noobie issues

[fev]

Hi guys, I've just started learning the bass and am having a couple of major issues!

1. left hand - I feel like my hand is gonna snap off when I try to put my thumb on the back of the neck.

2. I have big hands but really struggle to get 1 finger per fret (is there a painless dislocation technique to utilise?)



Any advice greatly appreciated,

cheers,

Phil

[SLaPiNFuNK]

Its going to take some time...

Hold a Soda Can in your left hand. Remove the soda can, keep your hand in the same position, and place it on the back of the neck. You want to keep that rounded shape to your hand.

As far as 1 finger per fret, it may take time to feel comfortable, but put each finger just slightly behind each fret.

practice taking one finger away and putting back at a time.

the more you practice the better. but every day you practice you will get 2 days worth of practice worse...

[lomo]

Stretch first, warm up slowly and try beginning higher "up" the neck where the frets are closer together before working down.

[topper]

Sounds like you have some hand placement issues. It shouldn't be that painful. I'd say sit down with a teacher for a lesson or two. They'll probably be able to see what's wrong immediately. It will be well worth the small amount of $$ you'd pay for a lesson or two.

[fearceol]

Read the stickys at the top of this forum. There is some info there about left hand technique.

[mambo4]

wothout seeing you play, It couldbe a matter of practice or it could be a matter of technique. +1 to getting a lesson. A teacher can spot problems in your technique in person.

Check your strap height...if the bass sits too, low your left hand will suffer. Your left wrist should not be angled very much, the higher the neck is, the straighter you can keep your left hand.

Also, you may be fretting much harder than necessary. hold the strings against the fret with asthe minimum pressure needed to prevent ratteling - more pressure is wasted.

1 finger -per -fret is not a hard, fast rule. Many bassists (like me) use a 1-2-4 "Upright" style fingering without trouble. Also, don't be afraid to move your hand if you need to reach. you can "anchor" your thumb on the back of the neck and slide your palm where it needs to go, using your thumb as a reference point when sliding back to your original position.

[fev]

Cheers for he help guys, I'll try the advice, if all else fils, I'll get lessons!

Arse - money is an issue!




Thanks again,

Phil

[Emmaemme]

Originally Posted by fev

Arse - money is an issue!

I imagine that it's painful too !

[Jensby design]

Originally Posted by lomo

Stretch first

That's what I tell all of my students,most have told me that that has improved their playing more than anything.

[lexxmexx]

Are you wearing your bass too low?

[FingeringAm]

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

the more you practice the better. but every day you practice you will get 2 days worth of practice worse...

i think i get what ur saying but bro lay off the crown royal

[latkingz781]

yeah it was like that for me too when I started out, but you'll get used to it if you practice enough and get better technique.

[fev]

cheers guys, I'll try and find a teacher with some decent rep and sort it out.

[fev]

ok, i bit the bullet, first lesson tomorrow, I specified technique was what i wanted to focus on so here's hoping!
Phil