I’m familiar with the different approaches to alternate picking with a plectrum, from economy picking to strict alternate picking. I personally prefer to use down-picks for downbeats and up-picks for upbeats.
I realize that fingerstyle bass uses similar techniques, but alternating fingers instead of pick direction. I’m not sure though what the pros and cons are, however, of strictly alternating, versus alternating down- and upbeats, versus raking and such. I also don’t know if it matters which finger I start with. Could somebody please give an overview of the techniques so I can figure out what’s right for me?
I found a lesson online by Mark J Smith that teaches strict alternate picking and explains its advantages. It’s very helpful, but it hints that strict alternating isn’t always ideal, without explaining why. So this will be helpful for learning technique but I would like some more in-depth information.
Note: I asked a related question about how to exercise good right hand technique, once I've figured out which approach I want to use. I’m fairly new to bass and trying to develop good habits early.