HI DAVE, These tips are helping me a lot, as I am a beginner. I was taught, and have a book with tabs showing to play the C Major scale starting on the 3rd fret of the A string. This is of course more of a streach than starting to play the C Major scale starting on the 8th fret of the E string. Being a beginner, I would have not thought about doing it the way you showed.
I'm an aspiring bassist and with my friends I play quite fast paced metal songs and such. I'm working on building my speed on the plucking hand, but at the moment the goal I'm trying to reach is being able to play clean and well sounding 16th notes at 120 bpm for the duration of a 4 minute song. And whenever I get to like, the second verse, my plucking hand starts to feel sloppy and gets tired.
I guess I just need to practice the tune over and over, but I could use some tips on playing fast.
I learned upright formally and taught myself electric bass... on upright you never use your third until basically past the octave harmonic... I always just did the same for electric bass.
I was born with insanely long fingers. Thank you bass guitar Gods. ;P And good job on video Wolverine! I didn't know Wolvey was a bassist! That makes me like bass even more!
I never knew this was a taught method. I always tried to figure out the most comfortable way to play a riff to combat hand fatigue so I bounce around quite a bit. Some fast riffs make sense to keep your hand extended like that since you are going through the pattern so fast but most don't.
When I first started, I relied on the standard bass technique. Over the years, my technique has changed quite a bit.
Basically, whenever I can replace the ring finger with the pinky finger, I go for it. For example, octaves (or any 3 fret range) are almost always played with 1st and 4th fingers.
On top of that, I often relax my left hand and let the thumb rest on top of the neck instead of behind. A lot of easy music is easier to play this way.
@hillerm You rest your thumb on the top instead of behind? Sounds interesting but doesn't that cause your hand to cramp up a bit? Will try it though -- thanks for the tip!
@hillerm Actually I'm an idiot, it doesn't cramp up. Haha. Came back after trying it -- good advice. My thumb is usually behind it, pointing sideways. I have a long thumb, and I'm double jointed. Basically I can bend my thumb completely backwards. It makes it a bit more comfy the other way. But I will incorporate the top of the neck as well and see if it helps me later on. :)
everything you are covering here is only taught as a system by Poor teachers any beginning bass player is not going to stick with these poor habits as a whole
Thanks for the info Dave! As a bassist with small hands, I've always found it difficult to employ the "one finger per fret" rule. Your video helped to clarify when such a technique is useful.
Wow really great video. Never found a video like this and its so important to know this stuff about relaxing the wrist.. plagued me for a year before I learned
so i want to play tool's "schism" and that requires me to play that famous little triplet, only i play with my index and ring fingers, because of that double hammer-on.. is that still okay to use, or should i spend a few days working on my pinkey and middle finger strength due to the next note after the triplet being on a fret higher and on the g string?
@leveethewall It really doesn't matter as long as your still in time. I would say learn both ways to finger it so it will only help you decide and also make you better at using the other fingers. Its kinda like learning alternate scale fingerings so if you are in a gig and you have a brain fart your hand just does all the work. Do you use a pick? I used to but i got into using my thumb and first and second finger as like some weird picking thing. Kinda like classical guitar.
@klutz14 this is really the only song i've ever picked with, mostly because the other songs i play are jazzy or funky types of rock like rhcp and cake
@leveethewall I don't see anything wrong with using a pick now and again for certain styles, but most people bitch about it. I'm more into swing, bebop, and every other type of blues or jazz and throw in some Primus. I play Upright bass and electric so its always good to be open minded.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Dude, you REALLY should decide whether you want to be Irish, Scottish or American. When you mix all three accents it's clear you're a total American poser.
I bet that's how you get what little snatch you do get.
@1USASOCOMRET Umm, dude, he's clearly Irish. He's certainly not trying to be Scottish, I should know coming from Scotland and all. Now shut up and stop being silly.
Dave or someone else, please help! I totally agree with you on the 1234 from 8th fret and up, I have small hands and I'll never be able to spread all four fingers across the first four frets - no way for me.
Now, can you please provide some instruction on fretting below the 8-th fret for an E-chromatic scale? How do I assign the fingers to the frets in the lowest positions? For instance: finger 1 - fret 1, finger 2 - fret 2, finger 4 -fret 3? What do I do to reach fret 4 -shift the pinky?
@VinniePaah Here's what I suggest: let's start on the A string, 7th fret, which is E. Start with your 1st finger (index), then shift immediately to the 8th fret, then play 9th fret with your 2nd finger, 10th with 3rd, 11th with 4th. Then repeat the pattern on the D string and up as you continue the scale. So frets 7,8,9,10,11 are played with fingers 1,1,2,3,4 (I,I,M,R,P). That way, when you shift, you are taking advantage of the strength and stability of your index, rather than the weak pinky
Thank you for this Video ! I just picked up a bass again after a long hiatus. Being 56 years old I can't believe how weak my pinky has become. I can see me getting bad habits. I will definitely
use this excercise to get my skills back! Thank You!
@bobmarleyisgod1 I get his point, and it's a good point to make. However, you call something bad habit, that usually means it should be avoided, does it not? So, instead of saying that ofpf is a bad habit, say it's a good habit to know when you can relax your hand. His point is good; his execution of it is horrible.
Your "approach" to this video is pure rubbish. Saying the ofpf system is a bad habit is like rolling a powder keg into a fire. Why don't you pitch this as, "it's important to relax your hand when possible" instead of bashing the ofpf system.
I am a punk bass player so I mainly stick to the 1 finger fretting system.
