Good, Effective way to Increase Speed?

[RavynWolf]

Good day everyone. I have been playing bass for about 2 years. I have been told I am quite good for the time I've played. I am relatively self taught, and I'm looking for someones advice. What is a good way to increase my speed on the fretboad? I have large hands (Can stretch to the 7th fret). Would scales work whilst there is a metronome going? Or just play fast songs?

[DocBop]

To play fast you must practice playing slow and accurate.

[RavynWolf]

I can play slow and accurate, thats why I was asking tips on speed; because I'm ready to move it up

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by RavynWolf

I can play slow and accurate, thats why I was asking tips on speed; because I'm ready to move it up

If that is true then speed would be no problem. You can use anything you want scales, patterns, sequences, better yets parts of songs. Get a notebook and track the slowest speed you can play what you're using at PERFECTLY and the fact speed you can play it PERFECTLY. Then can crank the metronome a couple notches and see how you do. In general speed develops on its own from putting time in on the instrument. Don't trying to crank the metronome and play slop thinking that will develop speed all that will teach is how to make mistakes. So don't play faster than you can play something perfectly. Pull the envelope a little and back down if sloppy. The more the practice play the more dexterity and control you develop and with that comes speed.

[NJL]

Originally Posted by DocBop

If that is true then speed would be no problem. You can use anything you want scales, patterns, sequences, better yets parts of songs. Get a notebook and track the slowest speed you can play what you're using at PERFECTLY and the fact speed you can play it PERFECTLY. Then can crank the metronome a couple notches and see how you do. In general speed develops on its own from putting time in on the instrument. Don't trying to crank the metronome and play slop thinking that will develop speed all that will teach is how to make mistakes. So don't play faster than you can play something perfectly. Pull the envelope a little and back down if sloppy. The more the practice play the more dexterity and control you develop and with that comes speed.

+1

[Deacon_Blues]

This question would probably suit the technique forum better. For speed problems, I've found that the first exercise in the exercise sticky in that forum is a good treatment. There's also other good exercises there that is there for solving technique issues. This particular one is also explained by John Patitucci in one of his instruction videos. As DocBop pointed out, it's about being able to play slowly and accurately, but I'd like to add also economy of motion to one of the keys to fast playing.

[RavynWolf]

Thanks for the quick response guys. Awsome tips, I'm off to try it

Thanks

[tmart937]

Slow is smooth
Smooth is fast

I would like to thank the movie "Shooter" for that line.