joescartwright Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 My middle finger sounds pretty different to my index finger and it really bugs me. Over the past couple of years I've been transitioning slowing to playing more and more with one finger, a la Jamerson, and my dexterity has come on a bunch but I'm always a little concerned about RSI/carpal tunnel/arm amputation... Anyone else out there hookin' it up? Or any ex-hookers with tales of disaster? Any hints/tips/warns would be much appreciated, Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoubleOhStephan Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 (edited) Yeah I play predominantly with one finger, really only using two for speed or if it makes sense for string changes when required. I don't seem to have suffered any ill effects that I'm aware of... 😳 Definitely worth working on your technique though, I've figured out three finger plucking which is used very rarely but sounds great from rapid triplets, especially for reggae Edited April 11, 2019 by StevieE Poo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 IMO using one finger does bring benefits. To me the notes sound more even, as does the tone and I find it's easier to play slower or mid-tempo songs with one finger. I have to switch up to two fingers as soon as I have to play the fast bits, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Blank Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 I’ve played with one finger always, even when I was in a ridiculously fast thrash band. Just the way I learned. I play fast using up and down strokes (fnar). Never had any issues with the afflictions you mentioned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzyvee Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 Chuck Rainey has it nailed. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7TAFWwqeHko Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linus27 Posted April 11, 2019 Share Posted April 11, 2019 Depends what I'm playing but I use my middle finger mostly and occasionally use my index finger. For slower stuff I will use both. No idea where my technique comes from though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stub Mandrel Posted April 12, 2019 Share Posted April 12, 2019 15 hours ago, Linus27 said: No idea where my technique comes from though. Mine comes from fingerstyle guitar, happy using anything except my 'pinkie'. 😲 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HazBeen Posted May 17, 2019 Share Posted May 17, 2019 I use 1 finger technique for effect quite often. Nothing wrong with that, although mainly use 2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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