A few basic questions

[Avalis]

I'd like to first say that I've lacked any type of formal instruction, mainly because I can not afford it. My "friend", who is a guitarist (I know, I know, big mistake) was supposed to teach me but never has. I also have a Dean Playmate EAB with a 34" fretboard so it's set up like an acoustic which means a wider neck.

1)What is a good way to place your fretting hand on the bass? I usually have my thumb resting out on bottom of the neck, pointing towards the headstock, and the other four fingers spaced out between 3 of the frets (which is sometimes quite a hassle to reach but I also can't reach for 4 finger 4 frets.)

2)Is there a secret for keeping your fingers hovering over the frets or is that just learned over time? My hand always wants to move the pinky side off the fret board when I use my middle finger on the higher strings

3)What is a good way to train my picking arm to just move the wrist and not the entire forearm or is that normal? Every bass lesson I've read stays to keep my wrist straight, and not to do too much motion.


Also, if anyone can think of a good website or post that talks about beginner technique, if you could post that it'd be very helpful

~Avalis

[waleross]

Get yourself a bass teacher, Upright or Electric does not matter. Where ever you live, there is somebody within say 25 miles that can help you. Music lessons at a Mom and Pop store, YMCA or a community center. I'm taking guitar lessons at a music store . I went to music school many years ago. . I have all kinds of DvD's, books and tapes but in person lessons can't be replaced.......good luck,

[Axel15810]

I'm somewhat of a beginner too. www.studybass.com is the best site out there I know of as far as free bass lessons. I've learned a lot there. Check out the "bass technique" lessons for any questions about holding the bass or fretting. Also go on different websites and watch expert bass players play and hold the bass.

[tobie]

Originally Posted by Avalis

I'd like to first say that I've lacked any type of formal instruction, mainly because I can not afford it.

Welcome to the club. I can't find a teacher regardless of affordability. Don't loose heart though. There's stacks and stacks of info available on the 'net and in books, CD's & DVD's.

You'll find good answers to your questions via this forum's Search feature alone. Go to the 'Technique' section. You'll find relevant info under its stickies (at the start of the Technique section). For example: 'Floating Thumb Technique' relies heavily on moving your forarm in order to keep your wrist straight.

Originally Posted by Avalis

2)Is there a secret for keeping your fingers hovering over the frets or is that just learned over time?

Yes. Perseverance. Although that's no secret...

Do searches on 'bass technique' on youtube. There's some really good stuff there.

[MalcolmAmos]

Originally Posted by Avalis

1)What is a good way to place your fretting hand on the bass? I usually have my thumb resting out on bottom of the neck, pointing towards the headstock, and the other four fingers spaced out between 3 of the frets (which is sometimes quite a hassle to reach but I also can't reach for 4 finger 4 frets.)

I grew up with - thumb on the back side of the neck as close to the middle as possible. The bass is wider in the first 4 or 5 frets and this can causes a problem - I'd suggest you get your thumb to the back of the neck and if you have to slide, well I won't tell. LOL

2)Is there a secret for keeping your fingers hovering over the frets or is that just learned over time? My hand always wants to move the pinky side off the fret board when I use my middle finger on the higher strings

Most patterns cover 4 frets and we have 4 fingers, so you should be teaching yourself to use index on the 1st fret of the pattern, middle on the 2nd fret of the pattern, ring on the 3rd fret of the pattern and then little finger on the 4th fret. Doing it this way I think will help with your situation.

3)What is a good way to train my picking arm to just move the wrist and not the entire forearm or is that normal? Every bass lesson I've read stays to keep my wrist straight, and not to do too much motion.

Well we don't strum. If you use the fingers to pick the strings I think that problem will go away. I do recommend you use your fingers to sound the strings.

Also, if anyone can think of a good website or post that talks about beginner technique, if you could post that it'd be very helpful

The others have pretty well answered this.

One other thing, this forum will point you to using an instructor. Yes, an instructor does help, but, if one is not in the works, there is enough help on the Internet to get you going. Don't give up from not being able to have an instructor.

Good luck, and remember you bought that bass to play songs. Don't forget to practicing your riffs over songs, i.e. Internet backing tracks or your CD's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUK5pE5x_6A

Not sure anyone mentioned this. Know where the notes are on your fretboard. www.studybass.com will help with that. You've placed the root, where is the 5th? It'll always be up a string and over two frets. Where is the 3rd, well it is always up a string and back one fret. Things like that sure help.

Have fun.

[Zeus_Mutation]

I've been in search of a bass teacher but can't find one to get back with me ... I've tried several areas from local music shops, classified adds, guitar center, this site. Not a single return email or phone call. I live in Long Beach of all places, talk about centrally located lol. Finding a teacher has become more difficult than playing the instrument.

So I have been playing daily for approx. 36 days now ... I use www.studybass.com for my basic lesson & theory. Great site but I do have questions ... There is enough however to keep you very, very busy.

Good Luck!

