Bass button fingering

[Bella]

Forgive me if this is all set out elsewhere.

I've seen discussion about fingering for the bass side of a piano accordion. The Teach Yourself book I am using advocates 3 for bass note and 2 for chord. I find it an uncomfortable stretch for 7th and diminished.
I've read on another thread on this forum about using 4,2,3,2 (C, C Major chord, G, C Major chord) - I had already worked this out for myself and tried it. The 4 is good but using 3 for the G is a bit awkward and often results in not hitting the button accurately.
The same thread also suggested 4,3,2,3 - I hadn't considered doing it that way. Gave it a try earlier today and it felt natural under the hand, although strange to be playing a Major chord with 3. I would have to use 2 anyway for 7th and diminished.

My question is, as I am a complete beginner at this, should I stick to one method only. My inclination is to use whichever method seems best for the piece of music I'm playing - each has its advantages and disadvantages. However, I there may be a reason for sticking to a single method that I am not aware of yet.

I would be grateful for your thoughts on this.

 

[george garside]

there is a lot to be said for choosing the bass fingering style to suite the particular bit of a particular tune! So have a go at all suggested methods

george

 

[dunlustin]

There used to be a lot of emphasis on doing things "the right way."
I think ideas have moved on - apparently even the Grades for piano say fingering is down to the player provided it is not chaotic.

 

[Bella]

Thank you both for those thoughts. It's what I was hoping to hear!

 

[Soulsaver]

I think most of us started one way or the other - 3232 or 4323 on alternating basses, 2 on 7ths either way - but a lot of 32s have migrated to a hybrid method for their own comfort. Youll probably find the need to use 5 too... or find alternates.

Ive read on another thread on this forum about using 4,2,3,2 (C, C Major chord, G, C Major chord) - I had already worked this out for myself and tried it. The 4 is good but using 3 for the G is a bit awkward and often results in not hitting the button accurately.

I dont see the 4232 being feasible. Maybe a typo in the other thread?

 

[jarvo]

I think that it is time to call time on 432 2576 whatever and say do whatever works for you ....I started off with 3/2 bent myself to 4/3/2 and found it good ...but occasionally you know 3/2/ works ...especially if you are doing something musically different.......and you may need 3/2/4....?

 

[lasvegascolonel]

@Bella: A month or so ago, I posed this same question as I learned on 3/2 but wanted to try 4/3/2. I wondered whether using an extra finger made sense. Well, though I learned 3/2 in the mid 1950s, the Palmer-Hughes books I'm using from the 1960s were already offering the 4/3/2 as another option. I read this and believe it true, at least for me...when you use the old 3/2 and go to alternating basses (3/2/3/2) it does cause your hand to elevate slightly. Watch your hand in the mirror. The 4/3/2 method does not. Some online experts say overall, this 4/3/2 method is less tiring for your hand. I am practicing my books using the "newer" method (4/3/2) and it is working fine. Good Luck!

 

[Bella]

Many thanks for all the input. Really all I needed to know was whether I would be storing up trouble for myself by keep changing method, depending on what I play. You have all answered most helpfully. Lasvegascolonel -i t must have been your thread that I read in the first place!

I have been aware that, just because something seems awkward at the beginning, there may be benefits to persevering with it. In a former life, I taught calligraphy. It requires much practise and discipline, rather like learning a musical instrument. But it was important to instil some initial good habits in my students, or they would have been forever very limited.

 

[Buttons]

I have been taught 432 and find it good....with practise, and being able to hold the 3 over the chord. It is where your fingers go next that is the key. Unfortunately, doing it 'the right way' has almost ruined my life in many fields. Was it this an arrogance on the part of teachers....only one way, my way.....followed by the belt at school. You are well ahead of me. I grew up with 4 fingers and one thumb - on each hand - only to discover when starting the accordion that I had 5 fingers and no thumb. Happy learning.

 

[Jim the box]

[quote="lasvegascolonel.......I wondered whether using an extra finger made sense....[/quote]

An eatra finger would be good... reminds me of the film 'Deliverance'.:lol:

Seriously, try to use as many fingers as you can on both hands (if it feels right it probably is). :tup:

 

[Bella]

Thanks Jim - the right hand is no problem. I've played piano and am confident working out my own fingering. Think I'm gonna go right back to the beginning 'baby' pieces and try different bass fingering with them all.

 

[donn]

I grew up with 4 fingers and one thumb - on each hand - only to discover when starting the accordion that I had 5 fingers and no thumb.

This is why these instructions are no use to me, I have looked and looked, but I definitely have 4 fingers and a thumb.

But theyre certainly going to be worth another look if I have to learn to play with my feet, as I do indeed have 5 toes.

 

[JIM D.]

I've got "10" - had em for some years now. :lol:

 

[jimgansett]

Yeah, I've got 10 also..... but I swear they sometimes have a mind of their own. Little brats, they don't always do what I tell 'em