On stage technique problems HELP???!!!!

madmaskbass · #1 08-31-2009, 05:02 AM

hey guys i have been working very hard lately to rectify a problem i have been having with my on stage technique...

in the practice space i could not be more comfortable, i have perfected my sound and love every minute..

One i hit the stage i get all tensed up my left hand starts locking up i play way too hard and therefore the sounds is maxing out and sounds ridiculous......i play pretty fast pickstyle metal....i dont suffer from any major nerves and have been playing on stage for about 10 years. this band is by far the most full on i have had to play and i have not experienced this before the last few years with this band...i am still playing everything but its really awkward and uncomfortable i just cannot seem to be able to shake this problem. i play once to twice a month.....

i just would love to here your expericences on things of this nature and maybe any suggestion on how to remedy my ailment thanking in advance..josh..Madmaskbass

Roadman · #2 08-31-2009, 05:33 AM

Hmmm.
Hard to say, but if you are playing too hard, it sounds like it may be a monitor issue. When I can't hear well I tend to play harder which can lead to fatigue pretty quickly. Also, just the pouring out of your energy into a hard rockin live set can tend to make me use more force in my playing. Try to relax a little more and let the amp do the work.

Com'on, playing bass is easy, right?

fearceol · #3 08-31-2009, 05:39 AM

Although you say you don't suffer from nerves, IMO this seems to be the problem, not your technique. The fact that you are fine in the practice room leads me to think this.

My advice would be to do some gentle finger stretches just before you go on. Another thing I find helpful, both before and during a gig is to breath deeply and slowly. Try to be concious of your breathing when playing.

Hope this is of some help.

MalcolmAmos · #4 08-31-2009, 06:18 AM

You've been playing with this band in the past and everything went well, what has changed? Something is causing you to tense up, this may not be band related, what has changed? New job, new relationship, new something....... The band is playing new material, playing better, when you identify what has changed I think you will have identified the problem.

wetzelman1 · #5 09-01-2009, 12:19 PM

legit, GET INTO IT. Thats what I do in my metal band. The nature of the speed and technicality means you either know the songs or you don't. My first show was a disaster because I was trying so hard to make sure I didn't mess up. Now I just rock my face off and get comfortable and I end up playing better than when I'm really concentrating. The nature of the music will just trigger muscle memory. RELAXING was my biggest improvement to my playing live.

DeluxeRed · #6 09-01-2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wetzelman1

legit, GET INTO IT. Thats what I do in my metal band. The nature of the speed and technicality means you either know the songs or you don't. My first show was a disaster because I was trying so hard to make sure I didn't mess up. Now I just rock my face off and get comfortable and I end up playing better than when I'm really concentrating. The nature of the music will just trigger muscle memory. RELAXING was my biggest improvement to my playing live.

Exactly. Your excited forebrain is getting in the way of your trained hindbrain. You can't think about what you are doing, at that point, your training--er, practice and rehearsal--have to take over to handle the music. Relax, let your forebrain think about something else (the chicks in the front row or whatever) and let your hands do their job.

Try visualizing the live experience during rehearsal and at other times (daydreaming) to try to become more comfortable with it.

Yerf Dog · #7 09-01-2009, 12:32 PM

Drinking Before Playing?

madmaskbass · #8 09-02-2009, 08:07 PM

thanks heaps for the advice all has been noted and will be put into effect........

i have had a bit of a solution that has yet to be tested on stage but i recently lost my strap at a gig and the new one i bought could be slug really low so i have change my playing position i have been mucking with that lately slinging the bass even higher and it seems to really really help...god i am a dumbass...i am used to watching players with stupid low slung bass but the **** i play cannot be pulled off with it.

i really hope to get this **** sorted seeing as i just joined a tech death band as well.....
cheers josh.