Good rythmn in left hand

Mogo · #1 12-29-2003, 08:04 AM

Would any of you's have any good ideas for for building up a good rythmn and speed in the left hand using my index and middle finger(the one for the salute). Any help would be unbelievable. The group I play in play some class tunes with the bass pumping it out at the start on its lonesome so I want it to sound dogsballs!!

JMX · #2 12-29-2003, 08:10 AM

You mean your plucking hand, right? (I'm guessing you're a leftie).

Practice simple 8ths, try using a lighter touch, it'll even out your tone, give you more control and you won't tire so fast.
Strive for minimum effective finger movement.

Mogo · #3 01-07-2004, 07:52 AM

Na im a rightie if theres such a word. Wot it is that i cant keep good rythem coz me hand keeps tiring its self out. Its got to the point that any songs we do in are set ive got all the quick tunes put to the start.

JMX · #4 01-07-2004, 08:05 AM

Ah ok, the two-finger part threw me.

The key is practice, to get more stamina and dexterity.

Using a lighter touch will avoid getting tired, and also give you more control, better tone and more speed.

Also, people tend to get tense in arm, shoulder etc. while playing. Body relaxation is the key to play relaxed.

wulf · #5 01-07-2004, 08:38 AM

Use more fingers

If you're only using two fingers on the fretting hand and letting the other two hang around idly, you deserve to get tired. On the other hand, if you've only got two usable fingers just take it easy and listen to the incredible playing of jazz guitar legend, Django Reinhardt (who lost use of two fingers in a fire).

Wulf

dakine · #6 01-07-2004, 01:11 PM

Try playing in different positions. For example, in E play down low using some open strings. After a while, move up to the seventh fret. Then go back down. That way you don't wear out the same muscles all the time.

Mogo · #7 01-16-2004, 08:09 AM

I think some of u's is getting the wrong end of the stick. I'm on about my pick/pluck hand. Not my fretting hand. I use all 4 Wulf,fretting!!!

wulf · #8 01-16-2004, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mogo
I think some of u's is getting the wrong end of the stick. I'm on about my pick/pluck hand. Not my fretting hand. I use all 4 Wulf,fretting!!!

That's because JMX asked if you were a leftie and you responded that you're a rightie. You'd asked for speed tips for your left hand and that would be the fretting hand if you play a 'right-handed' bass (like I do).

If you're plucking the notes with your left hand then follow the sage advice in JMX's second posting - that works for both hands, which ever way round you play!

Wulf