Left hand starting problems

[Schrale_Anus]

I just started playing DB and i actually don't have trouble slapping, tutorials enough, but i'm lacking left hand technique.
Can anyone give me some pointers, how best to learn, with tabs, notes, any possible DVD's i might buy, sites i might wanna check out or techniques i might wanna try?

[Bass]

Originally Posted by Schrale_Anus

I just started playing DB and i actually don't have trouble slapping, tutorials enough, but i'm lacking left hand technique.
Can anyone give me some pointers, how best to learn, with tabs, notes, any possible DVD's i might buy, sites i might wanna check out or techniques i might wanna try?

Yeah, the left hand is tricky.

How to learn? Play scales. Boring, but at least you can hear if you're hitting the right notes. A crappy little keyboard helped me out a great deal, holding an "E" on the keyboard while playing the E scale for example.

DVD's: Todd Phillip's DVD's are good.

Sites: Rockabillybass.com

Teachers: A teacher is a big help for getting started.

Disclaimer: I've only been playing upright about one year, somebody else could probably give you more credible advise.

[damonsmith]

When I have gotten students who wanted to play Rockabilly I had them play out of Simandl (the standard classical bass method) with the bow like everyone else.
It does not take so long and then you learn your way around the fingerboard.
Just because rockablilly is primary interest now doesn't mean it should be the only music you should be ABLE to play on the bass.

[Geoff Firebaugh]

Originally Posted by damonsmith

When I have gotten students who wanted to play Rockabilly I had them play out of Simandl (the standard classical bass method) with the bow like everyone else.
It does not take so long and then you learn your way around the fingerboard.
Just because rockablilly is primary interest now doesn't mean it should be the only music you should be ABLE to play on the bass.

AMEN!

I had been playing for about 2 years before someone turned me on to simandl method. Now 6 years later, i'm still unlearning bad habits.

-g

[Jason Sypher]

Yeah I agree with these folks here. Just because you want to play rockabilly doesn't mean you don't have to learn to play bass There are no shortcuts in this game which doesn't sound very gezellig but it's true. Get a teacher and jump in. In a year or so you will have enough to do what you want and be on your way to being a versatile bassist.

[Schrale_Anus]

Well i bought the Todd Phillip DVDs and i'm realy happy with 'm, and although he's not your regular rockabilly/psychobilly player, i agree that you don't have to start off with plane rockabilly.
His teachings are nice and the dvds are realy helping me to give me a good start on my left hand!
Thnx a lot!

[Bass]

Right on, Anus, Phillip's isn't a Rockabilly guy, but it's a good start on fundamentals.

For a good DVD to learn slap technique, check out "The Ungentle Art" by Mark Rubin and Kevin Smith.

[bloodyjack]

When I was starting out I made these cheat cards up, the first one shows you were the notes are on the neck. The others show strings as vertical lines and horizontal lines are positions(like frets) These can be played anywere on the neck or strings just make sure that "1" starts on the route note of the chord being played. Hope this helps

[Schrale_Anus]

Well it probably will help when i get the number system under control, but i must say, just using notes is way easier...
I don't quite get the hole idea of putting numbers instead of notes, but i'll do my best to master it since the Todd guy is using it on his DVD as well :P
and thnx a lot for the cards! As soon as i dó get the numer system under control they'll probably help out a lot =)

[damonsmith]

All this crap (dvds, cards, etc.) is a big waste of time. 6 months of basic Simandl with a professional teacher is going to get you playing faster, better and with more ease. You rockabilly guys use the same notes as any classical or jazz player and they are all in the same place.
There are no miracles and you have put in some effort. You either want to learn how to play the bass or not.
The very first time I ever played music with another person, was with my best friend who played guitar, I was doing a repeating line on bass guitar while he was soloing, I got tired and stopped and he said, "Keep going!" I said, "It is hard" and he said, "Playing music is hard, if it is too hard for you then maybe you should just listen to music."
It was the best advice I have ever gotten.
Take the time to get the basics right, or don't bother.

[koricancowboy]

Originally Posted by damonsmith

All this crap (dvds, cards, etc.) is a big waste of time. 6 months of basic Simandl with a professional teacher is going to get you playing faster, better and with more ease. You rockabilly guys use the same notes as any classical or jazz player and they are all in the same place.
There are no miracles and you have put in some effort. You either want to learn how to play the bass or not.
The very first time I ever played music with another person, was with my best friend who played guitar, I was doing a repeating line on bass guitar while he was soloing, I got tired and stopped and he said, "Keep going!" I said, "It is hard" and he said, "Playing music is hard, if it is too hard for you then maybe you should just listen to music."
It was the best advice I have ever gotten.
Take the time to get the basics right, or don't bother.

Basically I agree with Damon. If not for any other reason than to prevent some serious hand injuries, you NEED a teacher. It is imperative. Although if the teacher uses something other than Simandl don't let it scare you off there are many other techniques out there that have proven their mettle, but that's a different conversation.

It's been a trend lately that the same people who brought you learn to burn or shred or whatever videos are doing the same thing with the string bass. Musician's Friend is selling them now for christ's sake. It sucks, this is not a Fender bass and you can't learn it from videos. Number systems and trying to equate it to electric bass is going to do nothing but hang you up. This a fretless instrument! There are only two thing the same between the two instruments, the register of the notes and it's function in music.

Your most important ally on String Bass is your ear. Shed your intervals, scales and arpeggios. You need to be able to hear these and what the are supposed to sound like in tune in order to have any success with this instrument. Second fret doesn't work here. This coupled with good hand position will keep you in tune.

Addressing the hard part of music Damon spoke of I am going to have to agree with the sentiment but not the way it is worded. I was fortunate enough to play with Luis Bonilla recently (trombonist from the Village Vanguard band) and he said to me that music is not hard, it takes a lot of work. If it's hard for you to work, than music will be hard. If not, then it's just a lot of work. Maybe others don't see the difference but it resounded with me. Good luck and happy learning.

[damonsmith]

Originally Posted by koricancowboy

Addressing the hard part of music Damon spoke of I am going to have to agree with the sentiment but not the way it is worded. .

Same here, I forgot to add that it was harsh words between 18 year old best friends!
There are many other methods besides Simandl, for rockabilly Simandl might give the strongest foundation, but any will be better than cards, numbers and DVDs.

[oinils]

cant you put some dots on your fingerboard just like on a electric bass or somthing