💥3 Finger Bass Picking method in the style of Billy Sheehan / Alex Webster

#3fingertechnique #basslessson
A new version with updates on this video 2021 -
• 💥3 Finger Bass Picking...
Everything you need to know to get your 3 finger bass chops together and apply it quickly. Also, tips to improve speed and accuracy.
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Inquiries - [e-mail]

[@rockereivanivan]

2 years using this technique and I never could solve my problem, one week after watching this and I Improved a lot! You are a real teacher, thank you so much!

[@RodneyMcG]

Fantastic! Really glad it helped. Thanks for watching and checking out the channel. I've got more lesson material coming up this week.

[@doublea125]

Just switched from guitar to bass and from what I'm seeing so far, every technique is centered around getting a result and not necessarily worrying about specifics, with tutorials showing you things you can utilize and add to your ability instead of showing you what needs to be done in this exact way. I like it!

[@RodneyMcG]

Welcome aboard!

[@albertjoer1]

Why does this guy not have more subs? These lessons are incredibly good!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Albert! Hope it helps out. More coming!

[@ironsaint]

2.78K subscribers is not too shabby

[@RodneyMcG]

Not at all, and I appreciate every one!

[@imdidi5695]

I'm new here but Rodney really catch my attention. Great musical skills and fluent speech, so easy to understand. Full support! ⚡😈🎶

[@Terbie36]

Then spread the word.

[@TommyLeeDepp]

Best lesson on this technique I've seen yet! I tried to learn this technique many years ago but failed. Using only the middle and ring finger to build up the indepence is such a great advice, I noticed that my ring finger is really weak compared to the others, so no wonder I couldn't get this technique down. This time I hope I will be able to learn it, thanks for this great video!

[@RodneyMcG]

I'm sure a player of your ability will tackle it! I appreciate the good word, and hope it works out for you. Really enjoy your channel. Fantastic work!

[@grzegorzszopinski7111]

3:30 as far as I remember, a similar exercise is used by Alex Webster himself in his 'extreme metal bass'

[@RodneyMcG]

I wouldn't be surprised. Thanks for checking it out!

[@reggietheroman]

Been playing with three fingers for a while, but really just used to hit the string with whatever finger. Took me a while to find you video but it's been the best explanation i've found of how to improve. Thanks so much for this!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Reggie. Glad it helped!

[@AlexofKtulu]

Testament!!! For sureee!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 One of my favorite bands of all time!!!

[@pedrolax9275]

Years and years I couldn't work out how to do the Billy Sheehan right hand and this guy just lays it out almost immediately. Top content my dude

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you enjoyed it and I could be of some help!

[@sebjulien3]

Damn man, I susbcribed to your channel a couple of months ago because you knew how to talk. But now I realize that you know how to play. Its too bad that I can't play bass anymore because my Lyme disease has been eating all my stamina and my collagen. But if I don't kill myself in the years to come before I get better I will know the technique because of you. Even watching Sheehan in those old videos I wasnt able to understand how he did it. But you know how to teach.

[@RodneyMcG]

Sorry to hear your struggling with Lyme, Seb. I hope things get better for you. I appreciate the kind words, and I hope the lessons keep giving you something interesting whether it's applied or just educational. All the best 👍

[@t.j.meechan682]

Ive been trying to get this technique down for years and could never get it. Your approach and teaching style will really help. I appreciate you taking the time to make this video! Ill be watching over and over. Thanks brother man!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks so much for watching and giving some feedback. Check in with your progress and how it's working out for you

[@t.j.meechan682]

@@RodneyMcG i definitely will. I know Steve Harris used two fingers for his gallop, but i have to use three, and to be honest i have a hard time striking the string with the same force with each finger. It doesn't sound very fluid if that makes any sense.

[@RodneyMcG]

I get that totally. Harris is a freak of nature! A gallop with 2 fingers is tough. I know he plays with a really light touch, which helps a lot. The other video I just posted about single finger approach may help you out a bit with bursts like that as well. Good luck!

[@t.j.meechan682]

@@RodneyMcG i appreciate your videos. Quickly becoming my favorite bassist on KZbin! Ill be sure to check that out right now.

[@RodneyMcG]

You're too kind, sir!

[@LordofDiamondsMetal]

Great tutorial, man. First KZbin bassist I've seen in a while who uses a E-flat tuned 4 string!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, been doing the E flat for a long time, I guess my thrash roots are showing!

