Finger placement.

Trying to learn a new song. Goes like this ... all notes on first (A) string ... / indicates end of bar
6 8 / 10 8 10 5 3 5 6 8 / 10 8 10 6 3 6 5 3/
How should I place my fingers? One person recommended using first finger on first fret, second finger on second fret, 3rd on 3rd, 4th on 4th, shift 1st to 5th fret, then 2nd on 6th, 3rd on 7th, 4th on 8th, shift again so 1st finger is on 9th fret, etc. That method is cumbersome. Can anyone suggest how to place my fingers? Are there any general tips about where to place fingers for songs? Thanks.

Depends a lot on the scale length in relation to your hand size and flexibility. Mandolin players follow the "two frets per finger rule." That works on soprano and concert ukes (though I don't necessarily use it), doesn't work for me on a tenor. Basically, whatever is comfortable for you is fine - there are no hard and fast rules; unlike bluegrass mandolin where those who don't play it exactly the way Bill Monroe did it must do penance... LOL

I usually look at a complete musical phrase and then do what makes sense for that phrase. Sometimes that means just shifting up a fret or two, sometimes I have to jump more.

John