Physical Limitations?

[stephanie]

I've been playing bass for almost 7 years. And in those 7 years I feel my technique is not what I'd like it to be. Sometimes I feel I'm not physically able to do what I want to do. And, being, that I want to teach, I don't want this to server as a hindrance to my teaching. I'm good at other things. I have a good ear, I'm a theory addict, I have great sight-reading skills and a good sense of rhythm.

One example would be playing songs at a fast speed. When practicing a song I start at a very slow tempo and work my way up slowly, not changing the tempo on the metronome until I'm sure I got it. However, every time I get to a certain speed I just can't play it. Even if it's at straight 8th notes I stumble. My brain doesn't want to communicate with my fingers and vice versa.

Another thing is slap. With slap bass I can take it or leave it. I like the sound of it. Les Claypool and others are great. However I feel it's a technique to know because kids will come into a lesson and want to learn. For almost 7 years I've been trying to learn to slap and I still can't do it. I'm sure I frustrate my own teacher because I just can't do it know matter how many times he shows me the proper way to slap. I don't seem to have the strength or something. Something's wrong.

It's hard for me to really rip at the bass in terms of volumer (or slapping/pluck). I don't have much feeling in my fingertips so it's hard to know how hard I'm pulling on the string.

Another thing is coordination. I'm terribly un-coordinated to the point of frustration.

Is there any hope?

[AxtoOx]

I'm sure there's hope.
The speed thing sounds like a mental block or confidence.
Slap doesn't take strength, maybe your trying too hard?

[haloonpc]

Yeah slapping is just about bouncing off it... you can actually slap super soft. just try to get off the string quickly... but other than that slapping cant really be taught. you basicly have to sit down and develop it on your own.

[lemur821]

You just haven't got the right motions figured out yet. I just had a minor fingerstyle guitar epiphany the other day. With what I know now, I think I'll be able to accomplish what I just couldn't seem to do before. I just didn't know what I was doing wrong before, but now it's completely obvious. Keep your eyes open and soak up everything you can, and it will hit you eventually.

[MichaelScott]

I know how you feel. It takes me weeks to get through an exercise in Slap it! I really feel like I am stupid with slap or something. But there has been snail like progress and when I compare my skills to what they were 2 years ago there has been lots of improvement.

Maybe try a new teacher? You may be attached to your current one but if you can find someone who can brake down your barriers quicker it will be worth it.

[user101]

slapping is wrist work. Keep your thumb as close to the string as possible. A compressor helps as well as slapping is usually softer than normal plucking. I've seen many people slap vigorously using a lot of forearm strength and elbow movements, but it'S tiring and pretty much a waste of energy to me.

Another thing is string setup. Lower the action of your bass and it will be easier to slap. I am one of those who really couldn't be bothered about fret noise because i pluck my strings pretty hard and i'll get fret noise anyway. So why bother.