Newb Question

Phatty · #1 01-19-2011, 06:39 PM

I recently just picked up playing bass. Right now I am just focusing on my plucking and fingering and making sure I have a correct clear tone. My problem is my fingering, I have no problem, actually have found it very easy for my fingers when they go towards the body of the bass, but when I go towards the headstock my fingers coming off the string makes a very ugly scratchy sound. I am currently taking lessons, but would prefer a quicker answer from anyone willing to help as to how to train myself to not get this sound. I am new to this forum and apologize if this has been answered in a previous post. Thanks for any help!

Deathblade Eric · #2 01-19-2011, 07:16 PM

First up, welcome aboard. Take a bit of time to plough through the 'stickies' at the top of each forum - there's bucketloads of good information in these & you'll find that a lot of questions are answered.

To the issue at hand... If I read you correctly, there are no quick solutions to this one, but it WILL sort itself out of its own accord as you progress. Bring it up with your teacher, but I dare say they'll tell you to practice, then practice some more, & finally round it off with some more practice

You're aware of it, which is great - before long you'll hit on the means to correct it.

There's a possibility that your left hand positioning might be causing the problem. Have a read of this & watch the videos:

http://adamneely.com/2010/07/17/that-pesky-left-hand/

Adam goes by the handle of haVIC5 on TalkBass & I for one agree 100% with his method for left hand positioning. 'Bad' left hand technique can result in some really heavy long-term injuries, so it's something to get sorted out early on.

It's a long, strange trip you've embarked on & it has no end, but it's a fun ride & will take you all sorts of places.

Per Ardua Ad Astra.

Pete.

Phatty · #3 01-19-2011, 07:28 PM

Much appreciation, thanks!

MalcolmAmos · #4 01-20-2011, 05:30 AM

Quick solution. There is none. Quick help -

Silicone Spray - spray your strings. Walmart will have cans, your music store will have cans, Walmart has larger and cheaper cans.

pbd · #5 01-20-2011, 05:33 AM

welcome to the forum, there is tons of advise to be had but not many short cuts. Keep working at it and it will eventually come around!

Todd

Phatty · #6 01-20-2011, 06:19 AM

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback; I wasn't really looking for a shortcut. Just wanted to make sure I'm practicing with good, correct habits.

Chris K · #7 01-20-2011, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phatty

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback; I wasn't really looking for a shortcut. Just wanted to make sure I'm practicing with good, correct habits.

Your left hand issues may have very complex reasons. I really disapprove of any special measures like spray and stuff (sorry, Malcolm). If you would need them, most of us would, and AAMOF we don't.

From you description I would guess that you keep your elbow too far away from the side of your body. The elbow should be near (but not against) the side, allowing the elbow to just pass your side when you move your hand up the neck. If you move your hand to the lower frets, keep the elbow near your side, the wrist almost straight (flexed in slightly and flexed to the pinky side a little). Do not stretch the thumb but have your hand like if you are holding a soda can. Play with the fingertips, not the pads.

For further reference, check out my pages on health, especially these:

http://chriskeuken.nl/health/the-nar...ow-relief.html
http://chriskeuken.nl/health/the-nar...ist-guard.html

Stumbo · #8 01-20-2011, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phatty

...when I go towards the headstock my fingers coming off the string makes a very ugly scratchy sound.

Is the sound like an acoustic guitar makes when a finger is dragged up or down the string when changing chords and such?

Seems to me that you're still slightly touching the strings as your fingers down the fretboard.

Something like this: http://playbassnow.com/playing-style...hed-arpeggios/ Check out 5:07.

If you turn the volume up you can hear fingers sliding lightly on the strings. He doesn't completely remove his fingers from the strings when playing a scale at a faster tempo. And this from a pro.

I assume you're using round wound strings. Possibly dialing down the treble on your bass/amp may help. If you use flat wound strings, they also will reduce the scratchiness. Achieving a light touch will reduce the scratchiness as well.

I suggest you demonstrate to your teacher and have him comment on your technique as well.

IMO, there's no downside to using string cleaners and lubricants to reduce friction. There have been many TB threads covering cleaning/boiling strings to improve their tone and longevity. Here's a link to a well known string lubricant(Fingerease) that I've used with xlnt results. It reduces drag on the strings.

I've also used Gibson String cleaner (along with a micro-fiber cloth) with good results. Here's another link to a list of a bunch of items to choose from that may help you out.

Granted, using cleaners/lubricants won't improve your technique. However, IMO, there's no downside to reducing friction from the strings and neck. I've never read anything that indicates increasing friction helps your technique and the playability of your instrument. Why suffer when removing string/neck/nut/bridge friction is so easy to do?

Also, if you use hand lotion a couple of times a day to keep your fingers soft, it may reduce any scratchiness caused by dry skin raking the strings.
I use Cetaphil. It's not greasy, fragrance free and long lasting. Been using it for a few months now. Xlnt results.

WarPhalange · #9 01-20-2011, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phatty

I recently just picked up playing bass. Right now I am just focusing on my plucking and fingering and making sure I have a correct clear tone. My problem is my fingering, I have no problem, actually have found it very easy for my fingers when they go towards the body of the bass, but when I go towards the headstock my fingers coming off the string makes a very ugly scratchy sound. I am currently taking lessons, but would prefer a quicker answer from anyone willing to help as to how to train myself to not get this sound. I am new to this forum and apologize if this has been answered in a previous post. Thanks for any help!

I think... I think what is happening is you are getting buzzing when you take your fingers off of the string.

Where do you put your fingers when you are fretting? It should be right before the fret. Not on top, not in between two of them, but right before the one you want. The reason I think this is the case is because the problem goes away as you get higher up the neck.

Disclaimer: I have a fever now so I'm not even sure what you wrote in your post.

Phatty · #10 01-22-2011, 09:33 AM

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Yes, I'm correctly pressing down right before the fret. No, I'm not really considering using any sort of string lube as of yet. I def think it's been partly due to the pressure I put on the strings, I've been forcing myself to use as little as needed, but I guess a lot of times I can overlook it and use too much. It's been getting better, I've really appreciated the videos on proper fretting hand technique. Thanks guys for getting me started off on the right foot.

Stumbo · #11 01-22-2011, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phatty

Thanks guys for getting me started off on the right foot.

Right hand is better!

Note: even wiping the strings down (top and bottom) with a clean cloth after each time you play would be helpful. You'll be surprised what comes off the strings. I also suggest washing your hands prior to practicing.