stamina help

joe_sorren · #1 11-30-2005, 09:54 AM

Hello all,

I was wondering if anyone could share what they do to increase their stamina. I practice about 2-3 hours nightly (technique, play-alongs, timing work etc.) but when I am playing out, I often start to crap out around the third set and often limp over the finish line.

any advice-exercises would be much appreciated.

Joe

christ andronis · #2 11-30-2005, 10:17 AM

I notice that if I don't practice with the same intensity as a gig, I crap out by the end also. It sure feels good after a few nights of playing out; my hands are strong, I could play for endless hours. I've got 7 nights in a row next week so I've been trying to play at least a couple hours every night. It has always amazed me at how much strength I lose in my hands after just a week of no playing.

BTW, how's the LaScala doing?

Steve Killingsworth · #3 11-30-2005, 10:32 AM

Do you have any tension when you play? If you are tensing up, squeezing, etc., you may feel tired much quicker than during a relaxed practice session.

joe_sorren · #4 11-30-2005, 10:45 AM

I try to play relaxed. Mostly it's my right hand that starts to plow and it takes all I have to kepp the tempo from dragging. I think it has been worse of late because of the 5 days off because of holiday traveling (damn holidays! LOL) I think both these tips are great-stay relaxed and practice as hard as you play when out.

As far as exercises, is there any burning ones you could recommed?

hand excercises? hand weights? it would be great to end the gig with more in the tank.

Thanks for the replies!

The La Scala is doing well, I haven't used it out live in a while, I enjoy the deepness of the Cleveland more. So the La Scala is the work practice bass for now.

Joe

christ andronis · #5 11-30-2005, 10:52 AM

Is there physical discomfort or is it just fatigue? My right hand actually locks up, but I had issues with Carpal
Tunnel. A couple Alieve usually help. Somewhere out on the internet are some hand stretching exercises that also help me out. They're like yoga for the hands. Sounds goofy but, I think, really effective before, after and during a gig.

joe_sorren · #6 11-30-2005, 10:57 AM

For now it's just fatigue. I warm up the hands with hot water and stretch before the sets to keep the muscules going. I think I just don't have the muscules developed yet. I have only been playing since March, but other than this last Thanksgiving week, i play every night without fail...

Abjimajik · #7 11-30-2005, 01:12 PM

Try some Alexander Technique lessons, that help me overcome my left hand problems which is why i went initially, but it has become such a big part of my music making/teaching. Can't really picture db without it.
It's another long journey though, if you get into it, but my LH stamina problems just vanished after a few lessons.
Also using arm weight and as little muscle as possible to stop notes helps prevent problems arising.