But, here's a question I want answered (If you would) whenever I try playing with my pinky I find it rather weak. I play an Ibanez ATK305 with Med. strings. How do you suppose I make it (my pinky) stronger? Also I've never met anyone that could do the 1 finger per fret rule on my ATK at the nut. So this will probaly be a trick question.
now i do like this video alot, cause i still have some problems with my lefthand.
but one question remains : what about the thumb? should i hold it behind the middlefinger most of the time, or a bit higher? like behind the wisefinger or even above that?
@bigsmokebass Hello, I use a six-string bass guitar. One technique I can suggest is that you just have to always rest your thumb at the back of the fretboard, more of a classical guitar approach. It may be hard at first, but by doing this you would be able to access lower notes with ease. Hope this helps.
here dave i have a really good question for you: recently i have been getting really bad hand cramps while playing and they carry over even when im not playing. now before i have band practices or even when i jam at home i stretch out my fingers and i starat off with some simple but not to boring covers just to warm up my hand, its just after about 30-60 mins they will lock up on me and it becomes a hugely painful experiance. so do you have any advice for what i can to do prevent this?
@shellslug1 well you can train your fingers with a Gripmaster if you like. buy one, and then do some finger exercises. just look around for some videos too train your fingers with a Gripmaster
There is not much to disagree with. This honourable man tells us the one finger per fret system is a great way of approach. Below the 5th fret it is actually harmfull for the left wrist, and it is very important to be able to use more systems. You only should use the 1 finger per fret system below the 5th fret if it is required.
I can definitely attest to this idea. I was a bit surprised when my bass teacher told me not to use 1 finger per fret on the lower (spaced out) frets. I learned from somewhere else that 1 finger per fret is just the "rule," but it makes much more sense to relax your hand if you're not playing a very intensive four fret pattern. Good advice!
This is exactly how I pay.. when applicable.. I use one finger per fret.. but my first goal is always what is most comfortable and practical at the time..
Sounds like it (irish myself) somewhere up north potentially Donegal? If so the guy BETTER know Rory Gallagher or he's letting down :P.
I personally disagree with him about the 1 finger per fret, i find it much better to conserve energy. No style is a ''bad habit'' it just has cons to it (unless the thumb hook around the neck even still Flea does that a fair bit due to his low bass).
I have been playing bass for 8 years now, but I'm a girl and 5'2''. I have extremely small hangs and am playing on a fender jazz. This is how I play naturally, and it's good to know that what I'm doing is healthy. These methods are great.
Hey Dave, I really enjoy watching your Bad Habits series. I've been playing for 10 years and your vids have helped immensely in the last couple months as far as comfort and technique when performing. Just wanted to say thanks.
I can't say anything bad about this video. If anything, it puts the one finger per fret in a different light. I started with two fingers on a fret, and just moved up and down the E string. However, as I increased my finger strength, I slowly moved into the one finger per fret. :):):)
It may be "wrong" to drive a car past a stop sign without stopping. But, in sharing my knowledge of bass playing with others...I have never used the term wrong. That comes accross to me as a discouraging message to the player. I will not try to limit someone to my approach or what I know! What might not work for some could work very well for others. It seems to me that you could benefit from showing what you know.and allow others to decide if it is "right" for them without using labels!
Hey I've been using the 1 finger per fret method a lot and my hands are probably big but not too big. And I realize I feel a bit of pain on the joint of my index finger. Is that a bad thing? Would it cure? Is there anything I should do about it? Thank you and I love your videos ;)
@AnUnexplainable Well, this is just my opinion so feel free to ask around more. Do you do some hand/finger and tendon exercises before doing any playing? Before I would experience pain in my left hand, the muscle just below the thumb, the fleshy part. Then I came across a video by dmanlamius76 about some stretching routines. It helped a lot. Well, I hope this is not too late advice. :):):)
@bongusoryu Thank you for taking your time to answer my question :)
I'm really new at Bass and I've been playing it for about a month now. And I actually watched dmanlamius76's videos! I even went onto his website and watched his lessons!
So I also watched his finger stretched videos and I've been doing them before I play now :) Thank you so much for answering my question :)
Great lesson, very informative! Id like to know your thoughts on maintaining an efficient position when covering a 5-6 fret range without "mangling" the hand shapes? it is something i frequently do to cover those large spreads, for example a 3 note per string major scale run . Keep making the videos man !
MAny moons ago my bass teacher taught me to practice using the one-finger method until you are limber and can do it with your eyes closed, but once you start playing tunes to loosen up a bit like in this vid. Practice hard, play relaxed.
re: hand darting with that start bit.... a good "rule" there is to slide up with the first finger and down with the 4th.... for example in a major scale that climbs the neck, it's hard to move back from 1 note on the first finger to another note on the first finger... whereas if you've already moved when coming down it's easier.
He's NOT saying DON'T use 1 finger per fret. Just don't use it when you don't have to.
It's "Horses for courses". I've been playing bass over 25 years and this guy is talking common sense.
However IF you want to use 1 finger 1 fret when you don't need to, as you may feel that you want to build up the stamina in your hand/muscles, then do so. Just remember, if you're playing a 3+ hour gig (like I do regularly) you may need to pace yourself!
good vid and very true. 1 finger per fret is useful at times but tiring in others. sometimes if i'm feeling very lazy and playing just the root for a while i'll use like 3 fingers on the one string on the same note. just helps to relax.
yup,totally agree, I've been playing for 16 years and have been using 1 finger per fret when covering 4 fret spread but when covering 3 it's not necessary, as he says it places stress and fatigue on the wrist and can also cause carpel tunnel, rsi and arthritis.
yup, totally agree, I've been playing for 16 years and have always used the 1 fret per finger technique, when covering 4 frets but with 3 it doesn't make sense unless you have big shovel hands.
