This episode called “The Pistol Grip” struck a chord with many and ignited a few discussions, too. It explains my reasoning behind the use of one-finger-per-fret. It also acknowledges that the pistol grip – a collapsed, sometimes a bit lazy hand that spans only over three frets and sometimes grabs the neck with the thumb sticking out – has its uses. So, where do you stand? Are you mainly a pistol-gripper or a one-finger-per-fretter? Here is the post on notreble.
- I am playing my Votan Marleaux bass
- Fretwrap by Gruvgear
- Amplification by TC Electronic
- Consulting, sound and mix by Wolftrackaudio.com
- Strings by Dean Markley
2 Replies to “The Pistol Grip”
I agree that the one finger per fret should be the main go-to left hand position. But being able to vary one’s grip is useful. I find that – as I do a lot of 2 hr sets – being able to change around gives my hand a break. Also since I play a lot of western swing, raising the neck of the bass and playing like an up-right (I gig with an Elrick 5 string) can give me a better feel on the 2 beat swing.
Thank you for your comment, Charlie. Happy swinging! If your band name is Criminal-Sound, I am sure it’s swingin’ hard 🙂