missing my Eb DB neck landmark

[ricobasso]

I've been playing BG and DB since the 60s, so I'm not a novice but I just come across a new problem! Most of my BG playing is busking and most of my DB playing is reading.

Now due to laziness I've taken my BG to big band practice rather than an upright, the past few weeks. I'm finding that I miss the Eb on the G string when reading as there is no neck body/joint there. Ther's no time to look at the frets when reading or watching the conductor. Do any of you reading slab players out there have any tips?

[JimmyM]

practice. that's all. you get used to it soon enough.

[uethanian]

aside from practice (and i agree it's something that you just develop a sense for), maybe try putting a small piece of tape on the back of your neck? that way you'll feel with your thumb when you hit 'joint position.'

[Anonymatt]

1. Remember that the kinesthetic sense is very powerful, and that it is very trainable. As you know, really concentrating on the sound of the notes can go a long way to correct intonation and successful position changes. When I am "on", it is because I am hearing clearly the notes in my head as I play them and I have a "certain regard" for the operation of my left arm/hand.

2. I find myself having to "spot landings" on the fretless electric when reading music, but it doesn't have to occur at the most critical moment. Usually I sneak the glance in somewhere, and that's good enough. What kind of jumps are we talking about? Usually there's a way to set up your position shifts with fingerings that help you feel your way within a few frets.

You've been at this for longer than I have. Something tells me you may have forgotten what a struggle it was to originally find your way on the upright. (I am currently learning upright, so let me tell you that my advice is coming from a humbling experience I am currently consumed with.)

[jfv]

Have been in exactly the same situation Ricco, I'm used
to just being able to read the music and never look at
the instrument, then I've brought in my electric and suddenly
am fumbling all over on songs I know very well

As Jimmy said though, its just practice, I spent 3 years
struggling in a community symphony getting able to get
basic comfort on the DB, no reason to think the electric
is just gonna come for free

What I do is just take the electric to rehearsal and force
myself to use it. It'll come with time. Everyone likes the
change in sound anyway.

Good luck,

[ricobasso]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Much appreciated.