Four Finger Picking For Bass Guitar

[@radMisc]

Just learned this, it's pretty awesome. Works great for bursts of four triplets, for example

[@tribeshift]

Amazing lesson. I've only ever tried the 4-finger technique using a thumb-ring-middle-index pattern. I'm going to try the pattern Mark suggests and see how I get on!

[@srrrb5953]

How is it now? and can you compare it to the 1-4-3-2 technique?

[@MrVyrtuoso]

Haven't been able to effectively use the free stroke approach to 4 finger plucking as of yet. What happen is the RMI fingers tend to get stuck on the string so that I can't pluck beyond a speed that is fine for mid-tempo 8th notes but not for 16th notes. I worked out a variation that uses the Billy Sheehan 3 finger approach only adding the thumb to sound the 4th note, and I can freely switch between TIMR and RMIT patterns and up to any speed. This approach also allows for the warmer, meatier tone than the percussive tone from the Matt Garrison or Abe Laboriel free stroke approach. I am still working on the free stroke approach because it's good to have in my tonal pallet muted note articulation, which can't really be done with the 3-finger Billy Sheehan approach.

[@JudgeMingus]

If your fingers are getting caught up on the strings, it sounds like you could do with a ramp, or try it on a bass with big wide pickups that can help keep your fingers from going too far under the strings.

[@oliviermonge6377]

Excellent riff!! Thanks Mark! It allows to practice and improve our speed whith a targe! Smart exercise. But it needs to be very patient and not going to fast too early!! I really like it!!

[@liamderieux7315]

Keep up the great work

[@CEKISBACKmetalTV]

great technique, very useful.

[@dotnineteen.1962]

Came here to be impressed I was impressed

[@jeremiszczepkowski939]

Hi Mark! Few years have passed since the above lesson. Do you find yourself maintaining and using this technique at all? Im interested if it's worth the commitment and does it serve more than just occasional fireworks 🎆

[@TheMartialistreloaded]

Hey, I've found this vid to be the most helpful of all I don't often see this happening on one string at fast tempo. There's a vid with Dominique, Hadrien and Bona where they do this for a somewhat extended time but I would like to see someone do this for a minute let's say 140 bpm. You said it's dead easy on one string yet I don't really see it happening anywhere lol thanks a lot. Is there a site for a lesson for this as well?

[@metadelic6338]

Thank you !

[@Finnvbot]

Aw, that's a snazzy riff right there! I've gotta get it under my fingers fast! P. S. @16:26 That's what she said. ;)

[@siraxel5800]

Night in Tunisia

[@basscubs]

Great lesson, just very wordy. Again tho, great lesson.

[@markbass354]

My ring finger don't work !!! Everything is in reverse of galloping ,,, Brain freeze .

[@carlosvillarroel6665]

My hands are too big for this exercise

[@georgedillon1768]

SamuraiBass mine are too small

[@johnfoley4027]

Staggering manipulation....Staggering.

[@andriypostelzhuk8489]

Don't like how it sounds. I'll better use a pick.

[@nuke97]

So much talking. Should be 5min max.

[@talkingbasslessons]

Lol. You'd hate music lessons.

[@oliviermonge6377]

Don't forget you're not alone, bro. I like the words. Maybe overgifted, bro, good for you, then let the normal people have the explanations. Thanks bro.

[@eileenfabri5497]

Hey brother, do you know of any bass that do 4 fingers playing that incorporates the pinky finger or 5 fingers playing that incorporates the whole right hand? Very curious about this.