4th finger reach 6 string

[Foxinsox]

Hey all,
I'm new here. I have slightly larger than average hands, but when I've played a 6 string bass, it feels really difficult to use my 4th finger on my left hand to fret the low frets, like say, D#, on the B string. Also I notice that with the less curvature of my fingers on my left hand, that I didn't have the strength or agility I have with 5 or 4 string basses.
Am I doing something wrong?
How do you do it?
Maybe you just don't use your 4th finger on the B string?
Do I just need to play one longer and my hand will build up the necessary strength?

Thanks for the help!!

 

[two fingers]

1) Raise the head (either by angle or simply raising the strap).

2) Practice.

That's about the only things you can do.

 

[LeonineAlpha]

Ive been thinking about this same issue just on the 5 string.

I think we all need to consider that
1) BG is a new instrument and techniques are not yet finalized
2) any technique has advantages and disadvantages
3) each player has unique physiology
4) passages need different techniques

So I am experimenting on a per passage bassis when it may actually be better for me to
1) use my 3rd (ring finger) to cover the 4th or 5th fret reach on the lowest fret
2) and even, when may it actually be better to fret the bottom string with my thumb!

I think the 1 finger per fret "rule" is generally the way to practice, but... as a case by case basis i think you should experiment with different techniques

 

[vindibona1]

Ive been thinking about this same issue just on the 5 string.

I think we all need to consider that
1) BG is a new instrument and techniques are not yet finalized
2) any technique has advantages and disadvantages
3) each player has unique physiology
4) passages need different techniques

So I am experimenting on a per passage bassis when it may actually be better for me to
1) use my 3rd (ring finger) to cover the 4th or 5th fret reach on the lowest fret
2) and even, when may it actually be better to fret the bottom string with my thumb!

I think the 1 finger per fret "rule" is generally the way to practice, but... as a case by case basis i think you should experiment with different techniques

I agree with most or possibly all of the above. 1 FPF is my preferred way to practice. It helps with speed on some patterns (i.e. variations of 7th chord arpeggios). And often, though 1FPF would call for me to use the 1st and 3rd fingers for a two fret span, I will often use both 3rd and 4th fingers together as it adds strength and I don't have to worry about stretching the 3rd finger of shift my hand up near the nut.

But IMO if someone has difficulty playing musically using a prescribed fingering and can make the musical idea- well, more musical, then I think you should do what you have to do. The audience isn't going to go "gasp, he used his third finger on the 6th string!".

Also, every bass is going to have a different neck width. My 6er is a Gio 206b which is pretty narrow as 6ers go. It's out on loan right now so I can't tell you how I might approach it. But I'm pretty sure I'd follow my own advice. And lastly, one of the things about bass playing, particularly 4 string bass is that it's pretty usual to be up and down the fingerboard, often in big jumps. So what's the big deal about shifting down a fret to hit the 6th with your 3rd finger?