Are You Fretting the Wrong Way? (Bass Fingering Showdown)
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 30. 07. 2020
- đ My full beginner bass course: yeah.bassbuzz.com/fret2
The right fretting technique is crucial for any bassist, whether you want to shred solos or just lay down a gigâs worth of grooves.
With all the debate and confusion about âthe best bass fretting technique,â itâs time to settle the score.
In this lesson, the Simandl technique, AKA index-middle-pinky, will battle it out with the One Finger Per Fret technique, AKA 1FPF.
Technique #1, One Finger Per Fret means that each finger gets assigned a fret in a position, covering 4 frets total. For example, on frets 5 6 7 and 8 youâd use index middle ring pinky, respectively.
That doesnât mean you have to hold perfectly static within that position, it just dictates the choice of which finger to use on which fret. You can âmicroshiftâ inside a 1FPF position to save energy or accommodate small hands.
Technique #2, the Simandl technique, comes from an upright bass method book by Franz Simandl first published in 1881. As the term is commonly used on electric bass, âSimandl techniqueâ just means fretting with the index, middle, and pinky, 124, which covers a 3 fret span. The ring finger just acts as support for the pinky.
In this lesson, weâll take both techniques through their paces by battling them out on three popular songs - âDoing It To Deathâ by James Brown, âTime Bombâ by Rancid, and âPlushâ by Stone Temple Pilots.
Each roundâs winner will be awarded a point, and by the end weâll see who emerges victorious. Ready⊠Fight!
Did this lesson clear up some confusion? Subscribe so you can keeping getting more un-confused: yeah.bassbuzz.com/subscribe
#onefingerperfret #simandltechnique #round1fight - Hudba
What fretting technique do you use most often? đž
Timestamps for this lesson:
0:00 - Fretting Technique Showdown
0:58 - Meet Your Challengers
2:04 - Round 1: Doing It To Death by James Brown
3:59 - Doing It To Death Play-along
4:53 - Round 2: Time Bomb by Rancid
6:02 - Time Bomb Play-along
6:43 - Round 3: Plush by Stone Temple Pilots
8:31 - Plush Play-along
9:15 - Final Judging + Fretting Myth
10:05 - Pros and Cons of Both Techniques
11:07 - How to Decide Which Technique
12:07 - 2 Principles of Good Fingerings
Simandl as I have small hands. I do use OFPF when playing solos at the top of the neck though
I've been playing for about 14 years and I've never really stuck to one them, I've always just done what was most comfortable for me, while playing that particular line.
It's really useful
I would say normally Simandl from fret 1 to 5, and OF from 5 and up. I really need the added pressure of ring and pinky
I mostly play the Ubass, so OFPF works just dandy....
I personally don't have a choice in that matter. I'm missing the ring finger on my left hand since 6 years old. So, Simandl it is. Gotta work with what I have.
Great humble brag, dude : )
@@innocentoctave
Thanks man, never thought 'bout it this way. Sorry I wrote that.
@@HapyLLIuTeJIb Don't be sorry. It was fine.
@@HapyLLIuTeJIb Seriously, great attitude, man. Django Reinhardt still holds the record, though. : )
@Naki Ryan Yes, I was aware of this. His achievement is still astonishing, and should inspire anyone.
I basically use both techniques, it depends on what and when I'm exactly playing
Pretty much a summary of this video
Same here.
always handy to have plenty of tools to use
Same, because I play both contrabass and electric bass, I get to play both techniques depending in what I need.
Same here. I may switch back and forth in one song or riff. Basically Iâm always just doing whatever is necessary to optimally achieve what Iâm going for at a given time.
Sometimes I even wrap the olâ thumb around and pop 1 or 3 on low E for stylistic flair, when Iâm feelinâ like beinâ a bit wacky.
That ending one finger technique was a huge flex
Ikr
Noob Josh has really put in the work
@@cactustactics It's still a flex, but well deserved. Dude is a beast.
Right!
The Ytse Jam OMG
I've recently switched to Simandl. After watching all these female CZcams bassists and seeing the relaxed fluidity of their fretting, I stopped stretching for notes and started moving my hand. Already seeing an improvement.
Showoff. I just pick one note and stick to it until the song ends. 60% of the time, it works every time.
