(Did a search and didn't find an answer - wrong keywords? Have Technique Builders DVD and do not recall it being covered - if it is covered what exercise is it in?:hiding: )

Todd,

I am not getting a consistent tone between my 1st and 2nd fingers on my ("plucking" ) right hand.

I have tried to analyze what I am doing wrong and haven't found a solution.

The 1st finger produces a more ringing, resonant tone. The 2nd finger note is less resonant and begins with a - for lack of a better word - "thud". :(

Todd, you appear to "rub" the strings more than "pluck" them and appear to have less finger travel than I am using. Are your finger strokes parallel to the ramp? Or, away from the ramp starting on the down side of the string? Or, toward the ramp starting more on the top of the string? Since, the 2nd finger is longer than the 1st, should it be more bent than the 1st so it has the same angle to the string when starting the stroke?

I have been practicing some of the exercises on the DVD playing 3 or 4 notes per beat and the notes more often than not sound the same, but when I play quarter notes, I can notice a difference. Should the velocity of the strokes be the same no matter how fast the notes?

Perhaps in the mix, it is not noticeable, but it sure detracts from my enjoyment of practicing and I don't want to ignore it if it is an issue I should be concerned about. :rollno:

Maybe, I'm making a mountain out of a morehill?

Any comments would be appreciated - including, but, perhaps not limited to, "keep watching the DVD and you'll catch on eventually".

Thanks for your DVD's and past help.

RJM

Todd,

I think I'm making some progress. :hyper:

I am trying to minimize my right hand finger motion - to look more like what I (think) your finger motion is. Also, my initial contact with the string is more on the side opposite the body of the bass, rather then pulling up vertically on the string like you would a bow. So the stroke is at about a 45 degree angle toward the ramp.

Also, I'm trying to get the feeling of striking or spanking the string (like a piano hammer does) rather than rubbing the string. Not that I am getting a percussive sound, its more a mental image I am finding useful. This seems to result in a more "singing" or "resonant" sound.

I am also finding I get a more consistent sound if I alternate starting with the middle finger 1st (eg beat one of the measure), rather than the usual 1st finger then middle finger. Not sure why this should make a difference.

Some of what I am hearing may be due to differences in resonance between different strings. (I am using RotoSound Nylon Tapewound strings.)

So, I probably would have been more ahead if I HAD watched your Technique DVD a few more times. :rollno:

Thanks

RJM

Todd,

I think I'm making some progress. :hyper:

I am trying to minimize my right hand finger motion - to look more like what I (think) your finger motion is. Also, my initial contact with the string is more on the side opposite the body of the bass, rather then pulling up vertically on the string like you would a bow. So the stroke is at about a 45 degree angle toward the ramp.

Also, I'm trying to get the feeling of striking or spanking the string (like a piano hammer does) rather than rubbing the string. Not that I am getting a percussive sound, its more a mental image I am finding useful. This seems to result in a more "singing" or "resonant" sound.

I am also finding I get a more consistent sound if I alternate starting with the middle finger 1st (eg beat one of the measure), rather than the usual 1st finger then middle finger. Not sure why this should make a difference.

Some of what I am hearing may be due to differences in resonance between different strings. (I am using RotoSound Nylon Tapewound strings.)

So, I probably would have been more ahead if I HAD watched your Technique DVD a few more times. :rollno:

Thanks

RJM

RJM,

Sounds to me like you're answering your own questions. Some of your explanations are not exactly the way I would explain them, but it sounds like you're getting the results you want....So I won't worry about the "words" etc...

This is the "frustrating" part of the column for me..:help: ..This stuff is REALLY difficult to write about....Especially when I know I could show this to you in 20 minutes if I could sit with you in person.

At the risk of sounding like I'm copping out...(I'm not)....review the DVD a few times and get back to me. I'll do what I can.

Keep up the hard work......Above all, have fun with it. It's supposed to be fun!!