Have pity on a noob?

[Ironderby]

ok so im trying to play like my heroes( Geddy/Steve Harris) and i can play with my fingers pretty well. BUt the thicker gauge strings i have trouble with, my fingers can't play them as fast. Its probably a question of strength and practice. But any tips on how to gather strength quickly?

[genericusername]

Well, you could try lighter gauge strings. I bought a set of Rotosound RS66LBs (35-90) which was nice, and only cost me 15 euro.

[CauliColin]

I did what ^this^ guy did, then bought some 45-105 Dunlops. I also play with one finger back and forth for some songs like All Nightmare Long.

[CapeScrod]

Lighter gauge strings will help a little, and just play, play, play! You'll need to practice lots to build up the kind of stamina Harris has. Not everyone can do what he does, and for that matter, as long as he's done it! he's a monster.

[TripleDouble]

"I PITY THE NOOB WHO USE HEAVY GAUSE STRINGS." -Mr. T

[Razzmatazz]

Look for the excersises sticky. I do some of those with a metronome for about an hour a day, starting with a confortable tempo and then increasing it after 20 min or so. Since they are kind of boring I do them watching TV and that also increase "muscles memory". It takes some time but it will help to get speed, strenght and accuracy. There is nothing "musical" about that and some might argue that it is pointless and a waste of time but I see it as a physical training more than anything else.

[Russell L]

Don't play hard. Lighten up and turn the volume up a bit. I can play all night and not lose strength or get sore. Most folks just play too hard and use too much pressure.

[Papa Dangerous]

I bought heavier gauge strings for the main reason of building up the dexterity... so when I switch back to lighter gauge, it was a bit easier on me.

I have not been practicing much bass lately

I am quite enthralled with keyboard at this moment!

[Ironderby]

thanks for the suggestions guys. Im on a .40-1.00 which is quite light :')

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Ironderby

thanks for the suggestions guys. Im on a .40-1.00 which is quite light :')

That guage will clackity clack sooner from overplaying than a heavier set would, so be careful. I have a set of Fender 9050ls, 45-100, that feel less tense than my D'Addario Chromes, 50-105, and yes, they do feel easier to the touch. But, I can still play the Chromes all night with no fatigue. I really think most fatigue is caused by gripping the neck too tight, pressing the strings too hard, and plucking too hard. I know it's easy to wanna do all that when you really get your energy going, but I have also found a way to play vigoruosly, but still have a light touch. That almost seems like those are two things that couldn't possibly fit together, but it can be done. And once you feel it, a lightbulb comes on in your head, like, "Oh wow." Then, you will become addicted to that feel. At least that's the way it's gone for me. It has the feel of "finesse" in my playing, and I can rock out with it as well as lay back, having much more control than I do by overplaying.

How does one get there? Just play a lot, and keep the idea in mind. Play, play, play,...