Left Hand Technique for Bass: Try This Fingering Hack!
This week we’re looking at one of the biggest problems I see in students. The left hand pinky. But it’s not always a problem with Pinky Strength. It’s often a problem with technique and leverage. So this week we’re looking at a technique I call Joint Barring!
The Riff
This riff is just a straightforward bass line using a root-fifth-octave shape. It might seem pretty simple and easy, but it can be a test of your pinky technique if you use only the 1st and 4th fingers.
Joint Barring
The trick to playing any riff like this is something I call joint barring. We’re going to use the lever action of this joint in the pinky and leverage of the whole hand in generating the required pressure on the string. (see video) This isn’t all about creating a strong pinky, it’s more about using the correct technique to make everything a little easier. Once you have that technique under your fingers you can use it in loads of basslines. It can provides you with a clean technique and helps with being more efficient overall.
This technique is something I fell into awhile ago. I’d use it from time to time. Now, I’ll have to practice it so I can use it more often. Thanks!
Thanks for the exercise. I do have problems with the 3rd and 4th fingers because I’m a petite woman and have a small hand. I can barely get an octave on the piano! I’ll fit this in my left hand exercise routine for warm ups. :)
Thanks, Mark. I seldom use my pinky finger because my hands are so small ‘seemingly’ but your video has tremendously helped me in practicing and getting it into my playing
I have had my eyes opened to what that 4th finger can do, another great video Mr. Mark!😀
Hi Mark! great exercise!. I know you have probably answered this question before, but is it ever appropriate to use your thumb to fret the E or occasionally the A string?
This technique is revolutionary! Suddenly Sheryl Crowe’s “All I Wanna Do” got a whole lot easier! Thanks Mark!
This works great for the upper strings (higher registers) but I buzz the octave trying to do this on the lower strings of a five-string because my pinkie isn’t strong enough. Any suggestions?