I need help with A problem

TrippinOnAcid · #1 05-13-2007, 05:28 PM

I've been playing bass for almost two years now and I keep running into an issue I've had since day one. I am left handed but because those guitars are hard to come by I got a right handed one. I feel as if I don't play as well as I should. My hands get tired really quick from playing without a pick. So would that be from trying to play left handed or am I not practicing as much as I should?

ed khalimba · #2 05-13-2007, 06:58 PM

practice, man.

DocBop · #3 05-13-2007, 07:18 PM

Being left handed on a right handed instrument is normal, look around most instruments only come one way. I'm left handed and alway played right handed instruments and most lefties do. I would say you don't practice enough or have some serious technique issues and need to get bass teacher for a few lessons.

Deacon_Blues · #4 05-14-2007, 05:41 AM

Hi, I used to have the same problem until I got a bass teacher who showed me an exercise that cured the problem for me. I have described it in the thread "How to get even plucks?" in the technique forum. Read the whole thread, it should help you out. Think economy of motion.

My speed limit is now 16ths in a tempo about 95 bpm and I can hold that at least a long as a normal song lasts. It's still not that fast, but it was a major improvement for me.

EDIT: Forgot to mention this: Play as lightly as possible. Also on gigs - Many people, including myself, tend to play more aggressively on gigs than while practicing.

**BullHorn** · #5 05-14-2007, 09:32 AM

I usually let me amp do the job and not pick too hard, except on some songs when I really need a punchy tone, only then I play near the bridge with the floating thumb technique.

Otherwise, crank the volume and hit lightly closer to the neck.