[@erikjohnson2976]

Absolutely fantastic tutorial. Again, many thanks, sir.

[@ashleymerylweber]

awesome! this was very helpful! Thank you :)

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Ashley! Glad it helped 👍

[@JarodFedele]

Great lesson, really informative.

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you got something out of it. Thanks for checking it out!

[@hagen4264]

Thank you so much, such a great lesson

[@RodneyMcG]

You're very welcome! Hope it helps!

[@CallipygianMarmoset]

Amazing lesson. This is extremely helpful.

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pleasurementgui]

Thank you, Rodney! you’re awesome. Watched videos of three finger technique in this style by other pages but personally took the most out of your video. Keep doing what you’re doing! 🤘🏼

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad it helped. Stay tuned, i'm doing an update to this one next week.

[@dillonbeylefeld5886]

One of the best bass tutorials on KZbin. Such a great teacher. Thank you

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@CurseTheVulgar]

Short of Billy Sheehan's own videos this is the best walkthrough I've seen on three finger technique. Love the presentation and practical examples/exercises!

[@RodneyMcG]

Wow! That's some really high praise! Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words

[@PennBassChannel]

Thanks for the tips

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for checking it out. Hope it helps

[@serj.danyliuk]

It's definitely something I was looking for a long period of time as I'm struggling with fast 16-th notes. Thank you for your work - no words will help me to express how I appreciate it. Subscribed immediately!

[@RodneyMcG]

Really glad to be of service. There are a few Metal Bass Monday episodes where I cover it as well. Thanks for the sub!

[@joelmcgee4405]

Thanks for what you do🤘

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for watching!

[@JackCarver10]

You inspired me to practice every day... thank you

[@RodneyMcG]

That's the best thing for me to hear! Love it! Best of luck with your playing.

[@corpsekrusher]

Digging your Testament shirt - and of course the bass tutorial. I love the bass tone on practice what you preach. And I remember there was a song on the low album that had a awesome bass solo.

[@RodneyMcG]

Testament are consistantly in beast mode. They always had some cool bass parts.

[@slartibartfastmagrathean2034]

Great lesson) Thank you)

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you liked it!

[@growlandroll]

This was really helpful, thank you so much!

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you got something from it.

[@Concap-ej9jj]

Man I was kinda ok at trem but now watching this video it’s going to be soooo much better, using the technique to strengthen the ring finger is smart!

[@MegaChorro123]

Awesome lesson man!!! Helped a lot

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad to hear it!

[@stevetozzi673]

This was so well done, I feel more confident in trying this out now.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks a lot, I'm glad it helped. Drop in after you try it and let me know how it works for you.

[@stevetozzi673]

@@RodneyMcG Will do Rodney, gonna start practicing this weekend!

[@jsgovind]

Great video. I'm glad I found this but I wish I had this a few years ago when I started this technique. I figured most of what you suggested over time. I would like to share two things I tried that really worked out... One thing that really helped me out was playing with headphones every day to make sure I had an even tone and volume generated by each finger and all my dynamics were completely intentional. I noticed that my index and middle finger were able to generate more power than my ring finger and so I worked on bringing the attack of those two fingers down. It will always be a work in progress I think. I've seen that this is one of those things that needs regular practice or you just lose the good habits you've developed. Another thing that I have found with this technique is, you can curl your hand and gently brush the strings as you play if you want to use this technique for a more traditional bass tone such as in blues, funk and jazz. This greatly improved my performance in those genres too as they also have some tricky and fast lines.

[@lucienma]

Thank you Rodney, I'm discovering your channel with this video, that's really good stuff, I'm going to check that! Good continuation, Lucien from Switzerland

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for watching. Glad you got something out of the video. Greetings from the US!

[@ibrahimozkan9303]

Thank you very much. i am totally beginner,I start directly with 3 fingers, it helped a lot. Thanks

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad to hear it! Good luck!

[@s.terlouw814]

Great video🤟

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@wyvern4588]

Very cool, I use three fingers for triplets too (like gallops), but sometimes without even noticing I use the middle and ring for a double and the pointer to hit a octave. Using the middle and ring separate isn't easy for me right now, something I need to work on. Thanks for the Vid!

