great as well. Have you got some purchaseable solo-recordings or smth like that? You rock!
Greetz, Anton
bemybamboocha 2 years ago
Very interesting, sweet technique for 5+ string basses
johnhyout 3 years ago 3
Great!
Solvagon 3 years ago
Thank you very much, this is very, very helpful.
bigbosshard 3 years ago
thank you for sharing your awesome skills with us. your explanation is cristal clear, and your tone is amazing. wonderful sei bass as well, although i don't like 33ers that much. i hope i'll be able to record a vid reasonably soon. i'm eager to show the skills i develope thanks to your inspiration. you definitely deserve a heartfelt thank you!
ballpointmusic 3 years ago
thanks a lot man, you have some great stuff down as well, but I have to say the more I use this 4 finger stuff the more possibilities open up, but it's all part of an overall approach that I'm trying to develop, thanks for the positive words
ijazzmunki 3 years ago
that be the craziest jaco thumb since jaco! Awesome technique man!
travshorts 3 years ago
probably the finest lesson video on youtube
stumpymckeever 3 years ago
Parabéns..Brasil
fabass007 3 years ago
thank you man!!:P you are a really good bass player;)
BladeWarwick 3 years ago
thanks man im trying to get around this atm :D
sekay12 3 years ago
mad skillz man
Rafescow 3 years ago
This is so great!!!!!
Girlmeatwod 3 years ago
Thanks alot for this, really amazing, it's inspired me to try to develop this. You've shown me this has musical potential for all contexts, not just showing off.
bergerbrain 3 years ago