For years, I’d heard about “rules” that I was supposed to follow when figuring out bass fingerings. Honestly, it was a bit confusing to me. They all seemed to conflict with each other, and I was never sure where to begin. Over time, I figured out how these rules work, when to follow them, and also when to break them!
Click here to download these rules as a PDF
Rule #1 – play at least two notes per position
Your life will be so much simpler as a bassist if you follow this rule. Look for patterns in your music, and try your utmost to play two (or more!) notes in a position before shifting.
Rule #2 – never cross strings for a half step
Half steps are so easy when played in one position and so awkward when played across two strings. They also can create a strange “flanging” type of sound, particularly when one note is an open string. Save your hands and your ears by plying half steps in the same position whenever possible.
Rule #3 – play across the strings for technical passages
If you see fast notes on the page, try to play notes in one position. I want to keep my left hand in the same place on the bass as much as possible for fast passages. This saves me a bunch of unnecessary work and makes for tidier playing overall.
Rule #4 – shift up and down one string for melodic passages
Take advantage of the vocal qualities of playing on one string by shifting up and down for more melodic content. This helps to create and organic and connected sound.
Rule #5 – don’t cross strings on the same finger (especially when going to a lower string)
You’ll create a gap in the sound by using the same finger across the strings. This is particularly true when going from a higher string to a lower string. Try to be strategic with your fingering to minimize this kind of fingering, especially in connected passages.
Rule #6 – don’t play open strings in lyrical passages
Open strings stick out like a sore thumb in lyrical playing. Close these notes for melodic playing, and save your open strings for passing tones in faster passages.
Rule #7 – shift higher using lower numbered fingers
When playing an ascending passage, shift using a lower finger. For example, playing A – B – C# on the G string will generally work best played as 1 – 1 4. You want to have “fingers to spare” and not be stuck shifting up the bass with the 4th finger.
Rule #8 – shift lower using higher numbered fingers
The reverse is true for descending passages. When playing C# – B – A, it is generally best practice to play 4 -4 1.
Rule #9 – group notes together rhythmically
Grouping notes into twos, threes, or whatever make4s sense for the passage will help to organize your playing. This can help with cleanliness and even with memorization.
Rule #10 – avoid crossing two strings
Put notes on adjacent strings when possible. For example, don’t play open G and then C on the A string. Instead, play G closed with 4th finger and then play C with 1st finger. This makes it easier on the bow and is generally the most efficient option.
The “golden rule” of fingering
The “dirty secret” about all these rules is that we break them all the time! Bass playing is strewn with pitfalls, and we frequently find ourselves choosing between two relatively bad options for fingerings.
Think of these “rules” as more like guidelines or best practices. When possible, follow them… but don’t hesitate to get creative and try new things!
Learn more
The Rabbath position system is a great way to “supercharge” your fingering options. Here’s a look at this system and how it works.
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