When the fingerboard ends!?

[Norwegianwood]

Fellow bassplayers!

So I´ve started playing classical bass, but I need some input in advance of my next lesson.

I´m doing scales in three octaves arco, and I think it´s great fun even though my neighbours will probably turn violent any second.

The most annoying part (for me and the neighbours I suppose) is the last octave on the G-string. Especially in C-Db and D, when the last notes are located around the edge of the fingerboard. I wonder, do you guys actually press the string against the fingerboard on these notes? Or do you just push the string aside? And in that case, when do you do the transition?

If you´ve got any other tips on how to get a decent sound in this area I´d be glad to hear em!

[WalpoleBassMan]

If you have any fingerboard left, push it down. If not, or the tension is too great to press it to the board, pull it to the G-string side.

[PaulCannon]

It would be best to just push the string aside, as they are essentially hypothetical notes for you at the moment. The day may come when you can get a fingerboard extension, or a bass with a longer fingerboard.

[mcnaire2004]

My teacher has me do 2 octaves when I don't have enough fingerboard. But, on high stuff (solo work ect..) I finger past the fingerboard like I would normaly except down and to the right side. This is way more difficult to play in tune. Especialy for me because I learned the harmonics there before I learned to push the string to the side. Good luck!!

[Johnny L]

My C (on the G string) is right on the edge of my fingerboard. From there, it's either harmonics or pulling the string.

I have the best luck at getting a decent sound and getting the right notes when I use only one finger to do the string-pulling. I don't know why...maybe it has something to do with letting the string vibrate with a nice "division" or something to that effect.

Another option is to pinch the string with two fingers (or one finger & thumb). You might like the sound better that way.

[Norwegianwood]

Thanks alot guys.
It´s quite a pain to get decent sound up there...! And it´s hard to seperate the notes decently as well. Guess that´s what the cello players are up against
My teacher say it´s gonna get easier once I´ve played the bass more "in", though....it will resonate better when it´s used to the frequencies. If that makes sense....
Also, I guess my jazz strings are a drag..

[ClassicalBass]

I tend to use my second finger the pull the string to the left. My other fingers, however, are right behind it. When making the transition, I recommend you play as high as you can until you run out of finerboard. The notes up there sound better if you use more bow, and play them slowly. Solo strings seem to help as well; there are a few passages that require this in Paganini's Variations on Mose In Egitto, and I seemed to find it a lot easier once I picked up solo strings. Thin strings seem to respond better in the higher register.