Necessary Techniques for an Extended Range Bassist

Fatalistic · #1 09-25-2011, 04:02 PM

A little while ago, I made a thread asking about some great seven-string Bass players. I'm very interested in picking it up.
I'd like to educate myself on it first. So, my question is this: What techniques would you consider that an extended-range Bassist should be proficient in and master?

cjmodulus · #2 09-25-2011, 04:14 PM

I'd recommend getting good at muting, from what I understand ERBs get a lot of sympathetic vibration.
It would also be helpful to work on your floating thumb technique if you haven't.
And of course, it's not necessary, but you could learn some chord voicing and use some tapping to really get all you can out of the extended range.

Righteous Thunderer · #3 09-25-2011, 04:16 PM

I'm subbing this thread. I generally play a 4 with the occasional 5, and now I'm wanting to go to 100% 6 string. My left hand is getting sore REALLY fast, hopefully something will pop up in here.

Fatalistic · #4 09-25-2011, 07:15 PM

I work on floating thumb a lot, just by messing around with random notes and making sure I switch strings a lot and quickly. I should learn how to mute really well; I've been playing a little over a year on a four string, so I've rarely had to mute, but I'm okay with it. I've been playing Trombone for six years, and that contributes to the reason I want to be an ERB player; I'm used to having C5 and F1 (Theory note notation, yay!) in my range. Tapping is something I've been having a little trouble with. I need exercises to do or something, 'cause just tapping on the fretboard isn't getting me anywhere.
Also, would it be a good idea to go from playing a four to a seven? My heart wants to; my brain doubts the idea... Just because of the neck width and having to learn how to use the new three strings.

Righteous Thunderer · #5 09-25-2011, 07:57 PM

I think, when it comes to going one number of strings to another, it doesn't really matter, just go with it. Eventually, you'll get used to it. It's kind of like how people always say to start on a 4 and build up to a 5 with time, I disagree entirely on that theory. For about a year I was solely a 6 string player because, well, that's all I had. I just need to get back used to it again haha, takes a bit of time.

Mayers · #6 09-25-2011, 08:15 PM

When I got my 5 strings I developped the floating thumb, it was very very obvious to me, I discovered the name many years latter.

When you get good at it, you won't have to mute with your fretting hand and the angle your plucking hand fingers will be even accross all strings.

russtolium · #7 10-03-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatalistic

Also, would it be a good idea to go from playing a four to a seven? My heart wants to; my brain doubts the idea... Just because of the neck width and having to learn how to use the new three strings.

I think the hardest thing about going from 4 to 6+ strings is the difficulty of fretting the lowest string(s) due to fretboard width. I have pretty medium sized hands and fretting on the lowest string of my 6 requires me to usually have my bass at a higher angle and strap height to play comfortably. The middle finger is okay, but the rest struggle to reach a bit and you don't want to be straining and struggling.

The tricky thing is that extended range basses often require higher playing height/angle to play ergonomically, but are more prone to neck dive because of multiple truss rods, tuners, etc that weigh down the neck. With my 6 I actually moved the bridge-side strap button up from the middle of the bridge so that the center of gravity shifted making playing at higher angles easier. A thick, comfortable strap (with strap locks) is a must.

The only other major downside is that buying strings will be limited mostly to online retailers as most stores stock few bass string options above 5.

bassteban · #8 10-03-2011, 10:38 AM

Seconding muting & floating thumb, but adding a suggestion- resist overplaying/trying to use the whole instrument all the time, unless the gig calls for it.

JamesGoodall · #9 10-03-2011, 10:51 AM

I have a 6er, haven't played a four-banger in almost 5 years (I've only been playing 5 years). Floating thumb (I just looked that up to find out what it was) just really comes naturally to me. My hands are pretty big, so the neck doesn't bother me much. took some getting used to initially, but after messing around on it for a few hours it felt natural. I keep my straps pretty long (hardcore. gotta have the look) to where the lower strap pin was about mid-thigh. I constantly found myself holding the bass nearly vertical (like fieldy...i felt embarrassed...) just because it was easier on my wrists and hands, but shortening the strap does the same.

I'd say if you want an ERB, go for it. Moving up one string at a time over years is in my opinion redundant. You don't start on a 3 octave keyboard and then go up slowly. you start on a full 7-8 octave one (okay, maybe five, but that just seems way to limited to me). I've never played more than a six, but I'm putting a down on an 11 string stambaugh custom in a few weeks just because I'd like to learn and extend my tapping etc, and I'm discontent with the range my 6 provides me with. (CRAP! I'm probably not a real bassist anymore because of that

)

And definitely do a lot of tapping. that's the main way I utilize my high c. That and basic chordings.

mantrabass · #10 10-03-2011, 11:32 AM

DEFINITELY, I repeat, DEFINITELY check out Stew McKinsey's page, Stewart McKinsey's SubContraBassist.com . Not only does he post different concepts and playing techniques, but a lot of mindful information for those considering whether or not to start playing.

I'm in the same boat as you, OP. I'm about to start playing on a 7-string and I'm terribly excited. However, my background is mostly tapping and fingerstyle. I'm not too bad at slapping, but I've always loved the allure in tapping. Wrote a ton of pieces, and I want to extend these songs with some extended range for more variety.

I've also always wanted the guitar tuning, so with a 7 I'm getting the guitar's range and the extra low b!

(PS: Subbed)

MistaMarko · #11 10-03-2011, 04:09 PM

I play a 7-string. Definitely need to master the 'floating-thumb' technique in order to get the feel for the many extra strings. The floating thumb also helps as a 'place-holder' for your muscles to know what string you're on subconsciously (believe me, to this day I sometimes don't know what string I'm on, it's very wide).

You need to play the bass a bit higher than other basses, as the low B string *is* harder to reach due to obvious reasons.