I need an advice

[bass12]

My first bass teacher was Rhonda Smith. She's pretty small and, at the time, was playing a lot on a five string. She later incorporated a 35" scale six string into her bass arsenal (this is someone who told me that she was too small for Fenders). I think you'll be fine.

 

[Mustaineisbro]

Get an instructor, if possible. He or she can help you figure out the technique, and also help you determine what kind of bass would be most appropriate... I think here, we're just guessing...

But my guess would be, either a shorter scale righty bass, or any lefty bass. It may be hard to switch if you're already playing right handed guitar... But aside your pinky issue, as others have said, you can get used to anything. However, a smaller instrument may encourage you more to play?

I feel like having it smaller would count as cheating. Till now i didn't have any problems nor with piano, flute nor any other insteument except guitar, where that finger really gets me.

 

[Mustaineisbro]

A possible reason for playing 5 string instead of 4 is that you can play in the middle of the fretboard instead of being stuck near the nut. For example, play G on the 8th fret on the B string instead of the 3rd string on the E string. This would be an advantage for someone with small hands. I have small-ish hands and when I play 5 string, I rarely play below 5th fret unless it's one of those handful (literally 5) of notes on the low end of the B string. Not only is the space between notes smaller in the middle range, but the angle of wrist and elbow are much more comfortable in the range between about 5th fret and about 12th fret (depending on instrument, player, etc.). Of course, this is a vote for a full scale (~34" scale) instrument rather than a mid- or short- scale instrument. I think a short scale 5 string would have a harder time producing good tone on lower notes, but I'm sure there are exceptions.

I would pay a lot of attention to string spacing, and not get a bass that is too wide.

As for playing left handed, the only disadvantage that I can think of is that there are fewer options for left handed instruments. But you just need a bass that works for you, not a collection. When you first pick up the instrument, your fingers will feel like wet noodles regardless of if it's right handed or left handed. Then you'll practice and be able to express yourself with whichever you choose.

Noodles haha, but yeah thanks that really cleared some things for me.

 

[CatSquare]

Listen to some Django Reinhardt and look at his fretting hand -- don't let your physical "limitations" stop you from doing anything.

 

[Marial]

Sorry, I know I don't speak english that well.

It's alll good. Just being cheeky.

 

[d-dave]

1. Still not sure why no one can accept that the biggest issue isn't the size of your hands but the issue with your pinkie. 40 posts ignoring the issue entirely.

2. Smaller/lefty/four strung as five... None of that is cheating. It's using tools to accomplish your goals.

3. Mustaineisbro, I think you're awesome for wanting to do this. And I think you're pretty fantastic to come in here, open yourself up and expose your "disability" or difference to seek advice from people you don't even know. Here's hoping you find your way and that 25 years from now you're telling someone the story of how you overcame to follow your passion. Good luck, little sis.

 

[MovingPitchers]

Sorry, I know I don't speak english that well.

Don't worry about it. Some people are insensitive jerks.

 

[Mustaineisbro]

1. Still not sure why no one can accept that the biggest issue isn't the size of your hands but the issue with your pinkie. 40 posts ignoring the issue entirely.

2. Smaller/lefty/four strung as five... None of that is cheating. It's using tools to accomplish your goals.

3. Mustaineisbro, I think you're awesome for wanting to do this. And I think you're pretty fantastic to come in here, open yourself up and expose your "disability" or difference to seek advice from people you don't even know. Here's hoping you find your way and that 25 years from now you're telling someone the story of how you overcame to follow your passion. Good luck, little sis.

Wow thanks man! That's so nice of you. And I too hope I make it.

 

[JimmyM]

1. Still not sure why no one can accept that the biggest issue isn't the size of your hands but the issue with your pinkie. 40 posts ignoring the issue entirely.

Django Reinhardt's left hand was mentioned once:

His left hand was burned and withered in a fire. He had only two working fingers on it, and his other two fingers were paralyzed and had very limited use of them for chords. This is how he played:

 

[d-dave]

Django Reinhardt's left hand was mentioned once:

His left hand was burned and withered in a fire. He had only two working fingers on it, and his other two fingers were paralyzed and had very limited use of them for chords. This is how he played:

Point made and duly noted. All apologies. Sincerely.

That said, Mustaineisbro, you do what YOU feel is right. Don't think you HAVE to choose a righty or a lefty or a four or a five because someone else did. I just want to see you succeed.

P.S.; Maybe put a part in your autobiography about a sarcastic jerk named Dave who encouraged you at all costs to become the superstar you became.

 

[ZenG]

I thought Ibanez made a 5-string Mikro...don't know if you can get it in a lefty version though.

Not all shortscales are the same...some it's easier to get strings for than others just because of a slight difference in scale length/ tuning post location.

I skip over posts by people extolling the virtues of longscales and how one can grow into them through better technique.
I finally got rid of my longscales....now all I have is shortscales.

My hands are quite big.

I never liked playing longscales.
I will never buy another longscale
I totally dislike longscales

People can rant until hell freezes over. I don't care. It's my life and I'm playing shortscales.

If you want a lefthanded 5-string shortscale....then by all means get yourself one if it makes it better for you personally.

 

[JimmyM]

Point made and duly noted. All apologies. Sincerely.

That said, Mustaineisbro, you do what YOU feel is right. Don't think you HAVE to choose a righty or a lefty or a four or a five because someone else did. I just want to see you succeed.

P.S.; Maybe put a part in your autobiography about a sarcastic jerk named Dave who encouraged you at all costs to become the superstar you became.

No need to apologize, