Frustrating problem with fretting

[LotusCarsLtd52]

So I have attempted on several occasions to do as some have suggested here to learn to fret lightly: play without the thumb and use the minimal amount of pressure possible.

Whenever I try this method I notice that the neck of the bass "swings inward" towards my body quite a bit and produces a lot of fret buzz. I end-up going back to the "use the thumb to grip the neck" because of the buzzing, but I know that in the long term this is bad for my wrist.

The frustrating thing is that I cannot seem to correct this problem. I was thinking of, first and foremost, of visiting a guitar shop to have the bass properly set-up as it wasn't when I purchased it back in June. This might be a problem. Other than that I am not sure what to do.

Ideas?

[tobie]

I've tried not touching the back of the neck with my thumb yonks ago, but I've had the same problem. So I went back to using just enough thumb to keep the bass still and in the desired position. Works for me...

[onlyclave]

Adjust your strap so that it's shorter and the bass sits higher on your chest. As you pull back with your fretting hand your plucking arm counterbalances the bass.

The point of the exercise is to realize that the fretting energy doesn't come from your fingers opposing your thumb but rather the larger muscles in your shoulder and back.

Double bass players can do the same thing. If you play standing up, lean forward and let the weight of the bass in your hand stop the string. If you play sitting down let the weight of your arm do the same thing.

[kr0n]

Originally Posted by onlyclave

Adjust your strap so that it's shorter and the bass sits higher on your chest. As you pull back with your fretting hand your plucking arm counterbalances the bass.

The point of the exercise is to realize that the fretting energy doesn't come from your fingers opposing your thumb but rather the larger muscles in your shoulder and back.

Double bass players can do the same thing. If you play standing up, lean forward and let the weight of the bass in your hand stop the string. If you play sitting down let the weight of your arm do the same thing.

This. When your strength and stamina of your hands start to increase you gradually increase the pressure when fretting. So doing that "free thumb" exercise from time to time to figure out the pressure needed. Grab a guitar sometimes and compare the pressure, just for the heck of it. Trust me, speed comes from relaxing and economy of motion.

I'm not a teacher of any sorts but playing riffs staccato has proven to be a nice way to fine tune fretting. Trying to keep the notes short but still the same length and keeping strings muted.