Two-hand tapping - finger strength

[gjsven]

Hi all,

I've been teaching myself two-hand tapping techniques out of a lesson book (Progressive Tapping for Bass Guitar by Stephan Richter). The goal is to be able to write and play some light arpeggio-based rhythm parts similar to what folk/roots guitarists play by fingerpicking.

While I'm progressing reasonably well through the book I continue to have problems with striking clear and consistent notes, particularly close to the nut and with my pinky fingers. Often the series of notes I've played before can put my hand in a difficult position to get the leverage to strike a clear note, even with my index fingers (an example - striking the 9th fret G string with index finger LH while holding a note hammered on the 10th fret D string with ring finger LH).

I am assuming this is all a thing of practice and hand strength. So - does anyone have any tips for me, and does anyone have any hand/finger strength exercises which have helped them with their playing?

Cheers!

[Beast]

Chromatics always worked for me, just try doing chromatic runs using only one of the hands. It'll give ya a nice workout.

[johncg]

I've built up the strength gradually the same I way approach everything else. I just start with what I can do well in a completely relaxed state both physically and mentally, create a "musical exercise" (a little composition or motif) from it, and gradually increase the difficulty as my relaxed state becomes more and more skilled.

I really think that's all anyone needs to say about building technique, once the concept of what the technique consists of on the bass, is established. Relax, relax, relax... let it be effortless.