Cleaning up technique... naturalization?

Matt Call · #1 11-10-2006, 09:54 AM

I recently decided that I need to improve my left hand technique. I think that if some people saw me play... they'd try to slap my mother.

My goals:
- Play with fingertips... not pads.
- Maintain a decent wrist angle.
- Keep palm off the neck.

While these might be relatively basic things to some - I've been playing for 7 years. I have to think about doing these things in order to do them. I want them to be instinct, so I don't have to think about them.

This is possible... right?

Christopher · #2 11-10-2006, 02:31 PM

Yes it's possible. But keep in mind that lot of "proper" hand technique can be reinforced simply by wearing the bass right. If you keep the bass relatively high on the torso and at a 45 degree angle, the hands should naturally fall into their proper playing position.

Swimming Bird · #3 11-11-2006, 12:58 AM

Well, the guitar family of instruments is one of the least comfortable to play, especially on the wrists.

Good that you're improving your left hand technique -- if you play the way you describe, you'd end up with carpel tunnel. Not joking. You'll also get better tone out of your bass.

PrimusNut · #4 11-11-2006, 12:36 PM

It takes a while to get out of ANY bad habits, but it's possible, it just takes time and patience. Don't get angry because you have to concentrate, or that you unthinkingly go back to your old technique. It took me over a month to readjust my fret hand technique, and I still have trouble playing the "right" way. Just take your time, and have patience.

user101 · #5 11-11-2006, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrimusNut

It takes a while to get out of ANY bad habits, but it's possible, it just takes time and patience. Don't get angry because you have to concentrate, or that you unthinkingly go back to your old technique. It took me over a month to readjust my fret hand technique, and I still have trouble playing the "right" way. Just take your time, and have patience.

+1
It takes work yes. But as an encouragement, i managed to get rid of some of my bad habits within a month. Still have a few i am working on. It doesn't take that long. When you are practicing, just force yourself to start from the beginning again once you notice you are using "wrong" techniques.