Finger Problem

[DolbyR]

Hi to all.

I've recently started learning bass with a friend. My main problem is at the moment in the plucking, i dont want to start practising with pick is i think fingers is the more "bassist" like type of playing...I've now moved into 2-finger, floating tumb playing...My 1st problem is that i cat pluck the string hard enough, the friend that teached me advised me to let my finger nails grow a little and it might help for getting a higher volume (im usually eating the nails thats why theyre too short). the other problem is my fingers feel very unflexible, are there some exercise you guys are making to make them more flexible,,,because of this problems im missing strokes and im failing the tempo...i believe that when i get over this finger problem, i will not have problems with tempo either.

[SeansBassHabit]

i guesse the only thing you could do to improve is to practice, i started out with using fingers but i didnt have the problem you are having, but thats all i can say is to practice. also there is only so much you can learn from practicing on your own try organising some jamming time with any other bassists you know, hope this has helped you

[TheDarkReaver]

cut your nails really short, don't let them grow. if they are long you 'll catch the strings and end up with odd clicking noise in places.

just practice with your plucking fingers going on the strings until you can hit them hard.

[vindy500]

you dont have to hit hard. the volume control on your amp is there for a reason. a lot say it is actually better to hit softly as you can hear more dynamics.

[clockworkwar]

Practice your fingers will tone up eventually

[tZer]

^^ What they said ^^

+ my $.02...

Get a teacher - Especially since you are just starting out. It is important that you have someone who specializes in teaching bass technique to help ensure you do not develop any bad habits. Having to 'unlearn' bad habits is like going backwards in time.

The 'grow your nails' suggestion is for later in life AFTER you develop a solid fundamental technique. Using a pick, slapping, playing with a stick or any number of hybrid techniques, including incorporating your nails into the stroke, are all things you can experiment with after you get a solid fundamental technique down. I actually do hold my index finger and use my fingertip and nail like a pick on occasion, so anything goes as far as getting experimental with things. But using a 'crutch' to get you over the power-hump is a big mistake.

So if you can, find yourself a good teacher and spend the next bunch of months learning correct hand position, fingering technique and picking style. Practice, practice, practice - then practice some more - with a metronome! It may feel like it is taking a long time to see progress, but it will pay off tremendously down the road.