organizing the fingerboard

[@war]

Hi Mr Johnson

Thanks again for your reply to my last thread. I've put my head down, and am 'shedding away to get my technique super-streamlined and consistent, and am already seeing some improvements in speed and dexterity.

I have another question for you that I hope you can answer in a message...

I got hold of Gary Willis' book "Fingerboard Harmony for Bass" a while back, and have recently started working through it. It makes some sense to me, and I was wondering (because I know you studied with him and taught tis module) if you would endorse this method of organising the fingerboard, and how it works for you.

What I have found thus far, is that there are 4 "shapes" for any 4 note chord (one for each inversion), so I've started learning those. This is a digression from his book, but it seems like a worthwhile one(?) as he starts off with shapes using open strings which only really make sense when taken up the neck. So my approach now is to learn 4 shapes for each chord type, but then I get stuck as the book goes into a major and minor key study of hand positions. Should I pursue the study of shapes for each chord type, or first look at the hand position material? Both seem to have benefits to them, so I suppose my question is really, when you solo, what do you "see" on the neck? Are you looking at chord-tone shapes, or hand positions in key centres?

Sorry for my long-windedness.

Keep well!
Andrew

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by @war

Hi Mr Johnson

Thanks again for your reply to my last thread. I've put my head down, and am 'shedding away to get my technique super-streamlined and consistent, and am already seeing some improvements in speed and dexterity.

I have another question for you that I hope you can answer in a message...

I got hold of Gary Willis' book "Fingerboard Harmony for Bass" a while back, and have recently started working through it. It makes some sense to me, and I was wondering (because I know you studied with him and taught tis module) if you would endorse this method of organising the fingerboard, and how it works for you.

What I have found thus far, is that there are 4 "shapes" for any 4 note chord (one for each inversion), so I've started learning those. This is a digression from his book, but it seems like a worthwhile one(?) as he starts off with shapes using open strings which only really make sense when taken up the neck. So my approach now is to learn 4 shapes for each chord type, but then I get stuck as the book goes into a major and minor key study of hand positions. Should I pursue the study of shapes for each chord type, or first look at the hand position material? Both seem to have benefits to them, so I suppose my question is really, when you solo, what do you "see" on the neck? Are you looking at chord-tone shapes, or hand positions in key centres?

Sorry for my long-windedness.

Keep well!
Andrew

Hi Andrew,

Great to hear from you!!

Right to your questions: I GIVE GARY'S FINGERBOARD HARMONY METHOD MY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!! ABSOLUTELY!!!

It really helped me organize the fingerboard and helped me to match consistent sounds to consistent fingerings that REALLY helped me to "play what I hear".

Shapes and Hand positions??? You almost answered your own question.....

The short answer is.......LEARN BOTH!! You'll want (need) to know both eventually. So pick one....learn it. Then learn the other one. Fair enough???

You should be good to go. Keep up the good work. You're on your way!!!

[@war]

Great! Will do.

I've found the book to be great for the 6 string bass (so often overlooked in other instructional materials). The material is also good to use for string crossing practice.

Thanks again for your help!
I read the other day your instructionals will be available through Alfreds Publishing. Are they currently available internationally? If not, will the publishing deal affect that at all? I'd love to get hold of the stuff.

Stay well!

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by @war

Great! Will do.

I've found the book to be great for the 6 string bass (so often overlooked in other instructional materials). The material is also good to use for string crossing practice.

Thanks again for your help!
I read the other day your instructionals will be available through Alfreds Publishing. Are they currently available internationally? If not, will the publishing deal affect that at all? I'd love to get hold of the stuff.

Stay well!

Hi @war,

My instruction materials will definitely be available internationally. I'm just not sure of the exact date.

Your best bet would be to go to my website www.toddjohnsonmusic.com and order them there. I can process and ship international orders.... no problem!!

The new books and dvd's should arrive any day now. I'll have info up on my website the minute they arrive. So check in there and you'll be all set. I'll personally see to it you get what you need.

Cool?? Cool.....

[Steelpulz]

Originally Posted by Todd Johnson

Hi @war,

My instruction materials will definitely be available internationally. I'm just not sure of the exact date.

Your best bet would be to go to my website www.toddjohnsonmusic.com and order them there. I can process and ship international orders.... no problem!!

The new books and dvd's should arrive any day now. I'll have info up on my website the minute they arrive. So check in there and you'll be all set. I'll personally see to it you get what you need.

Cool?? Cool.....

+1

[@war]

Awesome!
I'll probably have to save for a while. The exchange rate is 10ZAR to 1$, so $40 equates to a whole lot of money for me, and shipping usually adds a considerable amount.
Anyway, will definitely order the stuff when I can! Hoping and praying the exchange rate comes down a bit. That helps immensely.
Keep groovin'!