This video really helped! I've been playing bass for 6 months now, and I'm in the process of improving technique and setting foundations, bla bla bla, and this video really really helped me! Thanks Dave Marks!
HEY GUYS i have difficulties to bend my second phalanx on my pinky when i do this, so since its touch all the higher strings, i mute them. Can anybody tell me if it is normal and if can do something about this???
I like how you explained about the wrist angle with playing without the 'one finger per fret' technique; I found it easier to just bar a power chord on the lower half of the neck with my pointer and pinky in comparison to using my ring finger cause of the tension on the wrist. It helps me out to about the 6th fret on the whole neck, where the frets are small enough to use the one finger per fret system without putting the tension on the wrist. Awesome job!
"I would say 95 percent of the people I see are struggling with guitar fingerings on the bass and have no idea that there are other fingerings that are easier" -- Herb Mickman
i just use what is more comfortable along the neck. but someone forced me to break in my pinky a long time ago. i just got a bass but been playing guitar for years. i use an alternate tuning for the guitar so the 1 finger per fret would be improbable to use. i agree with dave marks. i even use my thumb time to time for fretting.
I don't agree with this dude. I use the one finger per fret system and I really like it. I don't think you should really call any "system" a bad habit, you should let people use what ever is comfortable to them you know? Please don't start a flame war I'm just being honest and telling you what I think.
Hey man - the idea I'm putting forth in this video is that 1 finger per fret is a great system in certain situations, but when applied as a rule for all playing (as some people do) it can be harmful and inefficient. The 'bad habit' is using it as a 'one size fits all' approach :-)
If you ever want to play upright, the "one finger per halfstep" idea is a big no-no.
One finger per fret works best for me beyond the 5th fret. I have above average size hands so it doesn't bother me either way. But if we're using a major scale pattern, I normally start off with the root under my middle, third and sixth by my index, and fifth and octave by my pinky.
@lebermuff I play both instruments and essentially apply the method of using only my 1,2 and 3&4th finger together. The problem is the tendon that attaches to the third finder shares the muscle with the fourth finger. After about hour and half of playing, trust me you will see that using the 1,2,4 spacing where each finger represents a half step (or each) fret, that you will not experience as much fatigue.
thanks for that advice. I'm a beginner, and when I tried to play some music by tabs where, e.g., I had to play first and third fret alternately on the E string, I felt uncomfortable, since I used 1 and 3. Now I don't feel bad when just playing it with my first and fourth finger :)
Btw, will I ever be able to use "1 finger per fret" at all on the upper frets, since my hands are rather small!? I know you can't answer that ;) but are human hands able to really stretch by continuous training?
nice and useful vid. I had the bad luck to be tought by a guitar player and he tried to teach me the exact opposite: I started playin from the upper frets, not in the middle, which very quickly led me to be in pain and quickly tired...
I wish I had youtube at that time!!!or better....e better teacher!
Thanks man! this really helps. i always tried to play 1 finger per fret coz i thought of it as a rule but after about an hour of playin my left wrist starts to feel pain.
Answer this asap if you wouldn't mind. I am curious. Okay. Say you have 2 notes on the same fret you are playing. Like say C and G on the 3rd fret. What would be the best way to Finger/Fret those notes at the same time so I wouldn't have to alternate my third finger back and forth. abd btw C and G are next to each other on the music I am learning. I would appriciate it very much if you could answer this. I am terrified of learning improper tech, because I have before.
im not sure if its really great technique, but i would just naturally play the g with a bit below the tip of my finger, like the centre of my finger print, then play the G with the tip.
Thanks for the advice. I'm a beginner and really had a hard time sticking to that 'rule' with the lower notes. Doesn't help that I have stubby fingers. My wrist thanks you too!
After you read all the articles, watch all the videos,listen to all the teachers,there really are just three factors to discuss with yourself:
[1] Does it hurt?
[2] Is there economy in my motion?
[3] Does it sound good?
While the last is obviously subjective, it all comes down to hand positions that do not hurt and which are Sustainable over time. What does that mean? Listen to your body.
Dont try and play [Physically] just to achieve someone elses standard of what a proper hand position is.
I love that people keep talking about hand fitness and tell me that I'm 'encouraging laziness'. It's hilarious - i do not encourage anyone to be lazy - my point is: 'Be Efficient'. If you don't need to do ridiculous big stretches, don't do them. Use one finger per fret in the low register when you need it, but avoid it if you don't.
this guy pisses me off, almost all the videos iv seen of him i've spotted out a hole ton of bullshit. that and he has crappy tone, which just makes it more obvious he doesnt know what he's doing, i wouldnt advise anybody to take him seriously
HI DAVE, These tips are helping me a lot, as I am a beginner. I was taught, and have a book with tabs showing to play the C Major scale starting on the 3rd fret of the A string. This is of course more of a streach than starting to play the C Major scale starting on the 8th fret of the E string. Being a beginner, I would have not thought about doing it the way you showed.
ahdowns 2 weeks ago in playlist Bad Habits for Bass : Dave Marks
I'm an aspiring bassist and with my friends I play quite fast paced metal songs and such. I'm working on building my speed on the plucking hand, but at the moment the goal I'm trying to reach is being able to play clean and well sounding 16th notes at 120 bpm for the duration of a 4 minute song. And whenever I get to like, the second verse, my plucking hand starts to feel sloppy and gets tired.
I guess I just need to practice the tune over and over, but I could use some tips on playing fast.
eaglewings 3 weeks ago in playlist Bad Habits for Bass : Dave Marks
Do they teach this?
