What is the most common playing bass, using two, three, or all four fingers?

I've always been a fan of Dream Theater and have just started getting into Between the Buried and Me and Protest The Hero. My question is when playing bass, I know all three of these bands' bassists play with their fingers.

I believe John of Dream Theater uses all four. I was wondering if anyone knew what the other two used.

I would imagine that they at least use three, especially to do 16th+ notes. I am pretty sure Sheenan uses all four. Not counting the thumb, in that case it would be the whole hand.

Any advice on what is more comfortable? I can do three with straight notes, but when getting into more complex lines I didn't know if it would be better with two or making use of all. Thanks for any help and advice!

What is the most common playing bass, using two, three, or all four fingers?imax theater

There is no absolute right or wrong way. Most bassists use two fingers; some real clunkers use thumb. Shulman of Gentle Giant (a fine, fine bassist who doubled on violin, guitar and trumpet), among others, used a pick.

If you do train yourself to use more fingers, of course you'll be able to play faster and more technical passages. If I interpret your intentions correctly, you're probably looking at developing a classical guitar technique, which will use thumb and all four fingers.

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What is the most common playing bass, using two, three, or all four fingers?

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