Technique when playing octaves (Right hand)

[Fletcher]

Hey

 

I have been playing the bass for about 2 weeks or so and I have technical problem that I can't find the answer to:

 

How do I use my right hand (I'm right-handed) to play octaves? (Fingerstyle)

Should I always play the highest note with fing 1 and the lowest with fin 2g?  e.g when playing F on the E string and F on the D string

 

And what do I do when I have to play an octave where the higher note is played twice right after one another? Do I just use the same finger?

 

Hope some1 has an answer, thx :D

 

 

[OliverBlackman]

You should be able to alternate both fingers, whether 1 first and then 2 or vice versa. Practice slowly and get your muscle memory used to it. Learning this now will help no end when you are playing more technical tunes later down the line.

[Moose]

1 hour ago, Fletcher said:

And what do I do when I have to play an octave where the higher note is played twice right after one another? Do I just use the same finger?

I use my first finger to play the low note and alternate between my second and ring fingers for the high note. You will just have to experiment to see what feels right for you.

Playing octaves after two weeks of playing bass sounds a little too advanced to me. There is a lot more basic stuff that needs to be mastered first.

[PaulThePlug]

Just bash at all the strings with a pick... add a 5th as well!

[visog]

Mods - pls move to Technique forum.

[Ralf1e]

You have to build that muscle memory and strength in the fingers/hands. Try using a finger exerciser and also wherever you are no matter what you are doing drive those around you mad by learning to drum on the table with your finger tips. Alternate the finger patterns you drum like a drum roll.  It will serve you well in getting those rhythms into your head and hands as well as build up that muscle memory.

As you get older you will start to stroke the strings and use bigger amps lol