:P
Ah yes the sex panther technique
Hey, if it works, it works
One pedal note to rule them all, got it master
đ€Łđ€Łđ€Łđ€Ł
I'd never heard of either technique so naturally shifted between the 2 as needed, the goal in mind was more about efficiency and less effort.
Dude, the graphics in this video are so smooth and crisp, its really on a new level
Thanks Djordje!
I started on upright bass: simandl up to the 7th fret (generally), then four finger. That's the way boys and girls.
The first time (out of 20-30 bass teachers) I see somebody who acknowledges the benefits of a fingering other than one finger per fret.
Josh, you are a true wise man.
I have not had a teacher advocate OFPF. they all probably retired with arm injuries before i got to them!
Thanks for this clarification Josh! Almost 100% of tutorials I ses enforce one of this technique. You're almost the only one who advocates for being smart, and that's a real relief.
Glad it was helpful Bob!
As a person with very small hands playing bass is a challenge and OFPF is almost never an option, but makes me feel extra accomplished when I learn a line I love to play. I've had to rely on Simandl for that reason, but practicing over and over again and adapting to a song better suited for OFPF than Simandl feels great. Just gotta practice and overcome guys!
best fretting technique video I ever saw was from Adam Neely he posted about 8 years ago where he's talking about how he played for several hours continuously. Basically you want you left had to be as relaxed and in as neutral a position as possible as much as possible. So use 124 for most stuff that doesn't require stretching and use 1234 only for things that do, such as playing full scales.
The thing I see others do, that drives me nuts is playing a 3 fret span (e.g. box shape) with index and ring finger. You got that pinky there doing nothing. Should use it instead and save your hand the stretch.
Absolutely agree! I always think it looks painful watching people playing index and ring đ
@@58Stejam Agree. And if you've got small hands, it's kinda uncomfortable. I guess I mix styles. Sometimes I use my 3rd finger and pinky as one unit, if I'm doing something like sliding up or down a string. A glissando, I guess you'd call it. My ultimate goal is to hit the right note at the right time, and hell if I care how I got there!
Yes but Adam Neely says some nonsense too. In one video he said that the 1FPF is wrong technique and you should tape your ring and pinky together to forcefully play the right way and, in addition to that, it also improves your tone, groove, sound or whatever. Complete bollocks
Bear in mind that the Simandl technique was designed to play the upright bass, which in its full form has a scale length of incredible 43 inches compared to the standard electric bass of 34 inches. Electric bass guitars can be even smaller like 30 inches or if they are really big they stretch to a maximum 36 inches. This massive scale of the upright bass makes 1 finger per "fret" (note) really challenging, if not impossible, and let's remember that just the finger 1 to finger 2 stretch for half step near the nut must be a big hand stretch. Electric basses with shorter scale length made 1FPF possible.
I let me pinky and ring finger work together in those instances, naturally they kinda want to anyway realizing I could do that was a life changer.
I have been mixing both fretting techniques, and you are the only CZcams bass teacher that says it's ok to mix both techniques. I totally agree.
Josh - I wanted to say a huge thanks for all of your videos. I decided two months ago I wanted to learn the bass guitar and went into it without any experience whatsoever, but having watched nearly all of your tutorials I now feel confident in my ability and can play several songs. You make learning super easy, and interesting. Thanks so much - I really owe you one
Glad I could help Liam!
I've been using OFPF for 9 years of playing with smallish hands. I run into that "pain mode" regularly especially in the lower frets. I wish I knew about this Simandl technique sooner. Definitely going to work this tool into my arsenal. Great video!
Dude that one finger playing at the end!!!! RESPECT!
I just discovered your Channel. Over the past several years I've been focusing more on a guitar playing, but am starting it back into bass playing. There's some great Refreshers here for me. Thanks for the vids. They're both entertaining and informative
I find that I use 3 fingers, and neglect my pinky most of the time. That leads to a weak pinky when I need it for the 4 finger stuff. Kids, don't be like me.
Too late... XD
@@BlackJackLopez It's not too late! Save yourself! :oD
That us exactly what I do. And curse my pinkie for running from some work đ€Ł
My scrawny pinky can't hold a string down...
@@insertmetalusernamehere Time to pump! You up!
