Not playing bass for long time

I-Flux · #1 07-20-2010, 03:17 AM

My friend has a bass that is virtually mine because he can't play. I live in the dormitory but then I will have to go back to where my parents live during summer break, and I can't take the bass with me. I have no bass at home, so I won't be playing any bass for almost 2 month.

Is there any exercise I can do without a bass? I only saw on stickies very very few of them, but i want to know if there's more.

Righteous Thunderer · #2 07-20-2010, 03:21 AM

Whenever I go through periods of time with no bass to play, I do a couple of things to keep my hands in shape for it:

1) When I have my bass handy, I stretch my fingers (fretting hand) by putting one finger on each side of the neck and kind of rolling the bass back and forth to get a good stretch. Without a bass, I use my other arm or something similar, whatever's handy.

2) I do those things where you touch your fingertips to the tip of your thumb to build dexterity on both hands, such as starting with your index and working towards the pinky, then back, going different ways up your fingers on each hand, alternating fingers, etc.

3) I find a pocket seam or something similar on my pants and as I walk around I work a beat in my head and "play" it on the seam with my right hand.

Hopefully this helps!

MalcolmAmos · #3 07-20-2010, 06:24 AM

You probably need time away from the books, but, that is where I would send you. Study how to compose bass lines. Analyze your favorite songs, understand, what makes them your favorite. Your public library will have theory books. Ask the librarian to point you to books on how to harmonize a melody line. That one was a WOW for me and opened a new door. I say ask, in that they may not have the book you need at your public library, but, will be able to borrow it from other libraries in the area. It's a free service and only takes a few days.

Stumbo · #4 07-21-2010, 01:55 PM

Maybe you can buy your roommate's bass? Will he be your roommate next year. Also, lots of inexpensive basses available on CL and TB.

mambo4 · #5 07-21-2010, 02:03 PM

I believe the best thing a bassist can do without a bass is practice reading rhythm.

DudeistMonk · #6 07-21-2010, 02:15 PM

Scrape up the cash for a bass man.

I got really depressed and didn't feel like playing (around last august) lasted for two or three months it took me another month to get back to where I was before I stopped playing (not mentally, just physical technique). The newer you are the faster you will forget and the longer it will take to get it back.

I-Flux · #7 07-22-2010, 10:56 AM

I'm a college student. I'm so poor that I have to live in cheap dormitory. I can't afford a bass even if it's $100.

And if I were to buy a bass, I would to go for one that will really satisfy me so I will use $500 on it if I can. But I don't feel like buying a bass that has a bent neck (even when I change the rod, it's still so bent).

cire113 · #8 07-25-2010, 03:32 PM

Any bass better than no bass

mcrracer · #9 07-25-2010, 03:41 PM

Your profile says nothing about you which makes it very hard to help you. But $100 or less can get you a whole lot of bass. $89. brand new from Rondo SX (Essex). Craigslist offer lots of basses at low prices. You need to know what you are looking for but you don't have to spend a lot of money. Yes , I do have my dream bass which costs more than most peoples cars but I also now have two SX basses, a fretless shortscale "P" and a "J" that I am very happy with and would take any where to play them.