Finger exercises (without instrument)

Svardet · #1 10-05-2007, 08:37 PM

Alrigh, I have plenty of calm hours at my work (night time reception in a hotel) but I can't really bring my bass and sit and play, wouldn't look that serious (it is a 5 star hotel after all..) so I spend my time surfing instead of doing something useful like practicing bass..

So my question is,

anybody know any good finger exercises to preform without a instrument?

I have mostly been spinning a pen around my fingers which has helped to build some dexterity and independence in the fretting hand. So quite good exercise.

Any other suggestions?

Correlli · #2 10-05-2007, 08:47 PM

stressing the hands could limit agility. I'd just practice the bass when you can.

meev992 · #3 10-05-2007, 08:48 PM

"gripmaster"

can be purchased on musiciansfriend.com

The Metal Guy · #4 10-05-2007, 09:01 PM

I'd study theory and stuff while also listening to music with great bass.

Svardet · #5 10-05-2007, 09:44 PM

I study music theory and write lyrics, but it's not always you feel all that inspired/willing to study

The main thing was if there was any good exercises to do when you just don't have anything else to do but don't have your bass available. And not only at work, perhaps on vacation, trying to survive a horrible meeting etc

Listening to music and tapping rythm etc. to it is nice and I do it regulary when I have music available but I can't really sit in a reception listening to music, wouldn't look professional

And it is not always one has music available.

And regarding stressing hands, moderation is the key really

And doing various exercises! (which is the point of the tread really..)

Correlli · #6 10-05-2007, 09:54 PM

I'd look at the Excercise Sticky.

Vengoropatubus · #7 10-05-2007, 11:00 PM

During long speeches, if I have a stiff seam on the side of my pant leg, I'll practice odd double thumb patterns. for example, running through time signatures. Four single down strokes, four single upstrokes, four two note down-up patters, four three note down up pluck pluck patterns, etc. all the way out to 11 or 13 time.

Svardet · #8 10-05-2007, 11:11 PM

Kiwi Kid: Belive it or not, I did use the search button AND checked the sticky.. and there are exercises, but none that is applicable to what I'm after, exercises when you don't have a instrument available.

Vengoropatubus: Thanks for the first real proper answer

OtterOnBass · #9 10-05-2007, 11:51 PM

I've been practicing using all four fingers on my right hand to pluck, so of course I had to build up finger independence and strength. When I was stuck at a desk I would try to lift each on up, one at a time and put it down before moving on to the next one. It's tough, especially when you go fast. Here's the article that inspired me to pick up this skill: Hanging Ten on Bass

And here's another finger exercise article:
Hand Coordination Exercise

Try "internalizing" the beat. Get a metronome (or maybe a high-quality clock that makes a quiet click every second) and try to tap at the same time to make the click disappear under the noise of your tap.

If you're familiar with intervals, try transcribing a simple melody from memory. I tried this and realized how much ear training would really help me (I was way off). If you aren't familiar then go ahead and study intervals.

Or keep reading articles on-line. There's tons of knowledge just waiting for you!

Whatever you do, avoid the 'Farting During A Gig' thread - you will laugh uncontrollably and get fired.

DocBop · #10 10-06-2007, 12:12 AM

Who says you can't practice you can get a lot done. Drill yourself on how chords are spelled, in all 12 keys in order of circle of fifths. Work on spelling harmonized scales. Use the bass in your head and see yourself playing scales, arpeggios, etc. If you can get away with singing or humming quietly work on ear training by singing scales and patterns. Use your forearm of right hand do finger exercises like spider exercise or I have been working on my supportive finger exercises where ever I am.

There is a lot you can do without your physical bass you can do a lot with your bass in your head. Then get opportunity to drill yourself on theory. Even though you have a day gig you can think like a musician all the time.

Correlli · #11 10-06-2007, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Svardet

Kiwi Kid: Belive it or not, I did use the search button AND checked the sticky.. and there are exercises, but none that is applicable to what I'm after, exercises when you don't have a instrument available.

Vengoropatubus: Thanks for the first real proper answer

So you want finger exercises that you can do, when you're not practicing on the bass?

One would ask, why?

Vengoropatubus · #12 10-06-2007, 12:48 PM

one might read the thread and find out.

Correlli · #13 10-06-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vengoropatubus

one might read the thread and find out.

I see...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Svardet

build some dexterity and independence in the fretting hand.

I think you need an instrument to do that.

Best advice I can give is to forget about bass while at your work.

tbone409 · #14 10-06-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DocBop

Who says you can't practice you can get a lot done. Drill yourself on how chords are spelled, in all 12 keys in order of circle of fifths. Work on spelling harmonized scales. Use the bass in your head and see yourself playing scales, arpeggios, etc. If you can get away with singing or humming quietly work on ear training by singing scales and patterns. Use your forearm of right hand do finger exercises like spider exercise or I have been working on my supportive finger exercises where ever I am.

There is a lot you can do without your physical bass you can do a lot with your bass in your head. Then get opportunity to drill yourself on theory. Even though you have a day gig you can think like a musician all the time.

my journals for english are often freewrites, so i write whats on my mind, trying to explain triad substitution to an english teacher...

theshadow2001 · #15 10-06-2007, 10:13 PM

To be honest I don't believe there's a whole lot you can do without your instrument outside of studying theory and tapping along with whatever music there's going on.

I'm a firm believer that when you practice your instrument, your working exactly the muscles needed to do whatever technique or song and there's no real substitution for that.

That being said there is this thing which might be useful if you could find a bass version or maybe have one made for you.