Help me with my left hand technique.

[lowfreqgeek]

Also, I like how you address the double bass ergonomics. That crossed my mind last night. It's a totally different thing than electric, but it seems people want to equate the two for hand position. I'm not quite sold on that yet. Thanks, Fergie!

In that I play both Double bass and electric, they are physically very different instruments. However, the biggest difference regarding the left hand is in the rotation of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. All the same basics apply; finger/hand shape, thumb position/shape on the back of the neck, shifting/pivoting, using big muscles (shoulder/back) rather than tiny muscles (hand, thumb), etc. Those things become amplified on the DB many times over the EB, but the same principles of ergonomics apply. You can get by with poor LH technique on the electric bass, but that same poor technique on upright will, at the very least, prevent you from having any facility on the instrument, and at the worst, will cause physical damage to your body. Applying good DB technique to electric will only give you additional facility on EB.

That is not to say that we all have to play exactly the same way; it is only to say that the principles of good ergonomics must be applied to each individual player to find what works best for them. Some things are universally true, though; bent wrists, collapsed/mashed hands/fingers, etc, are physically very limiting, even if they don't physically hurt.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

Well, this certainly throws a new idea in the mix. I will have to give this a try when I get the chance.

Also, I like how you address the double bass ergonomics. That crossed my mind last night. It's a totally different thing than electric, but it seems people want to equate the two for hand position. I'm not quite sold on that yet. Thanks, Fergie!

We are all the same, our bodies all work the same, they are fuelled the same, but the ergonomics are what are different...as are the applications of use.

The Double bass issue is addressed to show that the word to focus on in Bass Guitar is "Guitar"...not bass, Double bass ergonomics are not relevant to playing bass guitar....in the same way that bass guitar ergonomics are not applicable to Double bass.

But as a say, find out what works for you, and remember that you can use many playing techniques, and ergonomics techniques, in your playing.

The idea that you maintain the same positions, such as thumb in the middle straight up behind the fingers, while you play is repetitive use of a single position....yet repetitive strain injuries are common for new/young players. These players are trying techniques that they have not developed, have not invested time and experience to find out what they can and cannot do....as i said we are all the same biologically, but not ergonomically, so develop what works for you in any given situation.

 

[Engle]

Sarcasm or being serious? I know he isn't the best teacher but his technique/exercise suggestions are solid.

Serious. He's well worth listening to regarding technique AND he says the funniest stoner-dude things. Only Flea would demonstrate pick technique and say "I don't have a pick, because I don't play with a pick. Chris Squire does though, and he's a great bass player. Apparently he used to use a quarter, so I'll show you with a quarter."

 

[RyanKW]

I appreciate your help, but what I'm really after are the standard approaches to fingering for the left hand. I've been doing the whatever seems comfortable, and now that I've got solid right hand technique I'm looking for some more detailed left hand practices that make for good technique.

I'd make a video, and will if you want. But I have to assume that there are better examples online already.

 

[BusyFingers]

I'd make a video, and will if you want. But I have to assume that there are better examples online already.

Actually, there is a dearth of good fretting hand technique videos on youtube. I'm finding there are more bad examples than good, and the good seem to be inconsistent with themselves, even. So, please do a video if you don't mind. It may benefit more people than just me.

 

[BusyFingers]

Ok, so a couple things so far:

1) I should keep my thumb as perpendicular to the bass as possible and positioned behind the first or middle fingers all the time.

2) I should be using the tips of my fingers to fret.

3) I should not be bending my wrist excessively.

Ok, after more research I have some additions:


4) Keep your knuckles parallel to the neck of the bass.

5) Avoid flying fingers way off the fretboard when not being utilized.

This video looks like it has some interesting elements, though I'm not sure the guy himself has the best left hand technique. He does an chromatic exercise which I may start trying where he keeps every finger where it originally fretted as he moves to the next fingers. I think this may help with flying fingers and may give it a try to practice that habit out of my hand.

 

[BusyFingers]

One reason, I believe, that this technique seems to be effective is the crazy angle he's holding his bass. That's like 70 degree angle, which may be fine, but is that typical? Most bassists play their bass a lot more parallel to the floor.

 

[Kubicki Fan]

All in all, practice slowly and properly - speed comes on it's own as a result of repetition. Practicing any technique quickly (but probably crappy) will only result in you being able to do it faster later, but still crappy.

^
That is gold right there. Avoids having to unlearn something that already got into your hands.

 

[RyanKW]

Actually, there is a dearth of good fretting hand technique videos on youtube. I'm finding there are more bad examples than good, and the good seem to be inconsistent with themselves, even. So, please do a video if you don't mind. It may benefit more people than just me.

Ha, I'll probably get relegated to the ranks of the bad.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

One reason, I believe, that this technique seems to be effective is the crazy angle he's holding his bass. That's like 70 degree angle, which may be fine, but is that typical? Most bassists play their bass a lot more parallel to the floor.

"Typical"......now typical can mean bringing "art" into the playing of the instrument.
Art is that thing of how it looks and sounds....not whether it is functional to play......you decide what its worth to you.

 

[Jloch86]

Technique come from practicing a song until you get it right. Doing exercises for the sake of getting a technique down is a complete waste of time.

