Low F on a regular 4 string bass.

thefruitfarmer · #1 10-11-2009, 02:04 AM

Can anybody help with my technique question?

The low F on the bottom E string 1st fret seems to be the most difficult note to control!

I notice this more when slapping but it does happen with finger style too.

I need to press slightly harder with my fretting hand to get a clean sounding F. I need to pay more attention to controlling the length of the note and dampening the note.

Is this normal?

I have a distant memory of my bass teacher showing me to use the 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers all together (2 and 3 helping the 1) to hold down the F when playing the F major scale.

draftsmann · #2 10-11-2009, 02:32 AM

Is the E string high at the nut? Try putting a capo at the first fret, and see if you have the same problem fretting F#. If you do, it's a technique problem, if not, it's a setup issue.

Adrian

draftsmann · #3 10-11-2009, 02:57 AM

Off-topic, but I just noticed your location. I was born and went to school in Kent!

thefruitfarmer · #4 10-11-2009, 03:22 AM

Thanks draftsmann.

I have just tried the capo. It is slightly easier and I think the bass does probably need a set up and new strings - I have Ernie Ball's at the moment which are okay but not as good (for me) as the DR strings. I preferred the Low Riders and I have some Hi Beams ready to put on at the moment.

There is a technique issue too. As I have become aware of it and focussed a bit more the F has sounded cleaner.

I have been in Kent for a couple of years now. It's an okay place but is in recession like everywhere else I guess. The weather is crazy here - impossible to predict and every town seems to have its own little weather system!!

So Low Bass · #5 10-12-2009, 08:47 AM

The "F" is the note "farthest away" from us...it's a reach. The nut question is what came to me too.

Try this... drop your E to D and see if the quality of the (then)Eb is the same. Perhaps your F is a wolf tone on your bass.

Try a different bass AND try a differnt amp with your bass. Perhaps your amp does't like low F.

phxlbrmpf · #6 10-12-2009, 08:57 AM

Make sure you put whatever finger you're using to fret the F as close to the first fret as possible. Do you still have that teacher and have you discussed this with him? I too have the feeling your bass may be in need of a setup. When I was starting out and started messeing with my bridge saddles and truss rod, the action eventually became too high on the first few frets which led to difficult to fret notes similar to what you're describing.

thefruitfarmer · #7 10-20-2009, 02:50 PM

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I have improved my low F with technique but yes the bass does really need a set up. Am skint at the moment so I may have a go myself but I ain't touching the truss rod!!

BigDaddyBass03 · #8 11-03-2009, 09:34 AM

you might want to lower your action on the bass. That can be a big factor in you having that problem