Technique Deteriorating: Could it be my amp?

[Ezmar]

So I've noticed that My playing is a lot sloppier in the past couple weeks. Not just sloppier, but it's also somewhat more effort than it used to be. And my theory is that since I'm in college now, I can't turn up very loud at all, and I'm trying to compensate for the lost volume with my right hand technique, and I'm using too much energy and my playing is getting hung up on that. would that make sense? I haven't really had any bouts of Not practicing, it just seems harder to play, and I think it might just be because I'm working too hard to try and make up for lost volume. does this sound right to anyone? is that possible?

[gnjpowell]

Possible. I often have to practice at very low volume levels. I do notice I get sloppy with string muting when I can't hear the nasty effects of NOT muting because the gain is so low. Ideas?

[maxgrant]

Yes. If you're fighting with your bass and you weren't last week, either you've hurt your hand or you are listening for something that's no longer there.

I have had the same problem myself. It also happens with my voice -- and that can be bad. Best thing is to get a solid level of technique with the volume the way you would perform, and then depend on muscle memory to not overdo it when you are practicing more quietly.

[Ezmar]

Well, that's a relief. I was hoping I wasn't just inexplicably getting worse at playing somehow. I play a lot of fast Rush stuff, and I feel like it's just too hard lately, and it seems possible that it's because I'm working too hard to get the sound out and my too-hard attack is slowing me down. I could play it with a lighter touch, but then it sounds weak and I don't get the Sound I want out of the attack. although it would probably be there if I had some more volume. as it is, I have a 15 W amp running at less than 8 o' clock, so... yeah pretty low.

It also could be because I put some lighter strings on it over the summer and had it set up with those strings, and then they broke after about a week, and I put the old larger gauge back on, so the set up might be a little out of whack. I'm going to be getting some new strings pretty soon, though, so I'll decide if I want to get the thinner gauge, or see if the problem goes away with my larger amp back home.

Thanks for the insight!

[maxgrant]

Definitely heavier strings also would change how it feels.

But, I have done the switch from amplified practice to not, and it has an effect on how hard I hit the bass, which in turn wears my hands out faster.

[Oneirogenic]

Practice with nice headphones when you can't play as loud as you need to.

[elgecko]

Has the neck moved due to a change in climate?

[turbo chicken]

Originally Posted by Oneirogenic

Practice with nice headphones when you can't play as loud as you need to.

I've actually switched exclusively to using a headphone amp when practicing. I make sure the tone knob is maxed and volume... and use the volume on the amp.

this way i know I get all the sound from the bass I can without being colored... my technique has improved much.

This is all I can offer as it helped me improve... Decent Headphones i use these Sony MDR V150 i haven't found a better "Value" far as headphones yet specially for under 30 bucks!

I have the cheap "RockIt" headphone amp for bass from GC it's blue and gray ... it works alright if your on a budget. If you got the cash... get a better quality one if you can afford it. it's the cheapest on on the market... and you can tell cause it doesn't sound super awesome... there are better offerings out there.

[sammyp]

headphones are a step in the right direction ...i'd also add that you're pent up in school too .....that'll add to some tension ...if you're not getting a chance to blow off steam and jam with buddies .....