I really need help.

BassNoob? · #1 12-05-2005, 04:04 PM

I've been working on double thumping for about two months now and I havn't made any progress. I followed Mike Flynn's video word for word. I just can't seem to get my thumb to move up and down that fast.

When I attempt to double thump, I find my thumb getting lodged up underneath the string. For instance, If I'm thumping on the A string, my thumb will get stuck underneath it when I have it on the D string. It will get underneath the string, and when I come back up from the D string, I seem to be popping the A string with the back of my thumb.

So. Basicly what I need to know is if you guys have any suggestions or ways to make this easier to learn. Any other instructional videos or lessons would be of great help. Thanks so much

lemur821 · #2 12-05-2005, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n00b

I just can't seem to get my thumb to move up and down that fast.

That's your problem right there. You're trying to run before you can walk if you're worrying about speed now. Wipe the dust off your metronome and practice doing quarter notes at 40bpm. Down on the first click, up on the second, and repeat over and over. When you can do that consistently, move up to 42 or so and get that. 44, 46, and so on. Eventually you'll be able to do it quickly.

ninefingerbass · #3 12-05-2005, 05:26 PM

Hey, seems to me that you are having trouble. Well let be the first. It's a hard technique to master. I think even Mike said that it's taken him years. I'm on my 2nd year of studying this particular technique (not 100% though). I'm mainly fingerstyle, but dabbled with this.

First of all, try to curl your hands into a ball with all your fingers resting on the strings to get the basic idea of where your thumb and fingers should be.

example- Practice your thumb to move up and down slowly with a soft dynamic then increase in attack.

_____UUUU___________

I dont think its a very good explanation but you get the idea. Then keep your hands relaxed...I MEAN RELAXED. Going to hard and fast wil result in fustrated and offbeatness (if thats a word)

Next, take a metronome and practice. This worked for me but only difference is that I don' know how other use this technique but I move from my shoulder. And furthermore I don't slap, as I mentioned earlier I'm more fingerstyle and the softer dynamics allow me to emulate more of a Garrison/Dipiazza style.

BassNoob? · #4 12-05-2005, 06:07 PM

Oh dear. Now I have a blister on my thumb lol. I guess I've been working at it for too long. Thanks to everyone who has posted so far. I think I'm progressing. Now what should I do about this blister?

ninefingerbass · #5 12-06-2005, 02:14 AM

I actually pop the blister and let the skin heal itself. creates a huge amount of dead skin. which i then eat when i get hungry later.

Trevorus · #6 12-06-2005, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninefingerbass

I actually pop the blister and let the skin heal itself. creates a huge amount of dead skin. which i then eat when i get hungry later.

That's disturbing.

lawrens · #7 12-06-2005, 03:47 AM

i have the same blister problem on the side of my thumb...dead skin seems to stay on the other fingers, but i found that if i stop playing for a while, i must begin another cycle with my thumb : "ouch, blister, dead skin etc..."

do you have any solution ?

ninefingerbass · #8 12-06-2005, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevorus

That's disturbing.

It was a joke. But I do have a friend who actually eats his ow n dead skin. It is disturbing....

bannedwit · #9 12-06-2005, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninefingerbass

It was a joke. But I do have a friend who actually eats his own dead skin. It is disturbing....

Who is your friend Goldmember from Austin Powers? Is he dutch?
Has he also lost his genitalia in an unfortunate smelting accident?

"Yesch, put that in the skin box"
"I'm peeling."
"Hurry. save me from myself."

Regarding the thread...
Keep working on different ways to use the side of your thumb to double thump...

Victor Wooten is the man at this, check him out and see how bad you (we) all are at it! hehe

iamlowsound · #10 12-07-2005, 01:16 PM

i have been trying to master this for a while, and i found that i don't do i quite like wooten does. i don't move my whole arm i just move my wrist in a out/down motion for the down stroke and a in/up motion for the up stroke. it works quite well and i have built up a far amount of speed in the last week or so doing this.

lowsound

labgnat · #11 12-07-2005, 09:51 PM

yeah this is defintely a hard technique to be consistent with. the metronome advice is great. practice on one note for a while, then for getting good at string skipping run some scales. are you thumbing on the fingerboard or behind it? i find it easier to play on the fingerboard. it's different for everyone i suppose, but experiment with both positions to see which one works best for ya

d8g3jdh · #12 12-07-2005, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninefingerbass

I actually pop the blister and let the skin heal itself. creates a huge amount of dead skin. which i then eat when i get hungry later.

I LOVE GOOOOOOOOOLD!!!!!!!

BassNoob? · #13 12-13-2005, 03:06 PM

^"MMM That is definatly a keeper. Bring the box"
"You're not actually going to eat that are you"
"nibble nibble"
"Rigghhhttt"

Anyways, back on topic, I prefer thumping behind the neck. It just gives me a deeper sound when I come back up.