3 posts
Open strings and fretted notes are both fair game in a bass line. The only thing worth watching is that an open string's different attack and sustain doesn't break the flow of the phrase, and when the line moves quickly that difference usually disappears. Choose whichever option keeps your hands most relaxed in the moment.
Fingering should end up being a series of natural, unconscious choices, and you shouldn't be thinking about it any more than you think about how your mouth moves when you talk. Getting there means practicing the way you plan to play. Keep your fingering, posture, and approach consistent between practice and performance so the muscle memory locks in faster.
When building a bass line, your fingering choices shape groove, timing, and tone. A fingering that feels easier can hurt the line if it compromises the pulse, and a harder fingering on thicker strings often adds depth. In performance, I recommend sticking with whatever fingering you start a phrase with and saving the experimentation for the practice room.
Online bass lessons via Zoom for students of any level. Reach out to talk through your goals.
