question about a rather odd subject

cartelli_man · #1 07-01-2009, 08:23 AM

hi i'm a slightly new bassist you could say. i've been playing for about 3 years and i have a small band to just fool around with...nothing major yet really. but while watching alter bridge (i know many don't like them but i do) i was studying the technique bryan marshall used while playing and what struck me is he does alot of slides up and down through out his songs sometimes. and his bass is worn low, very low. and there he doesnt use his arm to anchor down the bass he only uses his thumb on the pickup or string for position. so the bass isnt anchored...i tried doing this and i can't seem to slide down on the lower frets when its like that because every time i try the bass is pushed by my hand in a weird direction...would anybody like to help me with this how can improve this or if i'm doing anything wrong really? because usually i play with my bass worn up...way up...like up to my neck almost...so its a change but it is slightly more comfortable i would just like to get the slides down
please tell me your input on the matter thank you

anthowl · #2 07-01-2009, 08:55 AM

don't try and copy another bass player until you have learned what works for you.

derekd · #3 07-01-2009, 09:55 AM

Everytime I see a guitarist or bassist with their instrument slung low like that, I think of one thing...repetitive motion injuries.

Lots of players who wear their bass up use slides. Look around at other players, or just keep working with the technique until it works for you.

cartelli_man · #4 07-01-2009, 12:03 PM

ya i always played with my bass up...but it feels slightly better when i hang the bass low...yet i would have to give up some playability for comfort...thats the only problem i have

mkrtu9 · #5 07-01-2009, 12:08 PM

just practice a lot and you will get it. I play mine kind of half and half... I don't like it slung up around my neck but I don't like it at my knees either. Just put it where you feel more comfortable then keep working on your technique. You will get it after awhile.

HogieWan · #6 07-01-2009, 12:14 PM

Mine sits just below where it would when I am seated

EADG mx · #7 07-01-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cartelli_man

hi i'm a slightly new bassist you could say. i've been playing for about 3 years and i have a small band to just fool around with...nothing major yet really. but while watching alter bridge (i know many don't like them but i do) i was studying the technique bryan marshall used while playing and what struck me is he does alot of slides up and down through out his songs sometimes. and his bass is worn low, very low. and there he doesnt use his arm to anchor down the bass he only uses his thumb on the pickup or string for position. so the bass isnt anchored...i tried doing this and i can't seem to slide down on the lower frets when its like that because every time i try the bass is pushed by my hand in a weird direction...would anybody like to help me with this how can improve this or if i'm doing anything wrong really? because usually i play with my bass worn up...way up...like up to my neck almost...so its a change but it is slightly more comfortable i would just like to get the slides down
please tell me your input on the matter thank you

Are you watching music videos or live videos? Do not trust the former!

Secondly do not wear your bass low just because X player from a band you like does. This will not help you play like them, really it's counterproductive to playing anything.

Be selective about who you learn from by watching. There are tons of famous musicians with (commonly accepted as) bad technique.

JimmyM · #8 07-02-2009, 01:41 AM

It's all good and well to want to do things other bassists do, but in the end, you have to find your own way. I hate playing bass up really high, but if I play really low, it's difficult for me to play well. So I play my bass where I like it, which puts the strings at about the beltline, maybe a little lower.

As for the slides, you're just using too much pressure with your left hand. Glide your left hand up and down the neck using only the minimum pressure it takes to hold the string to the fretboard, and avoid putting too much pressure on the neck with your thumb. Just sit there with your bass for a half hour and practice it.

vbasscustom · #9 07-05-2009, 03:31 PM

i play with my bass so that my plucking arm, the forearm is at a 90 degree to my bicep. i find it most comfortable this way, it basically just below the breast line.

cartelli_man · #10 07-08-2009, 07:42 AM

thanks for the great tips guys i appreciate it

NKBassman · #11 07-08-2009, 08:42 AM

I have mine slung so that the pickups rest right around my belt, or maybe a little higher (depends on the day, I'm constantly adjusting my strap ever so slightly). I hold my bass angled up slightly, but kind-of more pointing forward off my right hip, rather than totally perpendicular to the way I'm facing.

I've found this to be the best balance between high and low with regards to both playability and comfort, but that's only what works for me. Mess around with it until you find something that's comfortable to you.