Double fingering?

[MacDaddy]

Is double fingering a 'legitimate' technique? It's the same as double thumbing, but obviously using fingers instead.

[Cameronj279]

There are so many inappropriate puns going through my head right now...

What do you mean by double fingering? I would google it but I know what the results would be...

[MacDaddy]

As I said above, like double thumbing but with fingers. So doing an up and down stroke with the same finger.

[Cameronj279]

Oh yeah...my stupidity there.

I've certainly heard of quite a few people doing that so I guess it is 'legitimate'. Anything that gets the noise you want from the bass to the amp is legitimate I would say.

[ahpook]

[quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1454855824' post='2973544']
Is double fingering a 'legitimate' technique? It's the same as double thumbing, but obviously using fingers instead.
[/quote]

I believe both Geddy Lee and Les Claypole frequently use this technique, so if that makes it legitimate, then...yes.

[Bilbo]

No such thing as an illegitimate technique. It's all about the music. If you can make a musical noise using any part of the body (easy, tiger), it's legitimate. You can argue whether there is a more efficient means etc but legitimacy is always a moot point. Anything else is missing the point.

[MacDaddy]

[quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1454928615' post='2974175']
No such thing as an illegitimate technique. It's all about the music. If you can make a musical noise using any part of the body (easy, tiger), it's legitimate. You can argue whether there is a more efficient means etc but legitimacy is always a moot point. Anything else is missing the point.
[/quote]
So how would you argue regarding efficiency?

[FuNkShUi]

[quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1454940034' post='2974383']
So how would you argue regarding efficiency?
[/quote]

Depends on what you hope to gain from using the technique.
If you want to get the percussive sound that double thumbing can give, its probably/possibly easier to get that with a thumb.
If you just want to use it because it can give you...quicker 16ths for example. Maybe you could look at using a plectrum.
But saying all this, there is no "wrong" way for anything. If it works for you, it's good to go

[Bilbo]

[quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1454940034' post='2974383']

So how would you argue regarding efficiency?
[/quote]

If someone can recommend a means of achieving the same musical goal more easily you would have to look at it. Doesn't make your way wrong.

[Gareth Hughes]

Chuck Rainey said he used this technique when his hands would tire after playing all day long. That's about all the vindication one needs. Charles Mingus also used it for fast tremolo playing.

[Steve Woodcock]

I'm aware of Chuck Rainey and Bryan Bellor using this technique, but to my ears it just doesn't sound as controlled or consistent as using two fingers: [url="http://bcove.me/uz4xme9o"]http://www.bassplayer.com/video/lesson/180367672001[/url]

Edited February 8, 2016 by Stickman

[neilp]

It isn't, and it needs an awful lot of practice to get any kind of control. I've heard several players use this technique over the years, and can't think of one who could hold down any kind of rhythm. If you're willing to put in the work, go for it, but its always seemed to me a bit unnecessary...

[Joebass]

Bryan Beller does something like this for metal stuff:

[url="https://youtu.be/EZaHQPSXNgY?t=1m38s"]https://youtu.be/EZaHQPSXNgY?t=1m38s[/url]

[The Jaywalker]

Personally never had a problem with James Jamerson or Chuck Rainey and their respective rhythmic abilities. However, I agree, as a technique it can sound scrappy as hell with some folk. Tried it and couldn't get into it.

[hubrad]

Victor Wooten. End of.