Quick question to Todd regarding floating thumb - Page 2

Dis · #21 09-26-2007, 09:41 AM

I am really getting it down now, however it is unclear what the thumb should be doing while playing the E string (4 stringer). I have been resting the side of the thumb on the top of the pickup while playing on the E string, but while doing string skipping and coming back to the the E string, it doesn't seem as smooth as I would like. What do you do? Also when playing, does your index finger touch your thumb pad after each stroke, and if so is it closer to the tip or further down? Thanx Dis

Dis · #22 10-03-2007, 09:26 AM

I have noticed when moving from the E string toward the G string (ascending) that the forearm sort of sticks to the side of the bass, but seems to be much smoother when descending. I am not sure why this is, but have fixed the ascending problem by lifting the forearm slightly off the bass when crossing strings. I still keep the thumb flat and touching the strings when doing this. Is this the best way to deal with this? How do you deal with this problem? The next question has to do with how the I and M fingers actually move. I have noticed that when playing I can play faster when my fingers have a more graceful smooth movement. When the movement becomes uneven and ungraceful, then everything falls apart, or is less accurate. The best movement seems to be if you keep your fingers fairly curved and move kind of like a bicyclist moves his legs. Compairing the finger to the leg where the tip of the finger is to the foot, the 1st joint is to the Knee, and the second joint is to the hip. I am driving the finger strokes by using the first and second joints with more force coming from the second joint like a bicyclist does. This seems to be natural when playing on the E and A strings, but has to be force when doing the rest of the strings until I get use to it. Please let me know what you think about this analysis. Dis

Dis · #23 10-04-2007, 04:24 PM

Hey Todd sorry about all these questions, but just trying to get it down and maybe others can learn from these questions as well. I just looked in the mirror last night while playing to get a different perspective and saw that I was actually bending my wrist. I am bending the wrist to the left towards me with the hand pointing away to the right (approx 40 to 50 degree angle) when playing. This seems to keep the fingers exactly parallel with the strings when playing. I noticed that your wrist seems to be very straight. I have tried to emulate this and found it to be very unatural feeling, infact I have to apply some muscle force to keep the wrist perfectly straight. I am keeping the shoulder and elbow up so the wrist is not bent down, but just to the side. In looking at the video it appears that you have it slightly bent, but mine is really bent to the side. Could this be because of finger length issues. My middle finger is longer than my Index finger. When I bend the wrist in this way it brings the index finger closer to the string. What are your thoughts on this. Maybe I need a bass Psychiatrist!!! Dis

Dis · #24 10-05-2007, 10:05 AM

Hey Todd, I saw in your other thread that you are infected. I am a computer tech and clean this stuff every day. If you need some help with this just email me dis@simplifiedcomputers.com and I will do what I can to help!

Todd Johnson · #25 10-09-2007, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dis

Hey Todd sorry about all these questions, but just trying to get it down and maybe others can learn from these questions as well. I just looked in the mirror last night while playing to get a different perspective and saw that I was actually bending my wrist. I am bending the wrist to the left towards me with the hand pointing away to the right (approx 40 to 50 degree angle) when playing. This seems to keep the fingers exactly parallel with the strings when playing. I noticed that your wrist seems to be very straight. I have tried to emulate this and found it to be very unatural feeling, infact I have to apply some muscle force to keep the wrist perfectly straight. I am keeping the shoulder and elbow up so the wrist is not bent down, but just to the side. In looking at the video it appears that you have it slightly bent, but mine is really bent to the side. Could this be because of finger length issues. My middle finger is longer than my Index finger. When I bend the wrist in this way it brings the index finger closer to the string. What are your thoughts on this. Maybe I need a bass Psychiatrist!!! Dis

Hi Dis,

Wow........I think you do need a bass Psychiatrist!! Ha!!

Keep this in mind.....it takes time to make all these little adjustment.....sadly, it will not happen over night....OK?? Sorry about that. My wrist "used" to be bent at an angle...like what you're describing....and yes....it does feel un-natural....but over time I've made the adjustments....I'm confident you will too.

According to your descriptions it sounds like your really breaking it down and making the subtle adjustments necessary. This will serve you well over time.....and realize that there is some "wiggle room" when I say things like "perfectly straight" etc. Make sense....

I must confess....this stuff is REALLY hard to fix through email....I would love to sit with you in person and help answer your questions....it's INFINITELY easier when I can SEE what you're doing....

I hope this has been helpful........Thanks for your patience with me.

Dis · #26 10-09-2007, 11:55 AM

Thanx for the reply! I know you are a busy guy, so it is much appreciated. I live in Illinois, so getting together is probably not realistic. Anyway I have solved the forearm rubbing problem by shortening the strap length (bringing the bass higher). It's not perfect, but way better. As far as the wrist thing apparently you are saying that keeping the wrist as straight as possible is better. Is this to avoid injury? If I can return the favor by helping with the computer just let me know. Cheers Dis

Todd Johnson · #27 10-09-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dis

Thanx for the reply! I know you are a busy guy, so it is much appreciated. I live in Illinois, so getting together is probably not realistic. Anyway I have solved the forearm rubbing problem by shortening the strap length (bringing the bass higher). It's not perfect, but way better. As far as the wrist thing apparently you are saying that keeping the wrist as straight as possible is better. Is this to avoid injury? If I can return the favor by helping with the computer just let me know. Cheers Dis

Thanks Dis for the offer to fix the computer....very kind of you.

Thankfully, my good friend and intern, Luke fixed a BUNCH of stuff for me yesterday.....I'm all set....but I really appreciate your kind offer.

Hey, be sure to stay in touch.....actually, you should go to my website and sign up for my "email newsletter" etc.....That way if I ever get anywhere near Illinois, then we could try to hook up for a lesson. Cool?? Cool......

It looks like I'll be doing a certain amount of traveling from now on, so it's just a matter of time until I get back your way. I hope we get the opportunity to hang sometime.

Keep up the good work.

God bless,

Dis · #28 10-10-2007, 01:42 PM

Just ordered your Tech Builders DVD. Hope this will clear up some of my questions. It was purchased under my bosses name (Moisson or Simplifiedcomputers). Will the DVD address keeping the wrist straight?

Todd Johnson · #29 10-12-2007, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dis

Just ordered your Tech Builders DVD. Hope this will clear up some of my questions. It was purchased under my bosses name (Moisson or Simplifiedcomputers). Will the DVD address keeping the wrist straight?

Hi Dis,

I'm confident that the DVD will clear up a bunch of questions for you. Take your time with it....there's a lot of detail in there.

Have fun!! Drop me a note when it arrives safely!!

Cool.......