Electric Bassist Making the Jump to Upright, need direction!

[AltraSound]

Hey Lynn Seaton, its an honor to be able to ask you a question regarding the bass. Do you have any advice for an electric player who is just starting to jump to the Upright?

Ive been playing electric for close to 5 years now, studying Jazz for about a year and can play walking lines and solo over the changes on a basic jazz tune. I recently moved in with someone who has an upright that does not play it anymore and he is letting me learn on it.

Ive been practicing my scales through the circle of fifths to a click with the upright plugged into a tuner to make sure im hearing the notes correctly but im not getting any better at staying in tune. I feel the need for some type of direction! I cant afford a teacher as i am just a broke college student. ANy advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[Lynn Seaton]

Hello,
Welcome to the fun world of the upright bass. Some techniques to play the upright are different than the electric. Most people play a four finger technique on the electric, but on the upright, most people use a technique of playing notes in the left hand with the first, second, and fourth fingers. It is too big of a stretch to play a half step between the second and third. Hopefully the bass is well set up with a good bridge and has reasonable playability. Proper left hand technique and a good stance are essential for playing in tune. It is important to start with good technique so you don't learn bad habits that will be hard to change later. Since you stated that you cannot afford a teacher, I will suggest some videos online.

Here is a Youtube from John Clayton about the left hand position: John Clayton, Finger position on a bass - YouTube

Paul Sharpe has a wonderful series of videos titled "First Year Technique....Double Bass" with a variety of topics including stance, left hand, endpins, bows, etc. They are on the D'Addario String company website.
theLessonRoom.com : Resource Search

Good Luck

[buddyro57]

Hi, you have the right instincts; being concerned about intonation is crucial, but watching a tuner as you play will make you psychotic. I think an easier way to go about it might be to buy a play-a-long CD ( with plenty of ballads and slower tempo standards) then record your self playing with it. I think listening to that will tell you a lot about how to direct your energies.
JS