This doesn't really have anything to do with a Coldplay song. But I couldn't find it anywhere else so I thought a bass player on here would know. I got a bass for Christmas and I've been teaching myself but I'm confused about something. Do you really need to strech all four (Or even 3) fingers out across the fretboard to play one note? I've tried playing it that way and just putting one finger on a fret at a time and they sound exactly the same. But seemingly everyone puts uses all 4. Is it really important to do that or is it like using a pick or your fingers and it doesn't make a difference which way I play it.

Im no expert, but from what i understand its all about building strength in your fingers and being flexible enough to reach all over the fret board, no matter where about you are playing or whether you use a plectrum or not. I think it makes sense to finger pick as much as possible though as you get a feel for what youre playing.

I ussually don't do those complicated finger chords, but I guess it would be a good practice to learn them.

 

What I think it's essentially for (in most songs at least) is to make the transition from one single note to another easier, and with mimimul hand movment. I personally use all four of my fingers and "assign" one on each fret (ex: index to fret 3, middle to fret 4, etc) and them change it around so it feels more comfortable. As you practice this more and more, it starts looking a chord anyways. At least that was my approach. I also finger pick, so I may be different.

 

I'm sorry, I'm a very bad teacher, and I'm not a very good bassist, but I hope this helps at least a little, though you might want to check online from a proper teacher or something (I don't want to mess you up). Unfortenitally, I can't really recommend anyone, since I've never found any straight forward and great tutorials online, but I'm sure someone on this forum has.

I understand what you're saying. I'm pretty sure it doesn't make a difference which I do I just wanted to know if it made any real difference in the sound of the bass or anything.