 

[BusyFingers]

Technique come from practicing a song until you get it right. Doing exercises for the sake of getting a technique down is a complete waste of time.

I disagree, and the floating thumb is a clear example of that. It took two months of disciplined training of my right hand to be able to do it fluently without thinking. It was worth the boring repetitive practice.

 

[fearceol]

Technique come from practicing a song until you get it right.

I disagree. Good (safe) technique comes from practicing...well...good and safe technique. For example, if you are practicing a song with your wrist severely bent, you are asking for trouble at some later time. Likewise.... if you are practicing a song while having a dead man's grip on the neck, or over stretching on the lower frets.

IMO, it is worth while taking the time and effort involved to get into the habit of using a safe and efficient technique. Once you get into the habit, it stays with you for good.

YMMV.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

OK here are four players doing it all wrong with their fretting techniques.
Watch and observe how they use their hands, more importantly listen to their tone....learn to use your ears, not your eyes.

 

[Kahrmine]

OK here are four players doing it all wrong with their fretting techniques.
Watch and observe how they use their hands, more importantly listen to their tone....learn to use your ears, not your eyes.

I understand your point, Fergie. If I can't find a comfortable standard approach I will simply invent a way for my hands to do what I want to do musically.

That being said, I'm a bit frustrated that there really isn't a consensus on left hand technique, aside from noting certain things people shouldn't do.I believe this is likely due to the impact of ergonomics and how you really can't have a one-size fits all approach to left hand technique.

I suppose I will mish-mash some of these ideas together and see if I can make it work for me.

If anyone has any other videos they would like to share I'm open to check them out.

 

[Kahrmine]

Ha, I'll probably get relegated to the ranks of the bad.

If you're willing to make a video and send it to me via message I would like to check it out.

 

[RyanKW]

If you're willing to make a video and send it to me via message I would like to check it out.

I just need a few minutes at home this week and I'll do it. Crazy week.

 

[BusyFingers]

I just need a few minutes at home this week and I'll do it. Crazy week.

No sweat, whenevs...

 

[Fergie Fulton]

I understand your point, Fergie. If I can't find a comfortable standard approach I will simply invent a way for my hands to do what I want to do musically.

That being said, I'm a bit frustrated that there really isn't a consensus on left hand technique, aside from noting certain things people shouldn't do.I believe this is likely due to the impact of ergonomics and how you really can't have a one-size fits all approach to left hand technique.

I suppose I will mish-mash some of these ideas together and see if I can make it work for me.

If anyone has any other videos they would like to share I'm open to check them out.

Trial and error, use what works, ditch what does not. Technique is what you use to achieve what you want to do, some need less 'technique' than others, some need a different technique, but in the end what works for you is your starting point, time, experience and use will refine it.

 

[Korladis]

I'm learning to incorporate a couple of different approaches. The first is to use fingers 1-2-4 (you will see it referred to as 1-2-4 in discussions). With this technique, those three fingers cover three frets in any one position up to around the seventh fret when the frets are closer together. After that, the third (ring finger) can come more comfortably into play.

The main concept is for the 1-2-4 fingers to do the bulk of the grooving in any case (the root, 3rd and 5th/octave) with these fingers, and use 3rd finger for lighter work (passing tones, scalar and solo passages). This is advocated by studio legend Carol Kaye, and is also taught by educator Ed Friedland to name two and is a carryover from double bass technique.

The other technique is called "one finger per fret" (OFPF). This is pretty much done how is sounds. It is helpful when using universal fingering scale pattern---that is, movable patterns which cover four frets per position. I think the important thing with this technique is not to hold your hand like a claw with fingers spread. For example, don't hold the index in place and stretch to reach another note with the pinky. Let go with the unused finger and use the wrist to pivot to the higher note.

1-2-4 and OFPF are not mutually exclusive techniques. They can be mixed and matched. Just avoid straining.

The player in that Fender P video seems less like a OFPF example than an example of muting in the style of Rocco Prestia who would keep all of his fingers in light contact with the string and press when needed to fret. Great for staccato, syncopated lines.

You rushed right past the answer in a way. You started by describing your unique fingers, then went looking for a one size fits all technique. The truth is that different people use different approaches, which I presume has something to do with the size of their hand/fingers.

How high you wear your bass is the first place to start. I prefer mine high, so that my wrist has just a slight bend to it. From there, try to stay on your fingertips as much as possible. And try to keep your unused fingers as close to the fretboard as possible. These two things will make it easier to jump to your next note. I keep my thumb in the general position behind by first or 2nd finger. I find this helps me pivot around on the fretboard.

You might find it easier to use a 1 2 4 fingering scheme. Upright players use their 3rd and 4th fingers as one. They have been doing this for centuries. So there's nothing inherently wrong with it. If your pinky has a hard time hold a string down cleanly, try that. Me? I tend to use 1234 above the 5th fret and 124 below it. I do this because it's the most comfortable for my hand and seems to require the least amount of effort. But if your fingers are short, you might want to switch schemes at the 7th fret.

It really boils down to how you can get around with the least amount of physical effort. The less physical effort used, the easier it is to play cleanly. And this comes back to your unique hand.

I've been using the 1-2-4 technique for several years now. Really cleaned up my playing.