Getting an even sound with both fingers.

whitenoise · #1 11-10-2005, 12:49 AM

Hello. This is my biggest problem at the moment; I can't get a sound as smooth and consistent as I want between my index and middle fingers. Also, it seems as though there is more effort required to sound a note with my middle finger, and as a result when I play really, really slowly to a metronome it becomes obvious the notes played by middle finger are often ahead of the beat. I spend hours practicing slowly but it seems to be of no avail. I just want to be able to groove! Does anyone have any advice/suggestions? Anything would be greatly appreciated.

JimmyM · #2 11-10-2005, 02:26 AM

Practice playing smoothly and evenly?

djcruse · #3 11-10-2005, 05:21 AM

This book helped me: http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/sh...?affid=4&id=30

Work slowly and strive for evenness.

Good luck!

Dash Rantic · #4 11-15-2005, 11:55 AM

I've got the same problem, and after working on it for a while, now I play stuff to grove to with one finger. Much funkier, and usually I don't need to be play so fast for that kind of stuff, so using just the one finger isn't a problem.

-Dash

Verbannter · #5 11-15-2005, 01:07 PM

I'll admit that I am not the best of bassists, probably the antithesis. However, I would continue practicing with a metronome as that's one of the reasons they were invented, no? Practice some exercises, scales, and play to a metronome daily. You must get that down if you ever want to successfully hold a faster paced groove. Just be persistant in your playing. I have a similar issue as I am recently trying to use 3 fingers on my right hand and incorporate the occasional pop or slap with my thumb. Just practice slowly at first and as you progress speed it up until you feel comfortable.

tonynoriega · #6 11-16-2005, 04:19 PM

As a 20-year player, I'm convinced that you are on the right track to success in your methods. From what you wrote, I can tell that you are listening very closely to the effect your playing is producing and that, in itself, is going to serve you well. Trust me - after a while your fingers will just know what to do to get the desired effect. But it takes time.......a lot of time!

WHAT YOU DO THE MOST -- YOU DO THE BEST!!

Good luck

Tony Noriega, Tampa

**Marcus Willett** · #7 11-16-2005, 04:29 PM

Another 20 year player here.

Consistency, both in terms of volume and tone is the hardest thing to achieve on the bass, and there's really no shortcut other than just doing it. But yeah, that's kinda the Holy Grail of bassdom...consistency.

whitenoise · #8 11-21-2005, 08:07 AM

Thanks for all the advice. I will just have to keep at it. My timing does seem to be improving, but it's taking a long time.

**rnlytton** · #9 11-21-2005, 11:37 PM

I had the same problem. There was an article in (I think) BassPlayer magazine entitled

A Private Lesson With Alain Caron
DYNAMIC APPROACHES
Improve Your Touch & Find New Pathways Around The Neck
By Ed Friedland

The first part dealt with right hand control. I did these exercises on open strings while slightly muting them with my left hand. This helped to isolate the plucking finger attack; making it easier to hear differences between the two fingers. I also closely watched my right hand to make sure both fingers plucked with even motion. You might even try to do this in front of a mirror.

It takes time and regular practice as you'll be training new muscles and muscle memory. Stop when you feel the first signs of strain or tension. This could be very quick at first. You don't want to risk muscle injuries or getting in the habit of playing with tension in your hands.
If you can't find the artcle, PM me with your email address and I'll send it.

Richard