Practice techniques

[j3ffrey]

I have been playing guitars and electric basses for many years now. About 3 years ago I finally bought a double bass (wanted one forever). I am doing pretty well playing pizzacato (Spelling?) -Jazz and Funk Styles. However I am very interested in arco technique. I have a bow and some basic technique down as of now. I was wondering if anyone could recommend some good exercises to develop this skill. I can read music just fine and have a good musical foundation but I am finding the coordination hard. Are there any sites that offer free exercises? how can I build this technique short of taking a lesson? (that would probably work best but I don't have the time or money).

[eerbrev]

Hey there,

1st recommendation here is, as always, get a teacher. The reasons are wide-spreading, and in general you'll be happier with the results.

When working on co-ordination, I've always found working with the metronome at a slow tempo the best way to improve it. Chromatic scales, 2 octaves, at quarter note = 40 would be how I would tackle this obstacle.

Be careful, don't hurt yourself, and have fun.

cheers,

eerbrev

[j3ffrey]

Hey thanks for the advice

[David Potts]

There are earlier threads that might help you. One was started by MisterBeagle on 04-14-2008 about shifting. This Double Bass forum contains heaps of advice and it is just a case of choosing the right search questions. I will try and find a few more threads for you too.

Cheers, DP

[David Potts]

More threads for you -

menoluv 04-01-2010
thebassist 11-21-2008
cotton 4545 02-09-2011

Also posts on 07-08-2012, 11-14-2012 and 12-16-2012

Some of our names come up fairly regularly in these threads. By clicking on a name you look up a list of all the posts they have made on different topics as another quick way to hunt out information.

Happy hunting and best wishes,
DP

[jaff]

I've been working out of 'Strokin' by Harold Robinson. Extremely comprehensive with every bowing you could think of and more. It really helps to have a teacher with this book too.

[j3ffrey]

thanks David, I'll check those out