Finger question from a newbie

[two fingers]

Get that thumb back around to the center of the neck or below, keep it parallel with the second finger. space one per fret starting at the fifth fret and go up each string 1 2 3 4 , 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4, then go up a fret and repeat. go all the way up til you run out of frets then play 1 4 2 3 , 1 4 2 3, 1 4 23, 1 4 2 3, and so on, build up strength over time, then drop to 4th fret and do it,. any combination helps. 2341, like that. Whenever i spend a few weeks without playing I do those exercises to wake up my hands. It hurts, that's how you know it's working.

Permutations. They work for me too. Been doing them for years.

 

[flameworker]

Permutations. Thank you, I love terminology!

 

[OldDirtyBassist]

Shift, don't reach!

I have small hands too. I use the 1-2-4 fingering method. So, in your example:

1st finger=1st fret
2nd finger=2nd fret
4th finger=3rd fret

Then if I need to play the 4th fret, my entire hand shifts 1 fret:

1st finger=2nd fret
2nd finger=3rd fret
4th finger=4th fret

Here is a video of a player with excellent 1-2-4 fingering technique. Notice how he is keeping his fingers close together (strong) and constantly shifting his entire hand 1 or 2 frets, rather than keeping his hand in one place and spreading his fingers far apart (weak).



Remember that amplified electric bass is one of the physically easiest to play of instruments. It should not require a great amount of strength or tension in your hands. Make sure you bass is properly set up, get a teacher to show you good technique, and turn your amp up loud so your hands don't have to work so hard. All your physical movements should be efficient, controlled, and relaxed.

That's one of the best drummers I've seen. I love how gritty and funky the bass sounds. He kind of composes as he goes, adding nuance to the patterns. Great vid.

 

[maltje]

Thanks a lot for the answers and your support.

kind regards to all