Quicker across the fretboard?

[Fullmetal]

Ok, so I've been playing bass for about 2 years now, and I play with a pick. I can play some decent riffs, but when it comes to moving my fingers around the fretboard quickly, it isn't happening.

Are there any exercises to help speed up my finger motions? I usually practice using all my fingers across the strings (1,2,3,4 / 1,2,3,4 etc. from B to G) but is there anything more effective?

[greenboy]

Just the simplest of advice here: play relaxed and practice practice practice - especially things like this that you are aware of. Check out other players' technique too. Many of them make it look like they are hard-hittin' SOBs but often there is economy of motion and letting the amp do the work.

[DUBBED]

May I recommend a song?

Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder

[Jake of Bass]

Yes! Used to play that in a band with guitar, keys, trumpet and sax (me on bass). Funky as a mother!

[Asgath]

Practice fast pieces of music slowly and then gradually increase the tempo until you can manage them.

[mambo4]

+1 to practicing slowly first.


also, start playing your scales constricted to 1 or 2 strings. That way you force yourself to learn the shape of the scale across more than one position. Pentatonic scales are great for gracefully playing up to another position.