Double Bass Artificial Harmonic trouble...

[JessRyan]

Hey everyone, I've got an artificial harmonic on the low Db of the A string, however i can't seem to play it! I'm double jointed in my thumb, and whenever i apply pressure at that angle with my wrist not supported the joint pops in, and i can't continue applying pressure. I can do thumb position fine, as i can support my wrist on the instrument and it's a pretty straight angle. Anybody got any ideas?
Jess

 

[Andrew McGregor]

Move it to the Db on the D string and use thumb position?

 

[eerbrev]

I have a few thoughts.

my first thought is that you could lower your strings to reduce the amount of weight (think of it as weight, not pressure. pressing's not so good) needed to achieve the harmonic. I would consider this option as one of your last resorts, as it involves changing playing style to achieve a technique.

my next thought is as to whether you sit or stand. if you're standing it will be more difficult to apply the weight needed to depress the string to get that harmonic (this coming from a bassist who prefers to stand), so you may try that. once again, it's not a great solution, but could be something to try.

my final thought is where is your elbow? you could try rotating your elbow further up to get your wrist more perpendicular to the fingerboard, changing your hand's (and therefore you thumb's) angle of attack. think of it as thumb position, and clearing the ribs of the bass, but further back on the fingerboard.

I hope some of this rambling helps. let us know how it goes!

eerbrev

 

[bejoyous]

What's the sounding note you are supposed to produce? Maybe there is another location for it.

Is it hold down the Db and touch a fifth above? a fourth above? etc.

 

[robobass]

Are you sure you're reading the music correctly? I've never heard of such a thing. What piece are you working on? Right or wrong, your profile says you're 16. At this age you need to be very protective of your hand. Thumb strength comes much more slowly than finger strength, and what you are describing sounds like a perfect recipe for injury. I actually do use my thumb in low neck positions from time to time, but I've been playing for decades, and I do this as a solution to certain difficult orchestral passages, not because it's called for in the music. If there truly is a composer out there who asks a bassist to play a low Db with the thumb, I think he is just having some fun or doesn't know what he's doing. Besides, you should be able to find the note you need as a natural harmonic on the A or E string

 

[damonsmith]

Double jointed or not your thumb should be at a right angle to joint movement. Resting your wrist on the instrument for thumb position is not a great idea either. I suggest a teacher or a NEW teacher!!

 

[fergus currie]

scan the music and post it so we can see what you're talking about....