What's the best way to fly over scale patterns with fingers?

[AGreatPair]

So I know how to finger pick, but I can't fly over a scale shape like I can with a pick. I don't know what technique (I think there is a right "technique' in this situation), I should be using. It seems slow and awkward to use your thumb for the fourth, fifth, and sixth strings in this situation, so I know that can't be "right." Should I just be using my index, middle, and ring finger? Or maybe ever just my index and middle finger? I've actually searched the internet for the past forty five minutes trying to find the right finger picking technique for flying up and down scales. But I haven't found any luck. Every site or video I find just walks you through the basics of how to finger pick (But I already know how to do that basic stuff). I'd really like to know the best way to absolutely fly over the strings.


Oh, and one more thing I forgot to ask. Should I be able to play fast tremelo picking on one string like I can with a plectrum, but with combinations of my index/middle and middle/ring? For some reason, I never really practiced this before until today. I am pretty awkward with it right now, but I figure within a month and a half I should be able to get it at a very fast speed. Please, any advice and tips will be appreciated.

[Malcolm]

I have never prefected finger picking so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Running scales - I assume you are using a "pattern" - 2 and 3 notes per string, 3 notes per string or 4 notes per string. Important factor being notes per string. http://www.cyberfret.com/scales/basic/print.html

The numbers on that site are the fingers to use in fretting the strings. The pattern takes place over four frets and you have four fingers. Perhaps that will give you an idea. Bass players do tend to use their fingers as you outline - one per string.

I never thought about using finger picking (timr) with scales. Have always used just my thumb or a plectrum for scale work.

[motown01]

look into flamenco picking. I think that is what you mean by "fly over"

http://www.ibreathemusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4044

[fingerpikingood]

I find i go quite quickly if i pick pinching the strings between my index and thumb, and play up down with those almost kind of like a pick, except the string between my fingers.

but i'm still practicing getting my other fingers to go faster, and i think eventually that will be better. right now when i do do that i use my first two fingers, although i do use the third sometimes, and i'm working it out more right now along with my pinky, because i have a feeling by doing that, i will be able to add to my superspeed by playing arpeggios using all 4 of my fingers.

but i think for the bottom 3 or maybe 3 strings, i'll end up always using my thumb and index.

i find they sound nice and go fast too, but can't link incredibly quickly up 4 strings and stuff like that, or switch to playing 2 strings incredibly easily.


what else i like about it though, is that you can mute so easily after each note that way, which i find adds to the perception of speed because it is many little short bursts rather than more flowing sustain.

i don't want to grow fingernails woman length either which i think is a crucial factor to consider.