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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Got A Question :)

Posted by: Metalhead Dec 3 2007, 09:48 PM

lets say Im gonna play these notes fast and furious
---15-17-19--
which fingers should I use or is considered the best choice because I can do it
inn 2 ways with this kind of pattern

pointfinger---middlefinger---pinky
or
pointfinger---the strong bending finger(dont know what to call it )---pinky

Posted by: Hemlok Dec 3 2007, 09:51 PM

I would use Index(pointer) finger Middle finger and Pinky.

That strong fender bender finger is commonly called the ring finger (or ball and chain finger )
Basically because with your middle finger it is a forwards movement, instead of ring finger, that goes backwards and probably isnt a good technique to learn and will be slower.

Just my view, wait for a more experienced player to reply. In the meantime see which feels more comfortable and faster.

Posted by: Metalhead Dec 3 2007, 09:55 PM

aha ring finger was the word I was looking for
thx for the info.
I've been using the ringfinger but then i saw the Muris using the middlefinger.
I can do it both ways so Ive started using the middlefinger instead now but if
there is a bigger stretch like ---12-15--17 or 18 then ringfinger is best yes?

Posted by: SDMF75 Dec 3 2007, 10:09 PM

For a smaller stretch area go with your index, middle and ring. For the larger areas you want to use a combo of either index, ring and pinky or index middle and pinky. It's all about comfort but make sure you use your pinky when it make sense to.

Posted by: mattacuk Dec 3 2007, 10:15 PM

Ahhh , good question ! One I was afraid to ask myself (for some odd reason).

Most will use the Middle finger, but I rarley use it. I use my Index, Ring and Pinky for patterns like that, also for whole steps... even right down the bottom of the fretboard.

Why? Honestly? Because Paul Gilbert does it that way.... he was the first shredder I really sat down and studied

Posted by: Hemlok Dec 3 2007, 10:16 PM

Sorry subtract my reply, 15-17-19 is a small one and as SDMF75 said, index middle and ring would be best.

As for the 12-15-17/18... I would use index ring and pinky, as Matt, Gilbert, and Bucket do

Posted by: Dejan Dec 3 2007, 10:20 PM

i would use 1-2-4 (index-middle-pinky) because if I use 3 (ring) I would have to stretch

but the best is to test yourself, and find the way that suits you best, not all fingers are the same

Posted by: steve25 Dec 3 2007, 10:23 PM

I personally would use index, middle, ring. I think it's whatever you're most comfortable with. Some players hardly ever use the pinky and are still great players. If you're happy to stretch your ring finger across go for it if not use your pinky

Posted by: mattacuk Dec 3 2007, 10:29 PM

Yes It really comes down to what your comfortable with at the end of the day. I have huge hands, and use of the Ring and Pinky figure feels the most natural to me.

If you watch the first couple of minutes of this, you can see how I prefer to play...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wv7Z0DpJRM

But useing the index, middle and pink is equally as good! Give them both a try and see what fits best!

Posted by: Metalhead Dec 3 2007, 10:30 PM

so iguess its just about personal preference
anyway if you move it down to 3-5-7 the fretboard gets bigger hehe
I got very small hands
ill play around and find out what works best for me
thx for the reply's

Posted by: tonymiro Dec 3 2007, 11:45 PM

For me it would depend on what phrases came before and after. To me it's partly about the set up from and for the preceding and succeding phrases. All things being equal the 1st, 2nd 4th.

Cheers,
Tony

Posted by: Muris Dec 3 2007, 11:56 PM

1,2 and 4 are most common choices,
except if you're Matt or Paul

Posted by: mattacuk Dec 4 2007, 12:17 AM

I guess I am on my own then haha Still, Its good to be different I guess

Posted by: Milenkovic Ivan Dec 4 2007, 09:20 PM

I use middle finger that high on the neck, but lower I always use ring finger for similar patterns.

Posted by: Resurrection Dec 4 2007, 09:39 PM

QUOTE (mattacuk @ Dec 3 2007, 09:15 PM)

Ahhh , good question ! One I was afraid to ask myself (for some odd reason).

Most will use the Middle finger, but I rarley use it. I use my Index, Ring and Pinky for patterns like that, also for whole steps... even right down the bottom of the fretboard.

Why? Honestly? Because Paul Gilbert does it that way....

he was the first shredder I really sat down and studied

Interesting. On any videos I've watched of PG his fingers look really long so I guess he's made a specific choice to use the ring finger, even though he could make the stretch with the middle finger easily enough.