Critique my technique.

[xxfaux_punkxx]

I'm planning on starting lessons soon and would like to get critiques on my playing ability so I know exactly what I'm getting into and how I can best accept my teacher's advice.

The description of the video tells the songs that I'm playing, and what equipment I'm using.

Mix and matching songs. - YouTube

[bassmanrudi]

Right hand (plectrum) looks ok. Perhaps a bit off with pick angle. You may want to have the pick more perpendicular (at a straight right angle) to the string. It appears that you are slightly pointing up a bit with the pick and thus your up strokes hook the string a bit stronger than your down strokes.
Also the (slight) scratchy sound can be eliminated by keeping the pick more flat against string (not catching the edge of pick).

Your left hand has more issues.
Pointing up the neck reduces your position reach and renders your 4th finger useless.
In your case your 4th finger not only is not being used but you are adding to hand stress by clutching and pulling it back away from and underneath the finger board.

Check out my site for more details and technique basics.
(see links below,) good luck.
Rudi

Bass Logic

click on "technique" from center menue

[bassmanrudi]

Body posture is a key factor in avoiding injuiry when playing bass.

~A twisted upper torso,
~lowered left sholder
~left elbow, shooting from the hip rather than as straigh of a right angle to the back of the neck as is poss.
~feet not flat on floor.
~Head/neck dropped forward...

All of the issues above can over time cause serious problems, especially if you practice for hrs a day.

P.S. Your left wrist looks nice and straight, thats good!
Rudi Weeks

Bass Logic

click on "technique" from center menue

[parsons]

try to keep your thumb from creeping over the top of the neck. this will help you achieve better left hand position. Your left hand is cocked in such a way that your fourth finger isnt a factor which limits your speed and playing. You want your left hands fingers more perpendicular with the strings. Your thumb being placed lower behind the neck and not parallel with it will help. Its going to be harder at first to build the finger and hand strength but it pays off. As mentioned, keeping your left shoulder from being lowered will help with correct position of the left hand and bodily stress.

Imagine holding a crystal ball with just your fingertips, then try to assimilate a similar hand posture with the neck.

[xxfaux_punkxx]

Originally Posted by bassmanrudi

Right hand (plectrum) looks ok. Perhaps a bit off with pick angle. You may want to have the pick more perpendicular (at a straight right angle) to the string. It appears that you are slightly pointing up a bit with the pick and thus your up strokes hook the string a bit stronger than your down strokes.
Also the (slight) scratchy sound can be eliminated by keeping the pick more flat against string (not catching the edge of pick).

Your left hand has more issues.
Pointing up the neck reduces your position reach and renders your 4th finger useless.
In your case your 4th finger not only is not being used but you are adding to hand stress by clutching and pulling it back away from and underneath the finger board.

Check out my site for more details and technique basics.
(see links below,) good luck.
Rudi

Bass Logic

click on "technique" from center menue

actually I was using only down strokes.

I'll post another video only standing and using fingerstyle for another critique also the link was insanely helpful thank you.

[bassmanrudi]

Yes I did notice that you used all down strokes. "my bad"
What I should have said if and when you do...

There will be many bass lines that will require the velosity that only down/up picking can provide. At that point having a matching angle of contact for the pick on the up and down stroke will be necessary unless an uneven sound is desired.
Rudi