I actually love the lick in the intro
Josh, I've watched a bunch of your videos, as well as many videos from many other youtube teachers; you, my man, are the best! The combination of your teaching style with your educational and engaging videos is just right for my learning style. Thank you!
Thank you!
New to bass, my Yamaha tbrx304 is on its way, and the Vox bass amPlug 2. But your channel has been a huge help on learning so far, I'll keep watching!
I have to use Simandl for everything bc my fingers are too small lol
I have a similar issue; I used to play electric guitar so the scale length of a "regular" bass was a bit of a hurdle.
So I got a short scale bass. đ
SAME. It also picked up on it hard from playing upright bass.
@@MrClassicmetal short scale are awesome anyway, even if you don't have trouble with a full scale bass.
@@alexanderking9462 Yeah, they certainly are! đ
I feel you!
This is the only video I've found that even talks about the different fretting techniques. My bass instructor calls it "34" because it's your 3rd and 4th fingers working together. I like it, I use it often. The only time I don't is when I'm playing something like that Rancid song, I think you perfectly illustrated why
This channel is underrated. Enough said.
I was originally taught one finger per fret on bass guitar, but once I started playing upright and learning Simandl, it forever altered my bass guitar technique. Now itâs a bit of a hybrid but is Simandl about 80% of the time.
One of your vids encouraged me to learn the 1 finger per fret style. Iâm definitely glad I went through the pains of beginning that.
this video helped me so much simandl helps me so much iâm so glad this technique exists it just feels so much more natural to me while also strengthening my pinky much more and forcing me to use it while playing it really helps flying fingers
a mash up between the both is definitely the perfect technique, whenever it feels right to do so i absolutely love it
I guess I alternate depending on note location. I honestly can't say I've paid much attention. My hands are a little on the small side.
Your videos are always so fun and creative, haha. Loving it, keep 'em coming!
Love the fun accompanied by great knowledge. Love the video!
Hey Josh, great video. I try not to "fret" about my fingering, but lean towards the left, no wait I lean towards one finger per fret. Going to head over to Bass Buzz and check out your courses. Always a pleasure. Stay safe, social distance and wear a mask when you can't awkwardly social distance. Cheers!! đâ„ïžđ
Be sure to join the forum and head over to INTRODUCE YOURSELF to get the usual warm welcome to the Bass Buzz community.
The course is awesome.
did you just-
_Very cool fretting techniques runthrough there! Thanks for sharing_ đđžđđ”
Excellent as always, thanks Josh
Glad to be your 200.000 subscriber! I had the same bass years ago, it got stolen, and you make the right justice by playing it with majesty :)
Nice, thanks Manfredi!
I love your videos, and they get me to want to play.
I am a guitarist switching to bass, and I see merit in both techniques.
I was naturally doing both without knowing what I was doing, so score one for me!!
Another Winner from Josh and BassBuzz, thanks teach!!!!!
Thanks Toby!
You're the best Josh! Love your videos
OMG, Simandl is so much better for me playing down on the fretboard. It keeps me from getting hand pain! Totally agree that both work at different times. I do sometimes get confused in the heat of the moment!
Rancid! Matt has been such a huge influence on me, it makes me so happy to see you covering this
I only ever learned simandl up until I started watching your channel since my bass teacher mostly plays upright bass and originally taught me a lot of weird upright technique stuff on electric bass for some reason
I have average to large sizes hands and I generally use Simandl technique when my index finger is lower than the 6th fret and onfp above the 6th fret.
For the second example keep in mind that Simandl method would discourage the closed A in favor of the open string, thus making fewer shifts necessary.
Great video!
Alright I liked, subscribed, and rung the bell so there's my vote. You know what to do!
Hey! You inspired me with your videos to actually finally get into bass playing! I have dreamed of this a long time and now I finally got the courage for it! Thx for your work and this channel!
You're welcome, glad you're getting started!
Honestly this helped me with my arthritis a ton, simandl just feels a lot more comfortable and I had no idea it was even a thing
Thanks! As a guitar player just learning bass, I appreciate your attention to fundamentals. Well done! đ
today I learned cor the 1st time the name of the two bass technique I've been using for the last 20 years... thanks đ
The Simandl technique is the most useful in first position, because the frets are the most spread apart. Anywhere else on the neck one finger per fret is best. And, if you adjust your elbow out away from your rib cage, you can train your fingers to spread to 4 frets even in first position with no discomfort. The angle at the elbow and wrist are key. If the elbow is away from the ribs, it allows the fingers to spread, like classical guitar technique.
