poor LH Technique + double jointed thumb

skwerel · #1 01-13-2007, 07:15 AM

I've been playing electric bass for about 5 years now, self taught, and got my bass stolen 2 years ago. I was still able to gig using borrowed equipment, but my practice time was... just about nil. This Christmas I got a replacement bass, and I have been working on a few things, but one thing that I have really noticed that I suffer in is my left hand technique. I am double jointed in my thumb, so whenever i place my thumb against the neck, it pops out of joint, causing my fingers to land in funny places sometimes

. Also, due to my lack of knowlege during my first few years of playing, my first three fingers have built up considerable strength but my pinky is quite lacking. Does anyone have any suggestions on exercises etc to help build up my pinky strength and does anyone else have the thumb problem/what did you do about it??

Edit: I realize that there have been warm-ups etc posted for the purpose of developing finger independace etc, but i was wondering about a method to build up my pinky strength to match my other fingers.

bburk · #2 01-13-2007, 03:02 PM

I don't really know what you mean by double jointed thumb... I always thought double jointed just ment that you could bend the joint back past 180 degress a bit. That's what my thumb does, and I've never seen it as any kind of problem.

as to the pinky strength question. It's a common misconception that finger strength is important for bass guitar. It's not.

I strongly suggest that you find good teacher that can look at your technique and correct any bad habits that you've taught yourself. You can bet all kinds of answers on the internet, but no matter how much advice you get here, it will never equal how much you will learn by having a pro spend an hour placing your fingers/arms is the 'proper' positions and demonstrating proper fingering technique.

Trust me, I tought myself too. But when I hit a wall, I got an instructor. Hands down, best money I ever spent.

MichaelScott · #3 01-13-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bburk

I strongly suggest that you find good teacher that can look at your technique and correct any bad habits that you've taught yourself.

+1

user101 · #4 01-14-2007, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bburk

as to the pinky strength question. It's a common misconception that finger strength is important for bass guitar. It's not.

finger strength does matter and does make a difference in how clean you fret. BUT it comes naturally through playing alot. I've seen gadgets around for finger strength training, but i'd say, use the time to play the real thing instead of squeezing some weird contraption.

skwerel · #5 01-15-2007, 07:31 AM

I find that i've been catching myself in alot of "technique traps" but i've been trying to put in a bit of time trying to brake the habits.

About the "double jointed bit," my thumb will dislocate itself; the joint where the thumb connects to the palm will just pop out, and when I am gripping the neck, it shifts all of my fingers down about a quarter of an inch.

need4mospd · #6 01-15-2007, 10:27 AM

I have a double jointed thumb and I don't have the same problem you do. I may have just picked up the bass a bit differently than you, or maybe my piano background gave my thumb a bit more strength to resist popping out.

It will help to keep the thumb on the center of the neck and your fingers slightly curled. If you are playing with flat fingers your thumb might be in a position to pop out more. If you keep practicing proper technique, you should develop some more strength and some muscle memory to keep your thumb from popping out. I suggest getting a teacher to help you out a bit more with technique as well.

MarkMyWordsXx · #7 01-15-2007, 08:15 PM

for pinky get a grip master and just use the pinky, easy. it will also probably help you with your thumb if you hold it the right way.

its really, really hard to play without your thumb anchoring. a while ago my nail got hit and fell off, extreamly painfull. so i couldnt use my thumb for a while. it was near impossible to move my fingers with any speed. so if i were you, just pop your thumb out and learn to play with it out. might not work but thats the best i got, otherwise get a splint for your thumb while your playing

Antman3820 · #8 01-15-2007, 09:20 PM

I use these myself.......I thought they might be of some use to you.

http://www.glennletsch.com/html%20fo...asswarmups.htm

iplaybassguitar · #9 01-16-2007, 03:02 PM

yeah, find a good teacher...they should be able to straighten up a technique issue such as this in only a few lessons.

also, i would practice playing scales using all four fingers, so that each finger is playing in a different fret, this is one of the best things you can do for your technique, it will built speed and stamina also.

bburk · #10 01-16-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by user101

finger strength does matter and does make a difference in how clean you fret. BUT it comes naturally through playing alot. I've seen gadgets around for finger strength training, but i'd say, use the time to play the real thing instead of squeezing some weird contraption.

I think you are confusing dexterity and speed for strength. If you can fret without having your thumb on the neck, there isn't really any strength involved... Well maybe a little, sure, but you'd have to be seriously atrophied to not posess the strength to hold your fingers still while pulling with your arm.