I learned upright formally and taught myself electric bass... on upright you never use your third until basically past the octave harmonic... I always just did the same for electric bass.
dmk2113 1 month ago
I was born with insanely long fingers. Thank you bass guitar Gods. ;P And good job on video Wolverine! I didn't know Wolvey was a bassist! That makes me like bass even more!
MasterxKenobi 1 month ago
Dave you are one sick bass player. I look forward to getting a lesson from you one day. Would love to make contact. Peace.
terreseco 1 month ago
I never knew this was a taught method. I always tried to figure out the most comfortable way to play a riff to combat hand fatigue so I bounce around quite a bit. Some fast riffs make sense to keep your hand extended like that since you are going through the pattern so fast but most don't.
melkoreshack 3 months ago
very helpful
CommonKillerPriest 3 months ago
cool guy + red hair + clown nose = Bozzo The Clown
Thanks for this tip! Really useful to make playing easier and faster.
technisize 3 months ago
Irish?
katminni 4 months ago
I think these are great videos.
When I first started, I relied on the standard bass technique. Over the years, my technique has changed quite a bit.
Basically, whenever I can replace the ring finger with the pinky finger, I go for it. For example, octaves (or any 3 fret range) are almost always played with 1st and 4th fingers.
On top of that, I often relax my left hand and let the thumb rest on top of the neck instead of behind. A lot of easy music is easier to play this way.
hillerm 4 months ago
@hillerm You rest your thumb on the top instead of behind? Sounds interesting but doesn't that cause your hand to cramp up a bit? Will try it though -- thanks for the tip!
MasterxKenobi 1 month ago
@hillerm Actually I'm an idiot, it doesn't cramp up. Haha. Came back after trying it -- good advice. My thumb is usually behind it, pointing sideways. I have a long thumb, and I'm double jointed. Basically I can bend my thumb completely backwards. It makes it a bit more comfy the other way. But I will incorporate the top of the neck as well and see if it helps me later on. :)
MasterxKenobi 1 month ago
ur a great teacher mate. u see the possible problems and explain how to correct them
good man :)
mrmrhollingsworth 4 months ago
everything you are covering here is only taught as a system by Poor teachers any beginning bass player is not going to stick with these poor habits as a whole
zestyy 4 months ago
Thanks for the info Dave! As a bassist with small hands, I've always found it difficult to employ the "one finger per fret" rule. Your video helped to clarify when such a technique is useful.
Philosopher131 4 months ago
Wow really great video. Never found a video like this and its so important to know this stuff about relaxing the wrist.. plagued me for a year before I learned
MightyOdin 5 months ago
so i want to play tool's "schism" and that requires me to play that famous little triplet, only i play with my index and ring fingers, because of that double hammer-on.. is that still okay to use, or should i spend a few days working on my pinkey and middle finger strength due to the next note after the triplet being on a fret higher and on the g string?
leveethewall 5 months ago
@leveethewall It really doesn't matter as long as your still in time. I would say learn both ways to finger it so it will only help you decide and also make you better at using the other fingers. Its kinda like learning alternate scale fingerings so if you are in a gig and you have a brain fart your hand just does all the work. Do you use a pick? I used to but i got into using my thumb and first and second finger as like some weird picking thing. Kinda like classical guitar.
klutz14 5 months ago
@klutz14 this is really the only song i've ever picked with, mostly because the other songs i play are jazzy or funky types of rock like rhcp and cake
leveethewall 5 months ago
@leveethewall I don't see anything wrong with using a pick now and again for certain styles, but most people bitch about it. I'm more into swing, bebop, and every other type of blues or jazz and throw in some Primus. I play Upright bass and electric so its always good to be open minded.
klutz14 4 months ago
i are a babby
cursedswordsman 5 months ago
You look like Volwerine
ciereszko96 5 months ago
Nice bass dude!
TheBoaConstrictor95 5 months ago
nice marcus miller bass
lakai958 6 months ago
Good thoughts.
Groundribs 6 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Dude, you REALLY should decide whether you want to be Irish, Scottish or American. When you mix all three accents it's clear you're a total American poser.
I bet that's how you get what little snatch you do get.
1USASOCOMRET 6 months ago
@1USASOCOMRET Umm, dude, he's clearly Irish. He's certainly not trying to be Scottish, I should know coming from Scotland and all. Now shut up and stop being silly.
Socialdem18 6 months ago 4
@1USASOCOMRET I don't hear any American in his voice mate. (Have no idea WHICH American accent you are talking about though.)
theclinger 6 months ago
@1USASOCOMRET You seriously need to educate yourself about accents. He has a completely normal Belfast accent.
katanamanatee 5 months ago in playlist Bad Habits for Bass : Dave Marks
You know, I totally agree, I'm also a bass instructor AND I have facial hair just like yours! ha!
jozevgates 6 months ago
by the top of the neck you mean by the body of the bass right? I got confused when that pop-up came up.
CBD670 7 months ago
Dave Marks = Frudua? O_o
BullHorn7 7 months ago
This helped, but my hands are extremely tiny and I have to use my 4th finger just to reach the 3rd fret when playing some songs.
xXMegan920Xx 7 months ago
Playing 5ths with the pinky removes implementing the octave effectively -- therefore, the OFPF principle is actually best in that instance.
plangentmusic 7 months ago
u look like Wolverine! xD
JacobBassCovers 7 months ago
@JacobBassCovers hahaha! a very music based comment XD
victorthegroover 7 months ago
@victorthegroover But its true :D:D
JacobBassCovers 7 months ago
@JacobBassCovers yes, now im a better musician bacause of it... thank you XD
victorthegroover 7 months ago
lulz. got an apocalypse 'ad' of 15min long. Fuck the book Revelation, it's total bullshit written by some crazy person.
