Help with accuracy and speed (among other things)

[hova9018]

After trying to learn teen town for a while, I've noticed that I have a lot of trouble playing accurately at faster speeds. I know the solution to this is to start very slowly and work my way up, being sure not to increase the tempo until I can play it flawlessly at the previous tempo, but I feel like this doesn't really help me to become a better bassist because it only allows me to play a new song rather than actually targeting the issue at its root. What exercises can be done to improve accuracy and speed? Can some of you guys explain your left hand and right hand techniques? Do you pay much attention to the details of your technique such as, the order in which you pluck with your right hand, the how high you lift your fingers off of the fretboard while playing, etc. I know that a lot of people play scales, modes, arpeggios and things like that and I would like to know what you should think about, or focus on while doing this, and the ways that it's beneficial to your playing. I think I might be asking a bit much, but I'm serious about improving my technique and want to gather as much info as I can about the ways that I can do it. thanks.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by hova9018

After trying to learn teen town for a while, I've noticed that I have a lot of trouble playing accurately at faster speeds. I know the solution to this is to start very slowly and work my way up, being sure not to increase the tempo until I can play it flawlessly at the previous tempo, but I feel like this doesn't really help me to become a better bassist because it only allows me to play a new song rather than actually targeting the issue at its root. What exercises can be done to improve accuracy and speed?

Actually, you couldn't be more wrong about that. If you can play a new song that's faster and harder to play than the previous, then you are improving as a bassist in general. And if you start slow and build speed on any song, you are also improving your general ability to play. Why would you say you know the solution, then give an excuse as to why it wouldn't work with no basis for believing it won't work? Of course it works, otherwise so many people wouldn't recommend it.

Check the exercise sticky. There's some good stuff in it that you can practice. And don't second guess tried and true methods. Sometimes you just have to accept that they work. Practicing slow and building speed gradually is a method used since time began.

[ZonGuy]

"I know the solution to this is to start very slowly and work my way up, being sure not to increase the tempo until I can play it flawlessly at the previous tempo:.

Like Jimmy said, this is definitely the right track to go. Use a metronome. Play it at slow speeds. When you scuff it up, ask yourself "why-what am I doing wrong?". Analyze what is holding you back minutely. Is it bad hand position? Using different fingers each time? Being lazy on changing positions? etc.

As far as details on technique, it would be almost impossible to cover this in a thread. Set up a couple lessons with a "pro teacher", a professional who can teach. It will well be worth the dollars in terms of time and wasted effort saved. Just one or two lessons can give you months of material and ideas to work on.

What is a "pro teacher"? Someone who 1) plays professionally, 2) has good technique and 3) knows how to teach. I have taken lessons from great professionals that couldnt teach or had unorthodox technique. Avoid that. You might have to look around hard for a good teacher, but it is better than blowing money on teachers that can't help you. Be upfront when you find a good teacher and just say you want 1 to 2 lessons, can you analyze my playing flaws and point me in the right direction.

My first lesson with a pro (symphonic player, electrc bass doubler, university intstructor) - he pointed out fundemental issues with my right hand finger alternation, my groove, and failure to slide. Was it worth $65. You bet.

[hova9018]

thanks for the advice guys