picking tecnique

[jazzy cat]

Hello Janek,

Hope you are ok!! Hey I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to develop a good picking tecnique, Specially in difficult sections I seem to get tired easily and my sound gets muddy (not round and defined).

All the best,

Javier:

[janekbass]

Javier,

thanks for your post.

The right hand picking technique really comes from starting slowly, being concious of making each note even, and doing it all the time.

All the exercises you're using for the left hand such as scales and apregios etc, are working for your right hand at the same time. You just have to connect them and work out what is most comfortable for your style of playing. I would spend hours working out combinations of right hand fingerings for all the exercises I was playing. Working out what felt comfortable and what was most ecconomic.

You sound being muddy can be from a couple of different things.

1. How often do you change your strings? changing strings and being consistent with it will help your sound a lot.

2. how is your amp set up? try setting everything totally flat on bass and amp. Then work on your sound from the fingers.

3. Keeping the ends of the fingers on your right hand hard and caloused will make a bigger sound. don't do the dishes without gloves on, soap will soften your fingers. You will find that keeping your hands dry before playing will harden the sound and project a little more.

4. the more you are with your instrument the more your sound will improve. You have to realize that all the people you listen to with a great sound have spent years with their instruments every day working on their sound, and being aware of the range of the instrument.


Easy,

Janek

[jazzy cat]

Thanks Janek,

I do the dishes without gloves often, and my wife told me I was being paranoid about it, and that I just wanted to get rid of that chore. I`ll show her your reply!! The strings might be another factor, Do you recommend boiling them? How often do you change your strings? I just purchased the Hanon and I`m going to apply your advice.

Thank you so much Janek!! By the way circles snippet is just beautiful and organic! Is it included in your cd??

Best,

Javier