Beginner Fret Question

stealyourface · #1 08-06-2007, 12:59 PM

Hey TB,

I recently started playing the bass a few months agoand have learned alot from this forum.

I am learning "Sir Duke" by stevie wonder, and am having trouble on the bridge.

The bassline is played really really fast and it goes up to the 20th fret on the g string. When i am moving that fast and going that high up the neck, should i take my thumb off the back of the neck? (It seems very awkward not to)

Also, any other tips for improving my speed to master sir duke would be greatly appreciated.

thanks.

fryBASS · #2 08-06-2007, 01:58 PM

I'm guessing your playing a 20 or 21 fret bass. This probably means that you only have comfortable access to about the 19th fret am I right? The neck heel starts to get in the way. So it would be appropriate to take your thumb out from behind the neck.

As long as it doesn't slow you down, then it should be fine

Just J · #3 08-06-2007, 02:07 PM

Yea, I have a 24 fret and when I'm way up on the neck I have to change the orientation of my hand and kinda hook my thumb around the neck.

Jumpno · #4 08-06-2007, 02:11 PM

yea that happens, its always awkward playing up there, just keep on practicing and ull get it

Deacon_Blues · #5 08-06-2007, 03:27 PM

Try to do it slowly first. When you can play it correctly at low tempos, the additional speed needed comes almost by itself. To make it as easy as possible, find the best possible fingering pattern for you. Then play it again and again and again until you can play it in a relaxed manner correctly every time you play it. This is exactly what I did when I struggled with this song.

Don't lift your thumb from the back of the neck. Try finding another position for it instead if it feels awkward to keep it where you keep it.

MacNilly · #6 08-07-2007, 08:59 PM

My suggestion is to lightly release the pressure of your thumb on the neck. Focus on hitting the right finger on the right note, the thumb shouldn't be getting in the way by gripping too tight or you focusing on moving the thumb from the back of the neck. Just relax and move where you need to be.