[@RodneyMcG]

Definitely just locking down and using the middle and ring finger for about a week you'll get you up to speed and make it a habit. Did the trick for me. Hope it helps, report back with your progress

[@soundslikesight7876]

Epic!!! Only a few minutes in and I can’t tell you how bad I needed that insight!

[@RodneyMcG]

I hoe it helps!

[@restojon1]

I suffered an upper spine spinal cord injury (as well as lower spinal cord injuries), I've had surgery which corrected the main issues up top but I lost a lot of dexterity in my right hand and suffer from twitches in my left arm. One of the things that this caused was me to lose my ability to play with four fingers in my right hand, I first picked up a bass after watching Steve Harris and was Captain Clanky-Gallop until my little finger turned into a useless chipolata. I've adapted to three fingers but, it's "lacking"... this, is what it's lacking. I'll get cracking with those exercises to get my three fingers making fours. Thank you Rodney, I haven't got anything spare right now but when I can I'll do my best to get you something, Patreon, super thanks if you have that? Something...

[@RodneyMcG]

I do have a Patreon with additional content. Links are in my recent videos. I'm really glad this helped a bit, and I appreciate the kind words.

[@karenorpe27]

Wow!

[@RJMelling]

I've been playing bass for 20 years, currently play in a metal band. Always loved Cannibal Corpse, wanted to upsize my technique especially fingerstyle, watched as much Alex Webster as was humanly possible, Discovered This Guy! Boom. MASSIVE TECHNIQUE IMPROVEMENT! Thankyou so much - your instructional videos are amazing!

[@RodneyMcG]

Love that! Glad it helped!

[@jgrossma]

Thanks for the lesson. This is basically the same as the classical guitar tremolo technique applied to bass. . .it not an easy technique to master. From having spent a lot of time working on this, let me offer one tip that isn't necessarily obvious. To get the three fingers to go in time smoothly its helpful to push out your ring finger at the same time you are plucking with the index finger in a crossing motion. This takes some training/practice, but that way when the index is done, you're instantly in place to use the ring again.

[@graysonwilson-cacciapalle7989]

Only I feel it’s tougher on classical guitar- needs a very delicate approach. On bass we can get away being heavy handed brutes! In fact, in metal it’s necessary

[@aminqashqaee2174]

thank you,,,very usefull

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you got something out of it, thanks for checking it out!

[@imtiaz3]

hey, great tips. I consider myself new at this 3 finger technique, was forced to really learn it joining my latest band. I picked it up quite quickly actually, but felt my ring finger was always the weak point. The attack from it is always weaker compared to my other finger, and fast 4 counts parts of a song just didn't sound consistent. I really like your tip about playing songs using just the middle and ring finger. It is quite a challenge and will use this to get consistency and better attack, strength and separation with my ring finger. again appreciate you putting this together, there is very little online about this technique outside of what I've seen from Alex Webster, so appreciate you really breaking it down into a plan like this.

[@RodneyMcG]

Really glad it helped. Thanks for checking out the video

[@joemartucci4786]

Awesome video. I’ve known Billy Sheehan for years I’ve played in bands in Buffalo for years even playing some show’s with Billy’s old band Talas after Billy had left. Admittedly I’m pretty lazy when it comes to practicing but this video helped me focus.

[@RodneyMcG]

Billings a Class Act and a amazing player. A rare combination.

[@richardkinman9268]

I'm just now starting this, thanks. \m/ I'm 51 and I started playing at 43.

[@RodneyMcG]

Really glad this helps! Keep up the progress!

[@AfroRedMusic]

Appreciate this man! I just joined this dope death metal band: Ave Inanis and coming from the Jazz and R & B world (with roots still in Rock before I became professional) it's been an interesting full circle journey so far! Alot of the songs so far only require two fingers but I was watching Jinjer's bassist and noticed he was doing this technique too and I figured I need to start shedding it either way! Very thorough introduction and I'm for sure gonna be sticking with the channel! Thanks again and much love from Detroit!

[@RodneyMcG]

Really glad you enjoyed it. There's an updated video that's more recent with a few more tips in it. Cheers from just north of you in Port Huron!

