Practicing Chromatic Passages

[Bethelbass1]

I would like to know what you do to practice passages that are very chromatic. For instance:
I am play the Koussevitzky Concerto and the First movement has a section that starts on an A#(on the G string). When I use my ears to hear the passage and my normal way of fingering I often don't make the 1/2 step intervals wide enough. Therefore, when I reach the D I am already out of tune even though my ear does not hear it.
I have been practicing the passage with a drone on the D string but I'm finding it hard to tune non arpeggio notes like the C natural.
All that to say does anyone have another way to approach getting chromatic passages in tune?
Thanks

[bass-me-up]

why not use you computer?

if you have a notation program (like finale or sibelius) you might just enter the passage you're having trouble with. you can save this part as a midi file with different tempos and play-a-long.

or play the part on piano or bassguitar (with frets) and record it.

that's the way i do it.

cheers

[Bethelbass1]

That's a pretty good idea. I'll try using my computer. Thanks

[16fuss]

Hi Bethelbass, if you have a piano you can play the Melodie Note for Note and sing exactly in tune. When you can sing it in tune, play it slow and loud on your bass. Now you will notice when you get out of tune. The D you can compare to the open D-String. When you can manage the first 4 notes, the folowing Melodie will be easy.
Maybe you should think again about your fingerings. This can help you too.
Everyone has Intonationtrouble with this part of the 1st Movement until he has found a proper way to work on Intonation.

[Wild Rice Chris]

The best way I've found to play in tune is to be able to hear in tune. Sight singing and ear training help your bass playing in so many ways. Part of the problem may be due to the fact that 6 perfect half steps will drop you short of the D. Tempered tuning stretches those intervals a bit. Playing along with the computer will help you hear the tuning better in your head.

[Bethelbass1]

I actually did change my fingering a bit and it made my intonation much more accurate.
Thanks

[Davidruby]

Karr's one string shift/slide excersise is the best way to work on chromatics and improve bow to string contact at the same time.