How do you do your spider?

[FreaqyFrequency]

The first thing I do to warm up is play every note between the low B and the E on my high C, reverse, and repeat X times.

Then, I start on the C on my low B and hit one fret for each finger, then move to the E and hit the F# and walk up to A, then hit the C on the A string up to Eb, then the F# on the D, etc.

It looks like this:

C|----------------------------------------6-7-8-9|
G|--------------------------------5-6-7-8--------|
D|------------------------4-5-6-7----------------|
A|----------------3-4-5-6------------------------|
E|--------2-3-4-5--------------------------------|
B|1-2-3-4----------------------------------------|

Then hit the 7th fret with the index on the G, 8th on the D, 9th on the A, etc, until you run out of room (hint: on the upper frets, take it slow. That's the most painful part of this exercise if you aren't accustomed to it)

Then, at the end of the board, do like so:

C|----------------------------------------------------------------19-18-17-16|
G|----------------------------------------------------20-19-18-17------------|
D|---------------------------------------21-20-19-18-------------------------|
A|--------------------------22-21-20-19--------------------------------------|
E|-------------23-22-21-20---------------------------------------------------|
B|24-23-22-21----------------------------------------------------------------|

Continue once you hit the 16th fret on the C by hitting the 18th fret on the G and continue, you get the idea by now.

It's a real workout! I'm already starting to feel its effects though, it's awesome to have dexterity.

Anyway, what does your spider look like?

[Thunderthumbs73]

You mentioned pain. Is there physical pain? If so. Stop. Do differently. I never make those kinds of patterns the very first thing I do on a bass. That's a workout, as you admit, not a warmup. Know the difference between the two, and what is appropriate and when.

[Tommy el Gato]

I do pretty much the same thing, except the 4-string variation, as Dave LaRue taught it to us. I also do this as a warm-up, but I don't really find it to be much of a workout. It amy just be because I've been doing it for a while. It probably would be a good workout for the upright bass.

[Jazzdogg]

When my students work on these kinds of exercises we combine physical elements with mental and musical elements because physical dexterity, by itself, doesn't enhance musicianship:

Write out the exercises (no tab allowed when reading) and play them using a metronome

Play slowly enough that every note is properly intonated

Vary the rhythmic values (eight-notes & dotted quarter-notes...)

Assure notes are sustained for the correct duration

Sing note labels while playing - note names, Solfeggio, etc.


Above all, play as musically as possible.

[taphappy]

Agreed with Jd as far as practice (I gotta start doing all that. grr...bad tap!) but, for warmup if I get shotgun dragged onto stage for a jam, or am cold for some reason, I use this...

Fingering corresponding to frets below:

G|-1---2---3---4---|
D|---3---4---1---2-|

Do not release any frets before you bump the pattern up a half step, maintain pressure even after you've played the notes. Walk it up to the 12th fret in the same pattern, then skip one string:

G|-1---2---3---4---|-2---3---4---5-----|-> etc
D|--------------------------------------|
A|---3---4---1---2-|---4---5---2---3---|-> etc

Then skip two strings, etc etc. Can run it on the interior, starting with D or A - but make sure it's comfortable. Serious attempts from C to B on a 6 is very not suggested unless related to Andre the Giant(RIP). G to B on a 5 is fine with lots of practice.

Generally, I run it through all the string skips off whatever top string I have on me (G-D G-A G-E). Two of the runs with fingers, one with double/triple thump, maybe one of octave taps if I feel the need, and both hands are nice and warm when I get up.

Very spidery, esp on the 2+ skips. Gorgeous for forcing proper left hand position, as you can't play it clean without your thumb being anchored in the right place. Improves stretching, strength, coordination, precision and speed. Makes some of the girlies go "ewww...." then they go, "hrmmm...."

Just make sure you have clean fingernails.

But, this exercise don't do a damn thing for your ear...

[jgroh]

After she passed out from the Roofy-collada!

Eh? Eh? Ahhhhhhh