[@jc-me3hf]

rehearsing this right now for a while. The beginning was pretty easy but as soon as the fretting hand came in, my right hand went Anarchy Mode and started to use the fingers more or less randomly again. But working on it, and i'm getting better. Nice Video again Rodney :)

[@RodneyMcG]

Slow and steady develops the habit!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Great video Rodney! This is exactly how I use my right hand. I got my techniques from John Myung. I wanted to watch this to see what information you had for the right hand and it was spot on 🤘, your so right too, trying to play slower can be more difficult than one thinks

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad it had something useful for you

[@grillman7170]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Thierry. I hope it helps.

[@grillman7170]

@@RodneyMcG With the right info and some practice it should come along. Liked and subscribed. Keep up the good work.

[@RodneyMcG]

@@grillman7170 Much appreciated, Thierry. Best of luck with your practice.

[@dhaniOliver]

Thank you very very very much

[@RodneyMcG]

You are most welcome!

[@dhaniOliver]

@@RodneyMcG 🤘

[@4362-n4v]

Thanks

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for watching!

[@julmuriruhtinas]

Such an underrated video!

[@RodneyMcG]

Much appreciated!

[@therealeikichionizuka]

2 things that I found helped: 1. Lower your action on the strings. Really helps in hitting the strings and makes your hands hurt less. 2. Anchor your thumb on the lowest string, or the pickup. I found that anchoring my thumb on my low b string really helped me with precision

Thank you!!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks for watching!

​@@RodneyMcG, I usually do not receive positive attention when needed here in YT, you know, channel owners barely drop a hi-hello and sort of thing, yours is pretty much attractive on that, thank you! BACKGROUND☻♣☺♥ So here is what I am looking for Mr. McG, I started figuring by myself on how to play and develop a playing method, I had learned flamenco style to play the acoustic guitar, so because of that the bass now has my attention too. On the top of it, bass-guitar picking constancy and precision is fancy, you probably know what I mean by that, however fingering this thing is way better than using a pick, it would be also like throwing away all my flamenco technique, I just can't. QUESTION☻♣☺♥ Anyway, here is my question to you: -I am constantly sanding my nails for sounding balance, and I busted part of my thumb nail trying to emulate a pick, I rest some fingers on a string and the thumb joint does the trick, it is hard to keep long enough, but cool, so maybe you had seen something similar or is that just a newbie idea mine? A friend told me to acquire a banjo pick, but they look more like a Freddy Krueger tool. But hey! I know galop is also a good way to get happy. That is it, I am bored of notes and beauty music from acoustic guitars, music by ears is funny, intuitive and ugly. But hey? I have been watching your videos, that single fingering method to play got my attention, it would be better ask you this on there, sorry.

[@lindaj2k]

Something I've been doing for 3 finger is a repeated rotation, I go index, middle, ring, middle. Just because then my downbeat will always be on my index finger. Idk if it will benefit me in the long run but it helps keep things consistent in my head. I can see some limiting factors with it, mainly that only using one finger for accents limits what my other fingers can do due to them not being used in that manner. Granted I've only been doing 3 fingers for the past week so who knows how it will develop! Love all the tips in your videos though, they have been great in guiding me and motivating me just to pick up the bass more and more.

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you're getting something from the videos. I've tried about every combo. I always say go with what works for you. The reason I didn't use the method you're using is that 1- The index sounded weaker than my others, and having it on the downbeat didn't sound good / accent as well. 2- the constant forward rolling motion felt natural, whereas the back and forth made my wrist feel like it was rocking back and forth. Do what works best for you, and good luck. BTW - did a updated / more recent version of this on the channel with a few more tips.

[@dominichendriks8000]

oookay.. my left hand pinky just forgot how to fret lol :D

[@RodneyMcG]

😂🤘

[@willisingo]

Megadeth's "Kill the King" is a great song to practice this technique. The equal division between the 8ths and 16ths makes it perfect to land on the same finger each iteration following the 3213, 2132, 1321 pattern for duple meter.

[@RodneyMcG]

Great reference

[@FingerBrokenBranches]

Holy shit man you taught me a lot and I don't even play bass.

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@-rickgarciabass-2796]

You're an excellent bassist, bro. Consider me subscribed!

[@RodneyMcG]

Truly appreciated! Welcome aboard!

[@fjseaman8793]

Fucking awesome! High quality! Appreciated! CHEERS!!!

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RH-xs8gz]

I’ve been trying to develop this technique for a little while. The toughest part for me is keeping the notes played with my ring finger the same volume as the other two.

