ENDURANCE

[Classical_Thump]

I just got some sheet music for a jaco tune for my jazz big band, and I have been progressing well with it. The only problem I have is maintaining stamina with all the eighths and sixteenths throughout the solo sections. Does anyone have any tips/drills/excercises to increase endurance and stamina. Basically anything that will increase the amount of time I can play fast will be of use. I'm sure all you guys that have covered Jaco know what I mean-any help is much welcomed. thanks

 

[Timbo]

What I found is good is just playing a walking bass line very fast... For an extended period of time, 5-7 minutes.. My fingers aache after I do that.

 

[The Clap]

It's true that if you're having trouble playing 16th note passages for long periods of time, you should practice by... playing those note-packed pieces for long periods of time on your own! I can't recommend any shortcut personally. You mentioned Jaco - I like 'Kuru' as far as endurance riffing goes.

 

[lowphatbass]

Stamina just takes time and practice. It's been my experience that when reading, especially site reading, I tire more quickly. This is because the message is recieved by your hands and fingers later, so they have to hurry, and are out of position and less relaxed. Provided that you are playing a written "solo",
you will find it easier once you memorize it..(my personal Teen Town theory)

 

[Pacman]

If you're running out of gas playing, you're probably playing to hard. Relax, and you'll be able to play much longer.

 

[Classical_Thump]

I didn't mean playing a written bass solo, I meant what Jaco is doing behind every one else's solo. Everyone in my band solos and thats probably 15 guys so it's tough to keep it up for 5-10 minutes. IU have just been working it with a metronome and trying to staye relaxed

 

[Dynna]

Play lighter.