Technique videos or excercises

[Rendog92]

Hi Justin, I have come to ask you for some help. I have been playing bass for a little over 2 years, lately its been an everyday thing to practice as much as I can on some Rush music.
My concern in my playing comes from my lack of ability to properly execute fast 2-3 fret differences on two strings.
For example, in the song "Sea of Lies" by Symphony X, there is a quick section that goes
G------7-6-7--------
D----8-------5-8-7-8
A-------------------
E-------------------

The band Lamb of God also places these tricky sections in their songs, and it often frustrates me.

Are there any specific exercises to improve my quick speed playing?
Also, if you could possible provide a video or an exercise, or maybe make on yourself, I would deeply appreciate it.

[casio]

dude, not to be impolite, but if the actual thread is called "technique", and there's a "technique" section here on talkbass, where did the logic come from for the question popping up here?
And even though I personally do even enjoy some lamb of god tunes and them as a band, does justin seem like the guy who would give you instructions concerning that?
I've been here a while and have had my set of mistakes, but seriously, for the (check no.) time, use search!

[JimmyM]

rendog, strict alternation with your fingers and ABSOLUTELY NO RAKING will help you immensely. Raking is OK unless you're doing string jumps at a quick tempo like that, and then you absolutely need strict alternation to pull it off without screwing it up.

[stoneboy26]

One tip I could give, is that you could play that G (the 5th fret on D) as the open G string.

Then you wouldn't even need to move you hand at all for that riff.

Other option is that if you don't use your pinky to start!! You can then hit those 8th fret notes with that

Or use the following fingering (notes in brackets), which would be my way (aside from the open G one :P):

ring(b flat), middle(d), index(c sharp), ring(d), index(g), pinky(bflat), ring(a), pinky(bflat)

You could also go from index, to ring, middle, ring for the last half. Just a tiny jump. But I think if you play the open g instead, you will find it a lot easier.

Of course, it all depends on the context and what comes before and after. You could also play the 2nd half of that bar up on the g string, if you play the open g, then play on fret 3,2,3, depending on where you need to be for the next bar.

Lots of options....just got with whatever is best for you. Just because someone tabs something in a certain fingering, doesn't mean you have to play it with the exact same fingering.

[Rendog92]

Thanks for the help guys. I was hoping to maybe get a video to some exercises to improve my finger speed. I do use my pinky alot, especially when its a 4 fret move.
Another thing I've just learned today, the best way to improve speed and consistency is to push the string down just enough to get a good tone, then quickly do the same for the other notes. That seems to work and sound well enough for progressive metal.

[stoneboy26]

Originally Posted by Rendog92

Another thing I've just learned today, the best way to improve speed and consistency is to push the string down just enough to get a good tone, then quickly do the same for the other notes. That seems to work and sound well enough for progressive metal.

This is true - as you are using less energy also so you won't tire as quickly.

If you check the techniques forum you will probably find plenty of info on this kinda thing.

[jmjbassplayer]

OK, coolness.

And with that, let's end off this thread. With respect, never belonged in this forum in the first place.

JMJ