[@RodneyMcG]

Be sure to watch the updated video for more tips

[@raymondmarboh7699]

i find it myself cos sometime my hand become blind its to hard in my ring finger thank you sir ..

[@danmoth5126]

I tried this technique diligently and it just didn’t flow. Instead, I tried using all four fingers, pinky first, and it was much easier. Speed was easy, notes were clear. The only adjustment was adding a string below the E to give the fingers and consistent place to land, rather than them falling into my hand.

[@RodneyMcG]

I triefd the pinky, but it just sounded weak to me and was hard to make contact as it is so much shorter. Do what works for you though.

[@younicbic]

When I'll be able to perform the 2nd exercise, I'll feel as when I graduated as doctor

[@RodneyMcG]

😂🤘 I have faith in you, Dr. nic bic!

[@haroldgonzalez-pm9hg]

Im just because I love John Myung

[@JMK-kb1yq]

A great player and equally awesome teacher. I wish I could do what you do, but I believe my limitations prevent me possibly; as I have small fingers that cramp up fast. Maybe it's my technique? I'm not sure... but I just play with a pick as a result.

[@RodneyMcG]

I appreciate the kind words! I've dealt with students of a lot of different physical sorts, and don't have particularly large hands myself. I think a consistent routine and a little problem solving could definitely get you on your way. If a pick works for you, though, go for it! Thanks for watching!

[@JMK-kb1yq]

@@RodneyMcG thank you for the response. perhaps I will employ the techniques in your lesson and try again!

[@RodneyMcG]

@@JMK-kb1yq I hope it works out for you. Report back with any progress or questions.

[@MrBassistfromhell]

Holy O'fuck. This is awesome. I've been using this style for triplets for years (years of off on and on playing), but never really figured out how to use it for much else, or how to really move around on the strings. I love your teaching style, and I hope you're able to allocate enough time to continue to put out lesson based videos. I really appreciate the time you've put into this video, and also the one finger video. I know it takes a ton more effort than it looks. Making something that doesn't suck fucking sucks. If there were something I could ask of you, beyond what I already have - thanks a ton for measuring those pickups, by the way - I'd ask what do you practice with? Do you roll through scales all day? I'm usually focused on a couple songs I'm struggling with, then once I can slam those out, I still suck dicks at everything else. If you could put out a video on how to quit sucking dicks, I think you'd do really well. I'd like it anyway.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks a lot James. I'm glad you got something out of it. I'm definitely going to be doing a lot more lesson material. I'm putting together some things that will tie into a book I've finished that is a total platform for approaching the bass. There's totally more coming. As far as your question, I do scales, but not a ton. It's a bit much to go into here, but the method i mentioned in my book takes out a lot of the need to practice scales constantly. Most of what i do these days is try and listen to my own personal voice and develop whatever technique it dictates. That way I only focus on things I know I want to hear in my own playing. I may do a video or two of just conversation, talking about how to figure out what you should be working on and focusing. If I do work on a song, I make it something that has techniques, or style pieces I want to add into my playing, so that it gives benefit beyond just the song itself. For just chops practice, I look for things that I learn multiple things at once. Something that challenges both hands, as well as makes me learn something new about theory, or chords, etc, so i get maximum improvement for my time investment. I hope that helps a bit, and thanks for checking out the new stuff!

[@zeldamage001]

This must be one of the most positive and well-written comments I've ever read on YT, bravo!

[@varian_teknologi]

Didnt know 3 fingers is a common thing. I already did that 3 fingers picking since i started learning bass, because its hard for me to use 2 fingers to play in time, especially when playing fast. And im too lazy to practice to play fast in 2 fingers LOL. And now, it is hard for me to finger picking by only using 2 fingers

[@williamcarpenter4353]

Love the Schecter. I have a model t. What’s that

[@RodneyMcG]

It's a schecter avenger that was made for me

[@PixelThief69]

I've been a fan of Billy since the Eat 'Em Smile album... but didn't buy a bass until a few months ago. So my question is... for a beginner, would you recommend working on this from the get go if your favorite bass player is Billy Sheehan and love his style? Or would you say, "No idiot! Just use 2 fingers for the first 5 years then get into this advanced stuff!". I can see arguments for both approaches. If you want to eventually play like this why ingrain 2 fingers for years and try to break out of that and bring in a weak ring finger? Why not start the way you want to end up? On the other hand, the plastic cover is still on my pickguard so what the heck do I know about anything?

