Flexibility training for fretting hand

[j_micho]

I had a bass lesson yesterday and I realized that I really need to work on the flexibility of my left hand (the fretting one). I'm having a hard time playing one finger per fret on the lowest frets, even on my short scale bass.

Anyone know any good exercices or stretching that could help me?

Thanks,

Jon

[PSPookie]

I found the "spider" and "hazard" exercises helpful for this type of thing.

Have you tried looking through the exercises sticky?

[j_micho]

Spider and hazard...I like the names. Where can I get more info on that?

[j_micho]

found it!

[j_micho]

Anything else? Maybe something that doesn't require a bass so I could do it at work at lunch time...like a stetching routine...

What about those things they sell to train de muscles of your hand and forearm...http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ool?sku=429070

Thanks!

Jon

[khazol]

That gripmaster works. I have thin wrists and weak forearm muscles myself. I bought one and it worked. My fingers are stronger now. I reccomend it.

[j_micho]

Thanks! But I guess it won't help with flexibility right?

[Nagan60]

The only thing that can really help with this is finger permutations. I know that you are having a hard time, but playing one finger per fret is something that is not going to come over night. You have to work at it, especially if you've been playing bass for years and have not being using the one finger per fret approach. You'll find out that when you try and do the excersice that it does in fact stretch your fingers. The thing that you have to do is start slow. I've been playing some years myself and I feel like I'm learning how to play all over again, but I can say that since I've been using the approach I can see rapid improvement in my fingering and my playing. I have a book called "Bass Fitness" that helps to work on stretching your fingers and your finger speed. It really, really works too!!!

Like I said, do finger permutations (you can find the exercises on the web or on activebass.com) and start out very slow, don't worry about speed, it will come in time. Practice everyday, and I promise you will start to see improvement in little as a week.