Right hand strenght

vkiing · #1 04-16-2011, 03:02 PM

Hello TB'sers, are there any exercises to increase the stamina of your right lower arm? Because i play really fast stuff with my fingers and after a while it really starts to hurt, my fingers are fast enough, but to keep on playing like that for a while. I practice with playing very fast punk ( live ramones) but i need something more effective. Any tips?

LuckyBassPlayer · #2 04-16-2011, 03:18 PM

Step 1: Have a crappy bass with the action waaay too high even when it can go no further..
Step 2: Play that bass, and none other, for about 2 years.
Step 3: Buy a new, better one, and set the action nice and low.

You will notice the diffrence immediately, and your stamina will be pretty good on the new bass. At least, that is how I did it.

metalstorm · #3 04-16-2011, 03:20 PM

A metronome and a clock works, but be careful not to over do it because that can result in injury. Some people can only play so fast.

TBAR Shane · #4 04-16-2011, 03:34 PM

I don't really believe that a lot of strength is necessary to play the bass. If your hand is hurting you may be doing a few things wrong, such bending your wrist at an odd angle, playing too hard (not much force is needed at all, even for an aggressive sound), or both.

fearceol · #5 04-17-2011, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBAR Shane

I don't really believe that a lot of strength is necessary to play the bass.

Nor do I. This word comes up a lot in respect to playing. A minimum amount of strength from both hands is needed to play the bass.

OP : Stamina and endurance on the other hand ( pun intended

), is a different thing altogether. It is best to build it up gradually over time. Also important is to do gentle stretches before playing. Don't dive head long into fast furious playing from the very start, but allow the hands to warm up over say ten to fifteen minutes. Play some chromatic scales slowly etc, above the fifth fret. The fact that you mention your lower arm hurting, makes me think that your technique is suspect. Is your wrist straight when playing ? Ideally both wrists should be as straight as possible. Finally, make sure to drink lots of water.