[sleepytime]

Somebody posted this link in another thread. It might help you out.

Left Hand Position

[MalcolmAmos]

Originally Posted by sleepytime

Somebody posted this link in another thread. It might help you out.

Left Hand Position

That is a great how to video.

[Avalis]

First, I want to thank everyone for their replies. I would also like to let you guys know that I have a gig Aug 7 for our drummers birthday so all the advice I can get helps and I appreciate you taking time to answer my questions

Originally Posted by sleepytime

Somebody posted this link in another thread. It might help you out.

Left Hand Position

Thanks man, I'll check it out!

Originally Posted by Zeus_Mutation

I've been in search of a bass teacher but can't find one to get back with me ... I've tried several areas from local music shops, classified adds, guitar center, this site. Not a single return email or phone call. I live in Long Beach of all places, talk about centrally located lol. Finding a teacher has become more difficult than playing the instrument.

So I have been playing daily for approx. 36 days now ... I use www.studybass.com for my basic lesson & theory. Great site but I do have questions ... There is enough however to keep you very, very busy.

Good Luck!

Haha, I know what you mean, I'm in the dinkiest little town anyone can possibly imagine and I believe there was only 1 teacher in my area so I might contact him.
Yeah I've used Study Bass before and they are quite good. I might reread the lessons, but even reading that I'm pretty sure I didn't get it all the first time.

Originally Posted by MalcolmAmos

I grew up with - thumb on the back side of the neck as close to the middle as possible. The bass is wider in the first 4 or 5 frets and this can causes a problem - I'd suggest you get your thumb to the back of the neck and if you have to slide, well I won't tell. LOL

Most patterns cover 4 frets and we have 4 fingers, so you should be teaching yourself to use index on the 1st fret of the pattern, middle on the 2nd fret of the pattern, ring on the 3rd fret of the pattern and then little finger on the 4th fret. Doing it this way I think will help with your situation.

Well we don't strum. If you use the fingers to pick the strings I think that problem will go away. I do recommend you use your fingers to sound the strings.

The others have pretty well answered this.

One other thing, this forum will point you to using an instructor. Yes, an instructor does help, but, if one is not in the works, there is enough help on the Internet to get you going. Don't give up from not being able to have an instructor.

Good luck, and remember you bought that bass to play songs. Don't forget to practicing your riffs over songs, i.e. Internet backing tracks or your CD's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUK5pE5x_6A

Not sure anyone mentioned this. Know where the notes are on your fretboard. www.studybass.com will help with that. You've placed the root, where is the 5th? It'll always be up a string and over two frets. Where is the 3rd, well it is always up a string and back one fret. Things like that sure help.

Have fun.

Yeah, I started doing that after reading this post a few days ago, it helped a little bit. If I have to slide, pray that I move my left hand fast enough. lol.
I've done that for a while (even though I'm still training my pinky...), but for some reason my fingers want to back away from the strings
I'll give that a shot mate, thanks for all the advice!

Originally Posted by tobie

Welcome to the club. I can't find a teacher regardless of affordability. Don't loose heart though. There's stacks and stacks of info available on the 'net and in books, CD's & DVD's.

You'll find good answers to your questions via this forum's Search feature alone. Go to the 'Technique' section. You'll find relevant info under its stickies (at the start of the Technique section). For example: 'Floating Thumb Technique' relies heavily on moving your forarm in order to keep your wrist straight.


Yes. Perseverance. Although that's no secret...

Do searches on 'bass technique' on youtube. There's some really good stuff there.

Thanks, bro I'll go check that out and see where it gets me.

[Stumbo]

Check out the links in my sig. below.

Good luck.

[mambo4]

Originally Posted by sleepytime

Somebody posted this link in another thread. It might help you out.

Left Hand Position

I take issue with the extent of that guy's left wrist bend, especially in the lower frets.
I think it's pushing the limit of what would be healthy.
Overly bent wrists weaken your finger strength, strain your tendons and carpel tunnels, and can cause many long term problems.

IMHO...I keep my wrist much straighter:



I like Gary Willis' Vids for reference

fingeirng scales:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtrtG7oVTIA
how hard to fret:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoHEq...eature=related

Carol Kaye's web site would be a good place to look for information about proper pick technique

[pandaman37]

haha, thats the same bass i started out on.
i used to use the neck as electric players would use a pickup to pluck, dont do that much anymore, as it just slaps on the fretboard with looser strings. but then again i dont really play songs on it, i really just goof around on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M8CVYjy75g
as far as im concerned, acoustic bass is not like electric bass, its best to find your own way to play.
youtube can teach a whole lot as well, it will take time, but im sure youll do great.

[Avalis]

I find electric easier to learn hand technique then my own. I spent the past few days trying to train my thumb and pinky to no avail. Thumb still wants to bend in and pinky doesn't arch, it's kinda just straining to reach the E string and then it looks like it's just lying there.. lol.
I'll try to get a photo of what I'm talking about.