Direksone 8 months ago
Dave or someone else, please help! I totally agree with you on the 1234 from 8th fret and up, I have small hands and I'll never be able to spread all four fingers across the first four frets - no way for me.
Now, can you please provide some instruction on fretting below the 8-th fret for an E-chromatic scale? How do I assign the fingers to the frets in the lowest positions? For instance: finger 1 - fret 1, finger 2 - fret 2, finger 4 -fret 3? What do I do to reach fret 4 -shift the pinky?
VinniePaah 8 months ago
@VinniePaah Here's what I suggest: let's start on the A string, 7th fret, which is E. Start with your 1st finger (index), then shift immediately to the 8th fret, then play 9th fret with your 2nd finger, 10th with 3rd, 11th with 4th. Then repeat the pattern on the D string and up as you continue the scale. So frets 7,8,9,10,11 are played with fingers 1,1,2,3,4 (I,I,M,R,P). That way, when you shift, you are taking advantage of the strength and stability of your index, rather than the weak pinky
sandalphon333 7 months ago
thanks, helped a lot!!
valerianbergen 8 months ago
play a "SAMBER"
SuperNoobTroll 8 months ago
Comment removed
SuperNoobTroll 8 months ago
Thank you for this Video ! I just picked up a bass again after a long hiatus. Being 56 years old I can't believe how weak my pinky has become. I can see me getting bad habits. I will definitely
use this excercise to get my skills back! Thank You!
bentpolski 9 months ago
@weiss99 thanks, looking to get a EB Musicman Bongo6 sometime soon so this will help alot ^_^
bigsmokebass 9 months ago
@bobmarleyisgod1 I get his point, and it's a good point to make. However, you call something bad habit, that usually means it should be avoided, does it not? So, instead of saying that ofpf is a bad habit, say it's a good habit to know when you can relax your hand. His point is good; his execution of it is horrible.
TPinkMonkey87 9 months ago
Your "approach" to this video is pure rubbish. Saying the ofpf system is a bad habit is like rolling a powder keg into a fire. Why don't you pitch this as, "it's important to relax your hand when possible" instead of bashing the ofpf system.
TPinkMonkey87 9 months ago
Comment removed
TPinkMonkey87 9 months ago
I am a punk bass player so I mainly stick to the 1 finger fretting system.
But, here's a question I want answered (If you would) whenever I try playing with my pinky I find it rather weak. I play an Ibanez ATK305 with Med. strings. How do you suppose I make it (my pinky) stronger? Also I've never met anyone that could do the 1 finger per fret rule on my ATK at the nut. So this will probaly be a trick question.
xkydd 9 months ago
what's more impressive than your knowledge and playing are your sideburns. GOD DAMN, i wish i had that. working my chops up to those man.
Moiez101 9 months ago
weak.
Mojolightnin 10 months ago
Thanks man, this really is helpfull. I'm just a beginner, so I'll keep it in mind :)
TriggerTMH 10 months ago
Sco-ish
Brjostabarn 10 months ago
I dig the hair man !
wayne1167 10 months ago
dude you look like wolverine
chesto18 10 months ago
I like your accent.
TheBlueBandYTAccount 11 months ago
I'm talkin about 1st & middle finger ONLY for octaves-no fukin pinky
jracerock69 11 months ago
now i do like this video alot, cause i still have some problems with my lefthand.
but one question remains : what about the thumb? should i hold it behind the middlefinger most of the time, or a bit higher? like behind the wisefinger or even above that?
kind gards
Basstard22 11 months ago
Hey Mark, not that i have one, yet but how would i go about this on a thick 6 string bass?
i'd imagine my wrist angle from reaching the lower notes to cause some bad tension and aching in my arm and fingers after some time from playing.
help from other youtubers would be really appreciated also (y)
Big Smoke Bass
bigsmokebass 11 months ago
@bigsmokebass Hello, I use a six-string bass guitar. One technique I can suggest is that you just have to always rest your thumb at the back of the fretboard, more of a classical guitar approach. It may be hard at first, but by doing this you would be able to access lower notes with ease. Hope this helps.
weiss99 9 months ago
i have quite small hands for a bloke (stop sniggering at the back) and this vid has helped me a lot. thanks.
wbk666 11 months ago 25
here dave i have a really good question for you: recently i have been getting really bad hand cramps while playing and they carry over even when im not playing. now before i have band practices or even when i jam at home i stretch out my fingers and i starat off with some simple but not to boring covers just to warm up my hand, its just after about 30-60 mins they will lock up on me and it becomes a hugely painful experiance. so do you have any advice for what i can to do prevent this?
shellslug1 11 months ago
@shellslug1 well you can train your fingers with a Gripmaster if you like. buy one, and then do some finger exercises. just look around for some videos too train your fingers with a Gripmaster
Basstard22 11 months ago
@Basstard22 Nah! Just practice the freakn' bass!
jroach96 11 months ago
people who use the pinky for octaves are weak wimpy pussies
jracerock69 11 months ago
@jracerock69 That's rediculous! If ya got a pinky, use the bloody thing!
jroach96 11 months ago
play james jameson and jaco and you will do fine
speck444 1 year ago
This is the technique that my bass teacher learns me. It's just the best if you want to fret fast. It's just the right technique. good lesson!
greetz from holland
Jellieb13 1 year ago
There is not much to disagree with. This honourable man tells us the one finger per fret system is a great way of approach. Below the 5th fret it is actually harmfull for the left wrist, and it is very important to be able to use more systems. You only should use the 1 finger per fret system below the 5th fret if it is required.
ouw9000 1 year ago
I've taught my friend on how to play bass
When he played the bass with only 1 finger, it got into my nerve.
