Technique Builders DVD

tedw · #1 07-30-2008, 08:27 PM

Todd - I recently purchased your Technique Builders DVD, and I just wanted to say how great it is! You've helped me address some long-standing issues, including ergonomics. I've been experiencing some right arm pain and have sought physical therapy. But I think the real solution lies in implementing your ergonomics recommendations, so thanks for the excellent info and perspective.

Todd Johnson · #2 07-31-2008, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedw

Todd - I recently purchased your Technique Builders DVD, and I just wanted to say how great it is! You've helped me address some long-standing issues, including ergonomics. I've been experiencing some right arm pain and have sought physical therapy. But I think the real solution lies in implementing your ergonomics recommendations, so thanks for the excellent info and perspective.

Hi Ted,

Awesome!! Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful words. You really made my day.

I'm happy to help in any way I can. Please don't hesitate to call on me if I can be of service.

God Bless,

tedw · #3 08-02-2008, 03:39 PM

Hi Todd,

Thanks for your nice note, and for your encouragement. I'd like to update you on my progress and ask a question or two.

I'm ordering the "Conquering Carpel Tunnel" book that you recommend on your DVD, and I'm sure that will help.

I've been working on doing the first few exercises daily. After 30 years of playing the bass, I beginning to appreciate how much growth I have ahead of me with respect to fundemental techniques.

For years, every night I've always practiced 30 to 45 minutes, just goofing off, really. I've wanted to use this time in a more focused way lately, and for now I'm thinking that I'll focus on the exercises that you suggest.

Every night, I've been doing the Two Finger Combos and Shifting Drill. These are going pretty well. I'm really working on training 3rd and 4th fingers to train them to minimize unnecessary movement. This is getting better daily, but it's coming along slowly. Could take months, but it will be worth it.

On the shifting drill, when I'm coming down the chromatic scale, I'm having trouble forcing all four fingers on to the fretboard simultaneously, so I'm focusing on anchoring the 1st and 4th fingers and trusting the others will learn to follow.

The supportive fingering exercise is getting less attention from me for now, but once I master it I can see that it will further help strengthen and control all the fingers.

I know I'm making progress, and I want to be working to a good plan. How many of these exercises to you suggest I integrate in the next few months? Should I add one week? Or should I just stick with the first two exercises for now for strengthen and coordination training?

Thanks again for your great DVD. I'm looking forward to the journey

Ted

Todd Johnson · #4 08-06-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedw

Hi Todd,

Thanks for your nice note, and for your encouragement. I'd like to update you on my progress and ask a question or two.

I'm ordering the "Conquering Carpel Tunnel" book that you recommend on your DVD, and I'm sure that will help.

I've been working on doing the first few exercises daily. After 30 years of playing the bass, I beginning to appreciate how much growth I have ahead of me with respect to fundemental techniques.

For years, every night I've always practiced 30 to 45 minutes, just goofing off, really. I've wanted to use this time in a more focused way lately, and for now I'm thinking that I'll focus on the exercises that you suggest.

Every night, I've been doing the Two Finger Combos and Shifting Drill. These are going pretty well. I'm really working on training 3rd and 4th fingers to train them to minimize unnecessary movement. This is getting better daily, but it's coming along slowly. Could take months, but it will be worth it.

On the shifting drill, when I'm coming down the chromatic scale, I'm having trouble forcing all four fingers on to the fretboard simultaneously, so I'm focusing on anchoring the 1st and 4th fingers and trusting the others will learn to follow.

The supportive fingering exercise is getting less attention from me for now, but once I master it I can see that it will further help strengthen and control all the fingers.

I know I'm making progress, and I want to be working to a good plan. How many of these exercises to you suggest I integrate in the next few months? Should I add one week? Or should I just stick with the first two exercises for now for strengthen and coordination training?

Thanks again for your great DVD. I'm looking forward to the journey

Ted

Hi Ted!!

Congrats....You get it. You're doing EXACTLY what I recommend. You obviously are a good listener....because you're doing things exactly right.

Realize it will take a while to really develop these exercises....and I doubt we ever "perfect" them. But, we can definitley make great improvement and progress with consistent practice over time.

I would recommend you add the supportive finger as soon as you can....comfortably.......Then, add one exercise a week until you get through the DVD.

Now realize that this is a "ballpark" recommendation.....Only add a new exercises when you feel you have a "reasonable" grasp of an exercise......then when you feel you do, then add the next one. But, as "general guideline".....add one per week. After a few months you can spend 5 - 10 minutes on each exercise and do the bulk of this kind of practice in about 20 - 40 minutes per day......then you can move on to the "MUSICAL END OF THINGS".....which is extremely important. Technique is great.....but not as a means to an end. It HAS to be balanced with actually MUSIC....Understood??? Cool?? Cool.....

Keep up the great work. Don't hesitate to call on me if I can be of service.

tedw · #5 08-07-2008, 12:35 AM

Thanks Todd, for your great feedback! It's good to know that I'm on track.

I get plenty of playing opportunities at our church and I feel like technique development is really the right focus for me right now. I hope to influence some of my fellow church bassists to integrate more technique work into their practice routines.

In addition, to listening to your DVD, I've also read your "Practice Document" thread and it's pretty clear that many great challenges lie ahead.

I'm excited about the future and about serving the Lord in new ways as I develop new skills!

Ted