Left-Hand Technique, ascending lines

Playing Technique
#1

Just a (potentially dumb) question on left hand technique. When playing, for example a threes ascending line, should you make sure all three fingers are placed on the fret before going to the next string, or is it better to lift each finger after hitting a fret?

#2

Assuming the direction is ascending only, lifting each finger as the next plays is best. That gives it plenty of time to prepare for when it is next needed. Otherwise each time the last finger plays on a given string, you’ll feel the need to “rush” the fingers into the next string since they will have no time to prepare.

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#3

The time between every single note you play is precious time to get a finger from one fret/string to another. If you lift up say your index finger right as you put down your ring finger, your index finger has two fingers’ worth of time to get to the next string. Additionally, having your fingers mid-air makes them ready to hammer on at any other pattern which keeps your technique versatile.

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#4

Ascending… my index moves in position ( for the next string’s first note) simultaneously as I fret the last note on the previous string, but that index only “frets” (pushes down) just when ( or immediately after) I pick the last note on the previous string. So by the time I play the last note on a string, my index is already is position, but the fretting takes place a moment later. Between the last and first note on the next string, couple of things to consider.

  1. The finger fretting the last note will be muting the next string.
  2. The time gap before fretting the string for a ringing note is only as long as the length of the previous notes duration.

So to me its this sequence. Starting from the second last note on a given string.

  1. As you fret the last note, your also reaching for the next string note almost simultaneously.
  2. Play the last note.
  3. You fret the first note on the next string, as you lift of the last note of the previous string.
  4. Striking the first note on the next string is almost simultaneously in time with fretting it. This last step determines the percussiveness, delay the fret for more snap, it’s a feel thing and is dynamic.

A bit weird to write that down :slight_smile:

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