I warned him, never let it be a habit, or else the other fingers wont be 'alive'.
He taught that I'm a bad teacher
hahaha
teddysux 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Russain Beuties are there gettop5.info
ruthamorneauvbt 1 year ago
I can definitely attest to this idea. I was a bit surprised when my bass teacher told me not to use 1 finger per fret on the lower (spaced out) frets. I learned from somewhere else that 1 finger per fret is just the "rule," but it makes much more sense to relax your hand if you're not playing a very intensive four fret pattern. Good advice!
Krtalaz91 1 year ago
right the best
ikdsjOFFICIAL 1 year ago
This is exactly how I pay.. when applicable.. I use one finger per fret.. but my first goal is always what is most comfortable and practical at the time..
332ndVFGBearcat 1 year ago
wolverine
Jimmy0915x 1 year ago 112
@Jimmy0915x And a Little of Adrew Stockdale from Wolfmother...xD
M34sketosnakepit 1 month ago
hey just wondering about that accent and hair... are you Irish?
dmxasz 1 year ago
@dmxasz Yes, he is... is that an Irish hairstyle? I've never noticed other Irishmen sporting it.
Pollinator95 1 year ago
@dmxasz
Sounds like it (irish myself) somewhere up north potentially Donegal? If so the guy BETTER know Rory Gallagher or he's letting down :P.
I personally disagree with him about the 1 finger per fret, i find it much better to conserve energy. No style is a ''bad habit'' it just has cons to it (unless the thumb hook around the neck even still Flea does that a fair bit due to his low bass).
tvrulesnation 1 year ago
You've almost got a Wayne Static thing going on :)
jrockwraith 1 year ago
I have been playing bass for 8 years now, but I'm a girl and 5'2''. I have extremely small hangs and am playing on a fender jazz. This is how I play naturally, and it's good to know that what I'm doing is healthy. These methods are great.
radar0789 1 year ago 2
ive been playing guitar for 6 years and just got my first bass today!
these videos are really useful and will sure help me out, thanks dude!
Adamshredsify 1 year ago
Hand Sheep.
NiklausMetal 1 year ago
yeah but my pinkys have always been too weak to be able to use.
sticksbass 1 year ago
Wolverine's little bro? :)
foostufoo 1 year ago 2
What about upright Bass? Do all upright players have bad technique?
joncast64 1 year ago
@joncast64 Upright is a completely different instrument.
ZacTheOneAndOnly 1 year ago
Hey Dave, I really enjoy watching your Bad Habits series. I've been playing for 10 years and your vids have helped immensely in the last couple months as far as comfort and technique when performing. Just wanted to say thanks.
crisridenour 1 year ago
I can't say anything bad about this video. If anything, it puts the one finger per fret in a different light. I started with two fingers on a fret, and just moved up and down the E string. However, as I increased my finger strength, I slowly moved into the one finger per fret. :):):)
Bong Usoryu
Cotabato City, Philippines
bongusoryu 1 year ago
It may be "wrong" to drive a car past a stop sign without stopping. But, in sharing my knowledge of bass playing with others...I have never used the term wrong. That comes accross to me as a discouraging message to the player. I will not try to limit someone to my approach or what I know! What might not work for some could work very well for others. It seems to me that you could benefit from showing what you know.and allow others to decide if it is "right" for them without using labels!
JayBeeBass 1 year ago
misleading title, good info. isn't this obvious though?
jezzej1979 1 year ago
true. relaxed and comforteble hand is crucial to get a nice sound and not to get discouraged when learning the bass
yamahaTRBII5 1 year ago
dude, nice muttonchops :)
stopspillinthebeans 1 year ago
Hey I've been using the 1 finger per fret method a lot and my hands are probably big but not too big. And I realize I feel a bit of pain on the joint of my index finger. Is that a bad thing? Would it cure? Is there anything I should do about it? Thank you and I love your videos ;)
AnUnexplainable 1 year ago
@AnUnexplainable Well, this is just my opinion so feel free to ask around more. Do you do some hand/finger and tendon exercises before doing any playing? Before I would experience pain in my left hand, the muscle just below the thumb, the fleshy part. Then I came across a video by dmanlamius76 about some stretching routines. It helped a lot. Well, I hope this is not too late advice. :):):)
Bong Usoryu
Cotabato City, Philippines
bongusoryu 1 year ago
@bongusoryu Thank you for taking your time to answer my question :)
I'm really new at Bass and I've been playing it for about a month now. And I actually watched dmanlamius76's videos! I even went onto his website and watched his lessons!
So I also watched his finger stretched videos and I've been doing them before I play now :) Thank you so much for answering my question :)
AnUnexplainable 1 year ago
Man. Look at those side burns.
suicidewarpig 1 year ago
Comment removed
intrepidro 1 year ago
ow look, its the Wolverine!
bumbumeris 1 year ago
I think a five year old could have figured this out, genius.
TheFunnyBanana 1 year ago
this is good to watch after you have mastered the 1 finger per fret rule
drvonawsome 1 year ago
Great lesson, very informative! Id like to know your thoughts on maintaining an efficient position when covering a 5-6 fret range without "mangling" the hand shapes? it is something i frequently do to cover those large spreads, for example a 3 note per string major scale run . Keep making the videos man !
ascendantdeath 1 year ago
MAny moons ago my bass teacher taught me to practice using the one-finger method until you are limber and can do it with your eyes closed, but once you start playing tunes to loosen up a bit like in this vid. Practice hard, play relaxed.
