[quote name='Mikey D' post='62007' date='Sep 18 2007, 02:32 AM']I suppose what is seen as the 'proper' technique would be M-I fingers in strict alteration. However, you should never limit yourself as you may be better off playing some parts different, possibly incorporating raking. Example: I learnt to play with MI with my thumb floating a string behind to mute, but you can also anchor your thumb on the pickup or E string. I also use my little finger to mute to get a different tone when playing with two fingers, it's a little awkward at times, but I like the sound. Then I learnt a bit of the billy sheehan and gary willis three finger style as I found I could play faster and smoother. As said above, Jamerson used one. For playing reggae, I used my thumb and mute the strings with the side of the palm, like many others including Marcus Miller. I also use T-I-M or T-I-M-R fingers quite a lot now as I can string cross and play lines that would be almost impossible with two alternating fingers.
Just whatever technique you use, make sure it is secure and comfortable. If you find you can't execute things, then you need to start looking in detail why. However I don't advocate sitting and doing boring right hand only exercises. Your technique should be learnt and fed from the music you are playing. Slow, deliberate practice on the music you find hard to execute will give greater rewards in technique than doing finger drills.
There is so much you can do with your right hand, and a lot of people neglect this as part of their playing. So when I learn something, I try playing with lots of different right hand techniques to see the difference each bring, but at the start you should just use one and get it working well.[/quote]
Excellent advice as ever.