Exercise for long intervals with life hand? (Beginner)

[stranded horse]

Hey I just switched from guitar to bass. I played classical guitar, so 2 finger picking wasn't hard for me, and I also played drums, so I don't struggle so much to get the groove right. So after getting used to the strings it started to work out pretty well and at the moment I'm having so much fun playing my bass, I can hardly put it away for more than half an hour.

But I got one really big problem: I need a good exercise to become good at long jumps. I'm really having problems with riffs like this:

G/--------14-12---------16-12---------14-12---------12-9------|
D/-----------------------------------------------------------------|
A/-----------------------------------------------------------------|
E/-5-5-5-----------8-8-8---------7-7-7---------6-6-6-----------|


After 2 weeks of constant practising this riff I still cannot manage to play this as quickly and as precise as I wish to.
And I feel like I look pretty stupid when I'm playing this, because I always have to turn my head left-right-left-right...
So any suggestions how to get used to these long jumps? This problem never occured to me on guitar, and it's the first problem I encounter while playing bass which I feel I cannot solve quickly


Thanks in advance, and best regards
s.h.

[G-sound]

What about using your thumb to fret the notes on the low E? Then your fingers are already free to move. It's not exactly orthodox and I might get roasted for the suggestion, but it might be an option. Also, what about playing over top of the neck instead of under?

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by stranded horse

Hey I just switched from guitar to bass. I played classical guitar, so 2 finger picking wasn't hard for me, and I also played drums, so I don't struggle so much to get the groove right. So after getting used to the strings it started to work out pretty well and at the moment I'm having so much fun playing my bass, I can hardly put it away for more than half an hour.

But I got one really big problem: I need a good exercise to become good at long jumps. I'm really having problems with riffs like this:

G/--------14-12---------16-12---------14-12---------12-9------|
D/-----------------------------------------------------------------|
A/-----------------------------------------------------------------|
E/-5-5-5-----------8-8-8---------7-7-7---------6-6-6-----------|


After 2 weeks of constant practising this riff I still cannot manage to play this as quickly and as precise as I wish to.
And I feel like I look pretty stupid when I'm playing this, because I always have to turn my head left-right-left-right...
So any suggestions how to get used to these long jumps? This problem never occurred to me on guitar, and it's the first problem I encounter while playing bass which I feel I cannot solve quickly


Thanks in advance, and best regards
s.h.

It would appear that you are trying to achieve too much too soon. S-L-O-O-O-W down, be patient. Why the big hurry ??? Speed is attained by practicing slow, and building it up gradually. It will take as long as it takes. Your hands need to get used to the thicker strings and wider frets on the bass.

I'd advise you to check out some L/H exercises on You Tube.


BTW, I would not agree with the advice given by "G-sound".

[Danny Fox]

+1 on slowing down. Technique first, speed second

[Sizlack]

Yeah, I've only been playing for a little over 6 months now. This was really difficult for me at first as well, but seems to give me far less trouble then it did at first. I still can't keep up while playing along with some of the recordings, but I don't lag nearly as far behind anymore.
I think once you get the muscle memory built up as to how far you need to move your hand it becomes easier, alot less looking and thinking about it and more just doing it.

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by Sizlack

Yeah, I've only been playing for a little over 6 months now. This was really difficult for me at first as well, but seems to give me far less trouble then it did at first. I still can't keep up while playing along with some of the recordings, but I don't lag nearly as far behind anymore.
I think once you get the muscle memory built up as to how far you need to move your hand it becomes easier, alot less looking and thinking about it and more just doing it.

Yes to slowing it down, and Sizlack is classic progression of ability. It takes time to buld in the technique and awareness of what you are doing(and not doing) on any instrument.
Speed is a side effect, a by product of good sound technique that will develop as you develop. Developing speed is not an issue for new players you need the foundations to build on first in place ( up to 10 years in some cases) and develop playing skills, then target specific aspects if the proper results are not happening.

In my case i get players than tell me they can't get their head or hands around some of the things i play. I ask "how long you been playing?" "Five years or so" comes back, "How do you expect to do after five year what i have been doing for over thirty five, i could not play or get my head around what i just played after five years, so why should you." Point made and taken usually

[Sizlack]

Originally Posted by Fergie Fulton

In my case i get players than tell me they can't get their head or hands around some of the things i play. I ask "how long you been playing?" "Five years or so" comes back, "How do you expect to do after five year what i have been doing for over thirty five, i could not play or get my head around what i just played after five years, so why should you." Point made and taken usually

Yeah, It seems to be the whole instant gratification thing that is rampant in this day and age. When I picked up Bass, I thought I would be alot further along at 6 months than I actually am. Takes a whole lotta time and effort, and now that I've realized that I just take my time and enjoy myself.

Now I'm gonna go find someones lawn to get off of.

[G00D+~VIBES]

You may also want to consider alternate locations for the note's you are after i.e. rather than playing the A on the E string (5-5-5) perhaps using the open A will help you to avoid such large jumps.