what defines "small" hands?

[zackg3]

Hey, guys. newbie here. I saw the thread talking about the 1-2-4 fingering and how he had trouble covering one fret per finger. Some people said they have small hands and use a 32" bass. My question is what is a small hand vs an average or large hand? I'm asking because I think I have average sized hands and i too am having difficulty covering one fret per finger. I know that it takes time and I have to improve the strength and flexibility in my left hand but if i do have small hands I may look at a 32" bass. If not i'll just keeep practicing. thanks. oh, and is there a difference in sound between a 32" and a 34" bass? thanks.

[Foxworthy925]

Well, I have small hands, and I play a 34" scale, and have to do tons and tons of fast chromatic runs all over the place for band. I manage fine. I'm even considering a 35".
There's no specific size that you can measure up to (or not) to know if you have small hands- just compare your hand size to other people you know. It's all relative.

As for one finger per fret, you are correct- it just takes time for your hands to build up the proper strength for such.

[lunarpollen]

Size is only one parameter that can affect fretting ability. The angles that your fingers naturally curve at when curled is another parameter that probably has more effect on it. Being 6'3" and lanky, I have longer fingers/bigger hands than average, but when I curl my fingers as if I'm fretting chords, all my fingertips tend to come to a point over the middle of my palm. I've tried stretching exercises, etc. to almost no avail. I did gain some additional reach that can only be acheived by anchoring some of my fingers on the fretboard and then stretching. I've noticed that my friends whose fingers don't do the same thing (or do it to a lesser degree) tend to have a much easier time with fretting ability. Their fingers naturally stay more parallel to one another when curled than mine do...

[BEADGCF]

Victor Wooten is one of the best active bass players today, and his hands are tiny IMO. His fingers look like toes...

He does just fine with a 34" scale. If your hands are smaller than that or you have other ergonomic issues you might want to try a 30" scale for a while. Personally I don't like the sound as much...I find it "mushy"...but in the right mix, with the right combo you can make it sound really nice.

[zackg3]

thanks.
i'm sure it will come along with practice. Actually I asked a friend and he said if I can cover an octave on the keyboard from pinky to index finger then i don't have small hands at I could do that.

[Eric Perry]

Carnies





And apparently, they smell like cabbage.

[zackg3]

Originally Posted by Eric618

Carnies





And apparently, they smell like cabbage.

I actually thought of that line when I made this thread.

"Small hands, you know"

[ogrossman]

I happen to know the average TBer's index finger is 4 inches long...

Average Finger Length (index finger)?

[Chipsonfire]

Originally Posted by ogrossman

I happen to know the average TBer's index finger is 4 inches long...

Average Finger Length (index finger)?

Wow, really? Mine is only about 3 1/2" by that measurement I'm still a beginner and getting better, but I only have a little trouble at the bottom of the neck. Just takes practice.

[funkalicious101]

If you hear your backdoor slam as you walk into your house, you probably have small hands.

[Nyarlathotep]

Originally Posted by Eric618

Carnies





And apparently, they smell like cabbage.

ROFL!