Talking Technique: One Finger Per Fret In The Lower Register

[@fivebyfivesound]

This was very helpful, and I find your instruction to be clear, concise and really personable. Thanks for such great lessons!

[@Ulghart]

That position that you showed, coming underneath, like bending the wrist, make my wrist hurt. I've read that the hand must be straight to the forearm. But I find difficult to position my thumb on the back of the neck if I keep my wrist and forearm aligned. I am really struggling finding a good and comfortable position for my fretting hand !!

[@LouisL1963]

I use Simandl fingering (1-2-4) in the area of the first 5/6 frets - no point in killing your hands to do OFPF down there...

[@LearnBassWithAri]

I disagree. The upright has very different properties than the electric. If you are "killing your hands" your technique is not optimal, likely over gripping with the thumb and too much tension. Here are more resources: arisbassblog.com/one-finger-per-fret-controversy/ and arisbassblog.com/5290-2/

[@BudderB0y2222]

So how are you supposed to even do a major scale in the lower frets using the simandl method

[@LouisL1963]

@@LearnBassWithAri I've always struggled with OFPF in the lower register, even without "over gripping" with the thumb in the centre of the neck. Using Simandl works better for me, and I can last a practice session or a two set gig with no after effects whatsoever. A few KZbinrs are "pro Simandl" in that it keeps the fretting hand nice and relaxed.

[@LouisL1963]

@@BudderB0y2222 For example, you can play an F Major scale using open strings (A and D) 1st finger frets F and Bb, 4th finger frets G, C, and octave F, 3rd finger frets E. Use the same fingering for Bb Major scale starting on the 1st fret of the A string. I only use OFPF from 5th fret upwards.

[@BudderB0y2222]

@@LouisL1963 yea Bb and F are pretty straightforward since it uses open strings, but what about say Ab major. Seems like the 1-2-4 fingering would make for a lot of awkward shifting and fingering

[@marienbad2]

I just cannot get my hand perpendicular to the neck in the lower register! Should I give up?

[@wolfcomposer4853]

nope! it''s great that you are observing and recognizing. be gentle.aim for small improvements. maybe direct feedback by a teacher can help (I used mirror + video - also helpful). scan for tensions. being perfectly perpendicular is far less important than reaching your potential and easy of playing. WOrk WITH what you got- don't fight it; but refine it.