RCAvhstape 1 year ago
re: hand darting with that start bit.... a good "rule" there is to slide up with the first finger and down with the 4th.... for example in a major scale that climbs the neck, it's hard to move back from 1 note on the first finger to another note on the first finger... whereas if you've already moved when coming down it's easier.
mryellow123 1 year ago
I'd still do it, I'd still teach it.
It's not like everyone runs off and only *ever* plays that way, most ppl naturally know when the other spacing feels right.
mryellow123 1 year ago
you look like wolverine
tempermentel 1 year ago
my god lmao
Stupidmut123 1 year ago
thanks!!
GOTHAURON 1 year ago
He's NOT saying DON'T use 1 finger per fret. Just don't use it when you don't have to.
It's "Horses for courses". I've been playing bass over 25 years and this guy is talking common sense.
However IF you want to use 1 finger 1 fret when you don't need to, as you may feel that you want to build up the stamina in your hand/muscles, then do so. Just remember, if you're playing a 3+ hour gig (like I do regularly) you may need to pace yourself!
There are no hard fast rules!
itsbanffdavehere 1 year ago
Good point,makes sense.Check out the Ozrics 'Erpland' bassline it's awesome.
0ua8 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
that makes perfect sense.
dexarouskies 1 year ago
Good advice and I've been told this by others. One finger per fret in the first four positions is not practical for most.
Ionizap 1 year ago
good vid and very true. 1 finger per fret is useful at times but tiring in others. sometimes if i'm feeling very lazy and playing just the root for a while i'll use like 3 fingers on the one string on the same note. just helps to relax.
Smownage 1 year ago
What's up with yo hair Mark!!??? You went from a 40 year old to a 18 year old!
kustatus 1 year ago
habits are nasty to get rid of so please start off playing RIGHT even if it's harder you will have more playing fun later :)
Fabian050680 1 year ago
'You can play it but it's a lot of muuuuvement' Love the accent!
Thanks for the tips!
flearis 1 year ago
Lol in most situations its just common sense to use more than just your pointer finger when playing the bass!
MCLOVIN50 1 year ago
bassists should always have great hair. you have great hair.
activeaypathy 1 year ago
God!!! u.. don't say this ist a bad habit, say better "this is an oder technique to play" an opption!!! please b more carefull.
pochobajolinea 1 year ago
yup,totally agree, I've been playing for 16 years and have been using 1 finger per fret when covering 4 fret spread but when covering 3 it's not necessary, as he says it places stress and fatigue on the wrist and can also cause carpel tunnel, rsi and arthritis.
jonnymurphy666 1 year ago
yup, totally agree, I've been playing for 16 years and have always used the 1 fret per finger technique, when covering 4 frets but with 3 it doesn't make sense unless you have big shovel hands.
jonnymurphy666 1 year ago
anyone who plays 1 finger per fret all the time is an idiot.
I remember playing a gig with this guy a few years back and he had like no hair lol. Great playing though.
breadbassed 1 year ago
This video really helped! I've been playing bass for 6 months now, and I'm in the process of improving technique and setting foundations, bla bla bla, and this video really really helped me! Thanks Dave Marks!
FunkyGreenPlants 1 year ago
i love your teaching and your style man.
LittleGothick 1 year ago
are u the dude from that 70s show?
lowfreq65 1 year ago
luck of the Irish.
southernclassik 1 year ago
cool hair and can u make a video of how to play the bass to the offspring self esteem
MrMinxy13 1 year ago
HEY GUYS i have difficulties to bend my second phalanx on my pinky when i do this, so since its touch all the higher strings, i mute them. Can anybody tell me if it is normal and if can do something about this???
TiMickQC 1 year ago
I like how you explained about the wrist angle with playing without the 'one finger per fret' technique; I found it easier to just bar a power chord on the lower half of the neck with my pointer and pinky in comparison to using my ring finger cause of the tension on the wrist. It helps me out to about the 6th fret on the whole neck, where the frets are small enough to use the one finger per fret system without putting the tension on the wrist. Awesome job!
Dlaybassmaster 1 year ago
low vlee accent, lad-dee.
kalejut 1 year ago
"I would say 95 percent of the people I see are struggling with guitar fingerings on the bass and have no idea that there are other fingerings that are easier" -- Herb Mickman
neothomist1275 1 year ago
the son of eraserhead... anyway this was helpful thank you
brooklynstudio 1 year ago 2
i just use what is more comfortable along the neck. but someone forced me to break in my pinky a long time ago. i just got a bass but been playing guitar for years. i use an alternate tuning for the guitar so the 1 finger per fret would be improbable to use. i agree with dave marks. i even use my thumb time to time for fretting.
666laughingtarget 1 year ago
I don't agree with this dude. I use the one finger per fret system and I really like it. I don't think you should really call any "system" a bad habit, you should let people use what ever is comfortable to them you know? Please don't start a flame war I'm just being honest and telling you what I think.
wreckedbasket19 1 year ago
Hey man - the idea I'm putting forth in this video is that 1 finger per fret is a great system in certain situations, but when applied as a rule for all playing (as some people do) it can be harmful and inefficient. The 'bad habit' is using it as a 'one size fits all' approach :-)
davemarks 1 year ago 39
@davemarks (more towards all the commenters)
If you ever want to play upright, the "one finger per halfstep" idea is a big no-no.
One finger per fret works best for me beyond the 5th fret. I have above average size hands so it doesn't bother me either way. But if we're using a major scale pattern, I normally start off with the root under my middle, third and sixth by my index, and fifth and octave by my pinky.
mikeymacaque 1 year ago
@davemarks Yeah... the one finger system is okay if your soloing and need to slide to create certain effects. but very bad for holding down a rhythm.
