converting to upright? - Page 2

Juniorkimbrough · #21 07-29-2008, 02:29 PM

does anyone have any recommendations as far as books that teach you proper technique?

I'm in the process of looking for a local teacher but looks like I might have to drive an hour or more for one.

drurb · #22 07-29-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juniorkimbrough

does anyone have any recommendations as far as books that teach you proper technique?

I'm in the process of looking for a local teacher but looks like I might have to drive an hour or more for one.

I think it depends on what type of music you want to play. I was "brought up" on Simandl 1 and 2. I'll leave the book suggestions to others. I did want to add that I routinely drive over an hour each way to see my current teacher. For me, anyway, it's well worth it!

bolo · #23 07-29-2008, 02:45 PM

If you are talking about jazz, I can recommend The Evolving Bassist DVD from Rufus Reid to get things kind of up and running.

I actually started out with Ray Brown's Bass Method book. I still use portions of that material when I warm up or have been away from the instrument for a while.

I recently picked up Ed Friedland's Jazz Upright Bass DVD too, but have not watched it yet. I'll probably post something after I do.

Juniorkimbrough · #24 07-29-2008, 03:53 PM

I'm just gonna start with bluegrass for the time being. I bought a video online for bluegrass but it's not very good at all, the guy in the video seems very uncomfortable and can't quite put into words what he talking about very well.

I have no problem driving an hour for lessons but I have very little free time between work and the EB gigs I've been playing lately. I would have to go on a weekend which is almost impossible for me. I was hoping to find someone local where I could go for an hour or so during the week.

I've been practicing a lot to some recordings as well as jamming with some buddies on acoustic guitars. Playing in the dark with them at parties and get-together's has really helped my intonation a lot but I'm still sometimes having some pains in my left index finger with the muscle between the knuckle and the base of my finger. I know it's something to do with technique and I've been trying to improve they way I'm fretting but I'm not 100% sure what is the "correct" way.

Dbassmon · #25 07-29-2008, 04:01 PM

Franz Simandl books 1 & 2 for sure... he wrote the book on modern DB fingerings. His is recognised as "the system". Regardless of style, this is well thought out approach to bass technique that will serve anyone learning this instrument.

Billé Nouvo Metodo is another well respected fingering approach. Not as widely accepted as Simandl but also quite well thought out. He favors 1,3,4 Fingers on the left hand whereas, Simandl utilizes 1,2 and 4. Thumb position not withstanding.

I don't believe the "Evolving Bassist" by Rufus Reid really deals with fingerings in any kind of methodical way. His book is about getting players to compose strong bass lines and really think about the chords. While his book contains some fingerings, it is not the focus.

You really need a teacher to get you into these methods. It's not an easy undertaking and time spent learning the wrong stuff will create bad habits that impede your progress and potentially cause injury.

The hour drive to get a lesson is to make sure you really want to do this. (kidding of course) If it were easy, everyone would be monster.

bolo · #26 07-30-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbassmon

I don't believe the "Evolving Bassist" by Rufus Reid really deals with fingerings in any kind of methodical way. His book is about getting players to compose strong bass lines and really think about the chords. While his book contains some fingerings, it is not the focus.

You're right. In the Rufus Reid DVD he does demonstrate some guidelines on right hand and left hand and upper body technique, but not the fingerings.

The Ray Brown Bass Method book does outline some fingerings initially based on 1-2-4, but then expects you to kind of figure them out from there.

I wonder if any of the links on Bob G's site would at least help you be more comfortable with the left hand, until you can find a teacher that suits your needs. Gosh, one could get lost in there. But I did find one with some video clips here.

Steve Killingsworth · #27 07-30-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juniorkimbrough

I'm in the process of looking for a local teacher but looks like I might have to drive an hour or more for one.

An hour's drive is nothing for a good lesson. You will learn things from a teacher than can NEVER be imparted from a book or website. I have taken lessons from guys in both Memphis (1:45 minute drive) and Nashville (2:30 drive) and it was worth every hour, mile, and dollar spent.

Have you contacted the U of M music department? They might be able to connect you with someone (even an advanced student) in the jazz or orchestral program who can get you off on the right foot. Just a few lessons on the physical approach to the bass would help you avoid many potential problems.

Juniorkimbrough · #28 07-31-2008, 12:17 PM

Thanks Steve, I didn't even think about contacting the U of M. Just a basic understanding and lessons on physical approach and technique are the main things I'm wanting to learn.

hdiddy · #29 07-31-2008, 12:47 PM

IMO, you might considering taking a 2hr lesson instead of the standard 1hr. Since you are already a musician, hopefully you have the discipline to practice and not need regular attention from a teacher. That way you can load up and make the trip worthwhile. Get a huge assignment, go home, shed, and come back weeks later for another one, or whenever you're able ot make it.

Timbo · #30 07-31-2008, 01:43 PM

Get ready for your left hand to hurt and your tuner to become your best friend in the world.

Intonation can be a B*TCH.

/17 months in on DB
/coming into 5th year on BG

bolo · #31 08-09-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juniorkimbrough

... I'm still sometimes having some pains in my left index finger with the muscle between the knuckle and the base of my finger. I know it's something to do with technique and I've been trying to improve they way I'm fretting but I'm not 100% sure what is the "correct" way.

Hey Juniorkimbrough, this thread came from another forum but I thought maybe it would start to speak to some of the questions you raised re: left hand technique.