The BIG fretting CONSPIRACY

OK, now that I have your attention, please forgive me for that clickbait

…but…

the question still remains.

I’m just learning to play the bass, but I’m not new to watching recorded live performances.

Most of online teachers say - One Finger Per Fret, spread that fingers, wide, wide, wide.

But I’ve seen the best at work - Paul Maccartney, Bill Wyman, John Entwistle, Donald ‚Duck’ Dunn or Fred Thomas (played for James Brown for 34 years).

And what all those guys do?

Fingers crammed together, Fred Thomas seems to be using only 1-2-3 to fret - no pinky.

You can watch it here:

https://youtu.be/rnQu6HDkw2M?si=7FExsuI2GcGMnOqf

or famous short Paul Maccartney bass playing instructional:

https://youtu.be/obFcsEtFIKA?si=jwlScZGvO7R44JSQ

Plus: How many times have you heared - this is NOT a baseball bat - your thumb should be in the middle of the neck NOT on top of it.

Yet - what ALL of those guys do? The thumb is either above the neck, visible, or simply holding it.

Watch the YT clip above. You will see his 1-2-3 fingers together fretting, thumb up and unorthodox thumb plucking.

So - what is your experience with theory vs practice?

Why what they teach is not what the best actually do?