Sounds like keeping your elbow up/out and not curling your wrist/tendons
I'm from Brazil. Thank you very much for this video, it's save my bass. Congratulations for the channel, it helps a lot. đ§đ·đđ»
I needed this tutorial so much! Thank You!
Excellent lesson, thanks!
I had no idea those had names. No one ever told me, it just feels completely natural to stretch when I have to and relax when I can afford.
Given that, I have rather small hands, so maybe that's why. And to be fair, I sometimes even go index, middle and ring, and keep pinky out of the way. Maybe I'm weird, but it just feels natural.
John Entwistle is one of the most interesting bass players to watch, his technique is all over the place.
I've been playing bass for only a year now and at the start I learned the one finger per fret method since everyone said to me that was "the right way to play". Some months ago I noticed there was times when I used only three fingers (index, middle and pinky) 'cause I found it to be more confortable, I didn't know it even had a name or that it was a legit method, I just did it naturally. This video really helped me feel more confortable with my playing tho, I was questioning my self if I was playing "incorrectly".
I feel like getting comfortable with both and and using whatâs best for the specific song/riff is the smartest option
You're amazing! I've never heard about Simandl
The interesting thing is that the Simandl method is also a combination of both methods because on a upright bass you will play with only index,middle and pink but after Fret 7 (translated from upright bass to e bass) you will use the Ringfinger because then it is just better and logical. Btw love the content, 11 years upright bass player that is now buing a e bass to add something new to his bass collection :)
Good video Josh. I use both and while watching the video picked the same as you for each song.
Learning bass 25 years ago as a kid from a book it taught the 4 fpf way and I tried and practiced it but as you know, your little pinky in particular is very weak so I would use my ring finger and shift.
Eventually the longer you play you use both styles and work out what's best for you. Some teachers out there insist 4 fingers per fret is the only way, but that's not practical all the time and can lead hand or finger injuries. Anyway, look forward to the next vid, cheers.
Great video Josh. I'm also learning the upright bass, and the 3 fingered technique is what they all teach. I tend to still use 4 fingers on my bass guitar though.
Clear, concise and entertaining..
Great video! I need to go practice that Simandl technique
Bear in mind that the Simandl technique was designed to play the upright bass, which in its full form has a scale length of incredible 43 inches compared to the standard electric bass of 34 inches. Electric bass guitars can be even smaller like 30 inches or if they are really big they stretch to a maximum 36 inches. This massive scale of the upright bass makes 1 finger per "fret" (note) really challenging, if not impossible, and let's remember that just the finger 1 to finger 2 stretch for half step near the nut must be a big hand stretch. Electric basses with shorter scale length made 1FPF possible.
Loved the one fingered Trooper at the end. Nice!!
Good to know that Iâm not the only one who uses the Simandl technique. I find it more comfortable and easier on the fretting hand.
Excellent video!
I learned bass on the upright double bass in school orchestra. Now I know why I play electric bass differently than a lot of videos I have seen.
Another great informative video @Josh đ
Thanks Iain!
I just bought my first bass guitar and you got a new subscriber (: great content man!
Nice work man ,i love your videos !
I greatly enjoy your videos.
I am having to learn these techniques in relation to bass.
Playing guitar for twenty-five years, I have developed habits that work fine for guitar, but arenât flying as well for bass.
I do switch between the Simandl and OFPR techniques, but I donât use my pinky as I should for bass. Since itâs just me in my apartment on my P Bass, I am allowing myself to be lazy in not learning proper techniques.
I know I need to relearn it all, itâs just hard to break habits.
-tangent, but bass-related-
Another habit Iâm having trouble breaking is using my left hand to mute strings Iâm not playing, especially lower strings as Iâm playing. On guitar, I only touched the string I was fretting with the tip of my finger rather than the pad of it. A whole lot to relearn...
I plan on getting to Beginner to Badass course once I can afford it, but for now I am enjoying your free videos, Josh.