[@RodneyMcG]

That's a great question. If you are really after Billy's style, I would go for it. You can always just use 2 if you decide it's not what you want to do. It's really not as hard to get together as people think, and if you just want to play with 2, it's not a big adjustment. It's a little more difficult to go the other way and add a finger when you already have a habit. Congrats on the new bass and good luck!

[@PixelThief69]

@@RodneyMcG Thanks Rodney! That makes perfect sense. One technique question I'm left with after watching this video... what do you do on the high G string when playing over a P-Bass pickup and you run out of pickup to use as a ramp since it's a split pickup? Do you move your hand slightly to the right to be playing over the second half of the pickup closer to the bridge? Sorry if I didn't describe that well but hopefully you know what I mean. Thanks!

[@RodneyMcG]

I completely understand what you mean, and yes, you will just lean slightly to the right. It's not a very big adjustment, you'll just feel it as you move across. Hope that helps!

[@alexanderbreeding4008]

Have you ever considered doing Zoom bass guitar lessons? My eight year old and I would love to take lessons from you. Just throwing it out there in case you have a remote interest. It's very, very hard to find quality heavy metal bass instruction in a one-on-one format.

[@RodneyMcG]

Hey Alexander - I do Zoom lessons a lot. If you'd like to talk more about it, just drop me a line at [e-mail]. I'll look forward to working with you.

[@kamapa70]

thank you for the lesson! i have a question: what pattern do you use when you alternate 3 notes in gallop and 2 notes of 1/8? like: 1/16 1/16 1/8 1/8 1/8 and again 1/16 1/16 1/8.....I'm using R M I/R M/RMI/RM. Is this the better way or should it be R M I, MI, RMI? Thank you again

[@RodneyMcG]

I would do RMI, MI to keep the downbeat on my middle finger for emphasis, and another artist motion, but do whatever feels most comfortable to you

[@stefanodemartin8560]

@@RodneyMcG thank you!

[@andreyrushchenko2378]

Special Like for Bladerunner poster ;-)

[@theodorstorelvmo1476]

What bass is is he using?

[@laukikbamane-metalaukik4304]

As a bass player, though attempting hard to apply 3 fingers technique, especially during the ascending chromatics, I find it comfortable starting with the index finger instead of ring finger. And ultimately I find it really weird.

[@RodneyMcG]

Anything new will feel weird for a while. I think the benefit is there, though.

[@christophermcguinness8200]

Woah what is that Schecter bass?!

[@RodneyMcG]

Yeah, it's a custom avenger they made for ame a few years back

[@ibrahimozkan9303]

How do you do how to mute the upper strings while playing the lowest string without placing your fingers?

[@RodneyMcG]

Muting with the fretting hand would be the best option

[@flopfonohoe3686]

Hey great cover Btw can i get the model name for that bass please

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks! It's actually a custom that was built for me, but it's based around the Dale Stewart signature Avenger bass from Schecter

[@rorke47]

How are you silencing the A string when you're plucking the G string with the ring finger?

[@RodneyMcG]

Depending on what i'm playing, it will either be my thumb is resting across the string, or my left hand is doing the muting. Hope that helps.

[@martinarnold5239]

Hi, do you think if you choose to use 3 fingers you should play exclusively with 3?

[@RodneyMcG]

Great question. I would use it as much as possible just for the sake of consistently and to keep the technique solid. That being said, you also need to adapt to the song and the recording. If something in particular in a song works better with 2, or another technique, go for it. For most things though, I would keep it most of the time so that it becomes habit and not something you have to consciously add. Hope that helps.

[@martinarnold5239]

@@RodneyMcG thanks

[@petervatler]

Nice video! I've been using 3-2-1-2 pattern for a while but I never coukd achieve a decent speed. I use 3-2-1 for triplets... I've tried this method it's fast but it always sounds like triplets. How to get rid if this?

[@RodneyMcG]

I cover that at 1:20. Hope it helps!

[@petervatler]

@@RodneyMcG Oh, so it's all about accent. Triplet always has the accent on the 3rd finger. Thank you!

[@RodneyMcG]

Exactly. Good luck!

[@3mptyzer016]

I really didn't get the specific trick of doing octaves with ringfinger, what is it?

