I just can't stretch myself anymore!!!!

chickbassist007 · #1 07-21-2010, 04:32 PM

Hello Bass Dudes and Chicks!

So i get this whole thing about you have to stretch your fretting hand even if you have small hands, but its JUST SO HARD!!!! I have a 5 string so it just makes it that much more fun to try to cover 1 fret per finger, and i see all these other bassist and it seems as easy as breathing. does anyone have any insight on how to maybe make it a little bit easier???

Em

BigOldHarry · #2 07-21-2010, 04:34 PM

it
takes
PRACTICE

Don't give up. We *all* went through this. ALL of us.

codeinedreams · #3 07-21-2010, 04:42 PM

move your hand down as you go using your thumb as a pivot underneath the fretboard - don't just rely on your finger/hand size alone. and the more you practice scales/arpeggios etc, eventually your fingers will automatically conform to the fret distance.

stratovani · #4 07-21-2010, 06:33 PM

The one thing I learned from playing bass - well, one of the thing anyways - is your pinky is your friend! When I played just guitar I could get away with not using the pinky too much, but on bass it helps tremendously to use your pinky. Also, try to play with a light touch, in other words don't press down on the strings with a death grip, it tenses up your left arm and you won't be able to move as freely as you could with a light touch.

ZachOrem · #5 07-22-2010, 02:49 AM

I'm left wondering if the double entendre was purposeful or not.... Either way is funny.

TheSuzie · #6 07-22-2010, 03:46 AM

Jamie Andreas offers some good info about this.

http://www.guitarprinciples.com/inde...he-joints.html

Hutzbordello · #7 07-23-2010, 10:11 PM

man ive been playing for a year and im almost doing that

dont worry about how long it takes or how well other people do it

just try, the rest comes

behndy · #8 07-23-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZachOrem

I'm left wondering if the double entendre was purposeful or not.... Either way is funny.

lol... yeah... i read the title and just wanted to read it before it got banned.

no offense ChickadeeBassistDoubleoSlevin

**millertx** · #9 04-01-2012, 04:42 PM

Just a couple of ideas, first you don't have to play everything down in the first four frets. Especially since you have a 5-string do a lot of practicing/playing farther up the neck where the frets are closer together. With a 5-string you are not going to lose a lot of notes by playing up higher. And, after a while you will find things easier as you gradually develop your hands.

Also you could look at using a 1-2-4 fingering that is commonly used on the double bass, where the string length is much longer than on electric. I am 6' 6" and have very large hands, but for sheer comfort I often use the 1-2-4 fingering on electric also, depending on what I am playing. 1-2-4 basically means you are only stretching over 3 frets.

Rich

CrashMiller · #10 04-01-2012, 04:58 PM

It truly only comes with practice. Keep playing, go a little out of your comfort zone each time, and eventually your hands will get used to it.

Don't try to do it all at once! You WILL hurt your wrist/hand. I tried to do 5 string chords without gradually building up, and ended up with carpel tunnel.

Jazzdogg · #11 04-01-2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertx

Just a couple of ideas, first you don't have to play everything down in the first four frets. Especially since you have a 5-string do a lot of practicing/playing farther up the neck where the frets are closer together. With a 5-string you are not going to lose a lot of notes by playing up higher. And, after a while you will find things easier as you gradually develop your hands.

Also you could look at using a 1-2-4 fingering that is commonly used on the double bass, where the string length is much longer than on electric. I am 6' 6" and have very large hands, but for sheer comfort I often use the 1-2-4 fingering on electric also, depending on what I am playing. 1-2-4 basically means you are only stretching over 3 frets.

Rich

+1 I encourage the use of the 1-2-4 method down in the basement where the frets are farther apart; as you work your way up the fingerboard, where the frets are closer together, you can switch to one-finger-per-fret if you like.

When you're playing 1-2-4, it's OK to keep your thumb planted on the back of the neck, and pivot or shift your fretting hand to extend your reach by a half-step; it's common practice on DB, and it works just as well on electric.

There are no "Technique Police" who admonish bassists who eschew the one-finger-per-fret method.

klejst · #12 04-01-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

it
takes
PRACTICE

Don't give up. We *all* went through this. ALL of us.

+1, over time your fingers will become more "loosened up." Try some hand exercises with one of those finger/hand strengtheners or a stress ball is what I used sometimes to help keep my hands loose. Just don't over do it.