I think it's worth mentioning that on a fretless bass, the Simandl technique helps you play much more "in tune"
On upright there is no 1 finger per fret until you are up in thumb position
Yeah, it depends what are you playing. I started to play bass in 1977 and i did use some classic double bass techniques on the electric bass with a italian method book-Bille- and -Madensky- for arpeggios ". Later i started with the double bass and that gave me an advantage. I make combined exercises in the 4 strings and in different fingering positions back and forward
Both, although I tend to do simandl on the first lowest 5 frets, then mostly 1-finger-per-fret for higher frets. Also, I previously for the life of me couldn't use my little finger! Thanks to constant exercises, now I use it more than the ring finger, such a world of difference!
Really like your channel....for me the best online..ultimately it's what suits you best because you don't have to copy other's bass lines...you can invent your own lines to suit your style...put simply do your own thing..
I learned Simandil years after learning 4 finger when I took lessons and learned to sight read. In the end I use what suits the song best. Simandil works great on extended scale basses, over 34" scale in low registers and the technique of sliding into position and having that muscle memory especially with a fretless is awesome.
Excellent lesson.
Iâve been casually / amateurly playing bass for over 20 years. Only took lessons for the first 5. Iâve never even thought about what technique I use, I just play what feels natural. Which as far as I can tell is probably a mix between the 2 and some other style. It depends what youâre playing too. On the lower frets, I tend to simandl, except I probably use the ring finger in favour over my middle often. Then go for 1fpf around the middle of the fret board. But if I were to play something like schism, I would hammer 10 to 12 with my ring finger. Itâs too bunched up to use the pinky at that end, and the pointer to middle finger is too far to stretch a hammer more than 1 fret. Thanks Josh, youâve helped me become a better bass player; my high school bass teacher used to mumble a lot and I could never really hear much of what he said, so youâve helped me re-learn some of those basics I think I missed all those years ago. I never play in front of people anymore but itâs still nice to be able to figure out how to play a song instead of trying to robot learn tabs, as well as not sound like a noob simply because you havenât picked it up in a few weeks.
Hey I just got my bass three days ago and your vids have really helped. Thank you!
P.S. the bass I got was actually the Yamaha trbx304, really good bass
Got one this week, I love it.
Welcome slaper
Nice T-Shirt! I started to try playing bass when I was young because of Freeman' lines...
Same :)
Looks like I've been using Simandl technique without even knowing something like that existed đ€
Love your channel. đđ
Rancid shirt. Street Fighter announcer voice. YOU WERE IN A SKA BAND WUUUUUUUUT? Great video. This really validates people that (can't) don't use 1 finger per fret. I've been fighting this fight for 15 years.
Thanks for the vid đ
Electric bassist turned double bassist (and now playing more bass guitar again). I wanted to go to school so learned double bass and studied classical double bass throughout. I use Simandl (not Bille which I use very rarely) almost all the time, unless I need the dexterity of using an extension or into one finger per half step. The comfort of Simandl as well as the added safety for your joints.
So they're both capable techniques,thanks Josh
GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU A LOT
Thanks Josh, you the man!
thank you for the tips
I use OFPF because:
- I feel like Iâm better of getting used to the âharderâ version.
- the âassigning one finger to a fretâ thing just works for my brain. It helps with managing music by assigning each finger a role.
Great vids. You have helped me a lot with bass.
Glad to hear it Jonathan!
Thanks for this awesome video Josh. Your channel is great. I agree with you in this case and would like to add something. If you're playing fretless, it's best to use 124 in the first positions, on wider 'frets' , and switch to 1234 in the higher positions. It will help the intonation as it works in the double bass left hand technique.
As someone who started from rhythm guitar this cleared up a lot of confusion of what to doâ
Almost always OFPF because I don't like shifting. But recently was playing Love Shack which never leaves frets 1-3. And my ring finger got tired. Simandl to the rescue!
That last one finger techniques was impressive!
Now go with the pinky! :)
GOSH this helped so much
Thanks for the video's!!
Glad it was helpful Marcus!
Best teacher ever
You're the best bass teacher on CZcams and I've devoured your videos but this was over my head.
Makes me want to sell my bass.
Don't sell your bass!
BassBuzz My fretting technique is survival.
Matt freeman!! Yes more people need to talk about his bass playing.
You picked REALLY great songs in this video!
Good video. Thank you.