TheRaizen33 11 months ago
@wreckedbasket19 Comfortable? you probably fucking suck.
BassSurfer2 1 year ago
@BassSurfer2 Wow dude. Um really don't know where the all the anger is coming from but have fun with that.
wreckedbasket19 1 year ago
How does this apply to people with really large hands?
MomoTheBellyDancer 1 year ago
It probably doesn't... hence my comment about the Gulliver hands :-)
davemarks 1 year ago 2
@davemarks It does, Ron Carter has the largest bass hands and if you watch he only uses his third finger at the higher registers.
kamanu47 1 year ago
@kamanu47 lol, he plays double bass. that's a whole different deal.
lebermuff 1 year ago
@lebermuff I play both instruments and essentially apply the method of using only my 1,2 and 3&4th finger together. The problem is the tendon that attaches to the third finder shares the muscle with the fourth finger. After about hour and half of playing, trust me you will see that using the 1,2,4 spacing where each finger represents a half step (or each) fret, that you will not experience as much fatigue.
kamanu47 1 year ago
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intrepidro 1 year ago
Comment removed
intrepidro 1 year ago
hey man i'v never thought about it , that way geeeesh,.,,, thanks bro 4 the tip
please keep uploading more Videos.. =) thanks
TheSuperMusicMan82 1 year ago
Hey,
thanks for that advice. I'm a beginner, and when I tried to play some music by tabs where, e.g., I had to play first and third fret alternately on the E string, I felt uncomfortable, since I used 1 and 3. Now I don't feel bad when just playing it with my first and fourth finger :)
Btw, will I ever be able to use "1 finger per fret" at all on the upper frets, since my hands are rather small!? I know you can't answer that ;) but are human hands able to really stretch by continuous training?
KenranThePanda 1 year ago
Wolverine plays bass ;)
silverandteal 2 years ago 3
Hello Dave, thanks man-some useful tips.
laavly 2 years ago
X'MEN ACTOR
Kuuuks 2 years ago 2
Haha How does your hair do that?
KinkMetal 2 years ago
you sound very northern irish!
lol, im from tyrone! whats the craic!?
sunnyjim98 2 years ago
nice and useful vid. I had the bad luck to be tought by a guitar player and he tried to teach me the exact opposite: I started playin from the upper frets, not in the middle, which very quickly led me to be in pain and quickly tired...
I wish I had youtube at that time!!!or better....e better teacher!
:(
AgnessBass 2 years ago
awesome video :) makes total sense
greendayaremyheros 2 years ago
Natural teacher
DontPanic6X7 2 years ago 5
at the end he should have said "spread the word, don't spread your hands"
alpineapple1337 2 years ago 26
Thanks man! this really helps. i always tried to play 1 finger per fret coz i thought of it as a rule but after about an hour of playin my left wrist starts to feel pain.
WaWirT 2 years ago
wow...wolverine playing bass!!!!!
miteldream 2 years ago 9
nah man. its pippin from LOTR... or is it merry? i forget. one of those hobbits
hybernatinghuman 2 years ago 5
hmmm. I'm 6 ft tall. Not gonna pass for a Hobbit :-)
davemarks 2 years ago
You teach pretty well.
Keep going!
WolfLikeLamb 2 years ago 2
Answer this asap if you wouldn't mind. I am curious. Okay. Say you have 2 notes on the same fret you are playing. Like say C and G on the 3rd fret. What would be the best way to Finger/Fret those notes at the same time so I wouldn't have to alternate my third finger back and forth. abd btw C and G are next to each other on the music I am learning. I would appriciate it very much if you could answer this. I am terrified of learning improper tech, because I have before.
ArkAngelSlave 2 years ago
im not sure if its really great technique, but i would just naturally play the g with a bit below the tip of my finger, like the centre of my finger print, then play the G with the tip.
TheAznBass 2 years ago
I always bar it with one finger usually my first finger :)
CmajAmin88 2 years ago
Thanks for the advice. I'm a beginner and really had a hard time sticking to that 'rule' with the lower notes. Doesn't help that I have stubby fingers. My wrist thanks you too!
drugchicken 2 years ago
northern irish!
tacodude1 2 years ago 3
i got this habit from playing upright. this video helped me realize that its probably not a good idea to transfer this to electric, thanks
yeahimsosexy 2 years ago
thanks for this video. it helped alot.. and what bass is that?
TwistedGold0 2 years ago
After you read all the articles, watch all the videos,listen to all the teachers,there really are just three factors to discuss with yourself:
[1] Does it hurt?
[2] Is there economy in my motion?
[3] Does it sound good?
While the last is obviously subjective, it all comes down to hand positions that do not hurt and which are Sustainable over time. What does that mean? Listen to your body.
Dont try and play [Physically] just to achieve someone elses standard of what a proper hand position is.
krishneye 2 years ago
accent+hair=great
XlLUMINOUSXl 2 years ago
I love that people keep talking about hand fitness and tell me that I'm 'encouraging laziness'. It's hilarious - i do not encourage anyone to be lazy - my point is: 'Be Efficient'. If you don't need to do ridiculous big stretches, don't do them. Use one finger per fret in the low register when you need it, but avoid it if you don't.
davemarks 2 years ago
are you in the UK? scotland or ireland?
Scarecrow545 2 years ago
I live in London....
davemarks 2 years ago
oh ok. haha love your accent
Scarecrow545 2 years ago
is he brother of wayne static?
R105mark93 2 years ago
this guy pisses me off, almost all the videos iv seen of him i've spotted out a hole ton of bullshit. that and he has crappy tone, which just makes it more obvious he doesnt know what he's doing, i wouldnt advise anybody to take him seriously
newpariah 2 years ago