[@RodneyMcG]

It's that I break the consistent rotation when using octaves and always reach with my ring finger. It feels most comfortable to me and I switched to using my index for the bottom string in my ring finger for the octave back and forth. It seems to help me with muting and string Crossing as my middle finger rests on the string in between. Works for me, it's just something I picked up and started doing that seem to work out. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@chaswood1517]

Why did I think you started with the index finger? You start with the ring right?

[@RodneyMcG]

Ring, correct.

[@stoneybologna1019]

Question: on the exercise in on 3:10 do you run the same 1324 pattern or do you go 4231 going backwards

[@RodneyMcG]

it goes 2413

[@stoneybologna1019]

Rodney McG so it goes 1324 then 2413

[@RodneyMcG]

@@stoneybologna1019 Correct

[@stoneybologna1019]

Rodney McG right on thank you your lesson helped a lot you’re and awesome teach

[@jakemode]

I find it difficult to start with my ring finger damn. I'm used to starting with my pointer finger

[@RodneyMcG]

It's like anything else, the longer you do it the more of a habitat becomes. Just like drumming your fingers on a table. I'm sure you'll get it! Thanks for checking it out!

[@jakemode]

@@RodneyMcG I'm definitely gonna start practicing using my ring finger first. For some reason starting with my pointer just seems more natural

[@RodneyMcG]

I can be different for everybody. I'm sure you'll get it. Restricting myself to ring and middle for me for a week really helped me get it feeling natural

[@zypher6018]

i searched this because im learning alex webster songs lmao

[@RodneyMcG]

Hope it helps!

[@igorzaprzaa7129]

hmm what about plucking other way around? Index to ring finger? Does it really matter? It feels more natural to me.

[@RodneyMcG]

If it feels right to you, run with it. I find it causes too much switching in wrist position which prevents increases in speed, and makes switching from 4s to triplets incredibly awkward.

[@igorzaprzaa7129]

@@RodneyMcG thank you for prompt response! I also do triplets index to ring... so maybe that's why it feels natural. Anyway, I'm just sitting with my bass, practicing, trying both methods and rewatching this video which is really helpfull and informative! Thanks!

[@RodneyMcG]

Best of luck in your practice

[@igorzaprzaa7129]

@@RodneyMcG Just one week following your video and it helped my playing a lot! Thanks for that!

[@RodneyMcG]

That's awesome! Really glad it worked out for you! I'll be talking more about it on next week's metal bass monday - stop in for some new tips😉

[@punkrockmartian]

what bass is that?

[@RodneyMcG]

It's a custom avenger from schecter

[@ibrahimozkan9303]

hello can i ask a question? pluck fingers 3213 2132 1321 for 4/4 beats Or 3213 3213 only? thanks

[@RodneyMcG]

If you just keep the rotation moving it will be like your first example. You don't stop and resrt on the third finger each set. 321 motion without changing

[@ibrahimozkan9303]

@@RodneyMcG thank you

[@MrCaryk]

Can I start the rotation with my index finger?

[@RodneyMcG]

You can do it however it works for you. I find you lose a lot of the advantage to the forward roll motion that is more fluid.

[@MrCaryk]

@@RodneyMcG so I have been practicing i still cant get rid of the role sound 123 instead of 1234 it sounds like a gallop.

[@RodneyMcG]

You may need to spend more time with a metronome making each finger land on a click instead of just a forward roll, a pause, then another roll. Also, go back to the part where I talk about putting an accent on the down beat - 1 of every 4. That really gets the grouping sounding right.

[@MrCaryk]

@@RodneyMcG thank you for the tips Rodney I will work on in

[@jutlen9436]

What bass is it?

[@RodneyMcG]

It's a custom Schecter Avenger.

[@jutlen9436]

@@RodneyMcG thx👍🏼

[@benp.320]

Alternate title: 3 finger bass picking method in the style of Billy Sheehan/Alex Webster/John Myung

[@wladdaimpala88]

Triplets xD

[@hallanation_]

Who does the technique using 2 fingers but using them like you're using the one ...rolling like a pick?

[@RodneyMcG]

Never seen that

[@dougwilliams44]

Many of US use all FOUR.. It's just a tecnique you PUT TOGETHER YOURSELF. There's NO teaching it

[@RodneyMcG]

You literally just posted this under a video where I just taught it. You're welcome.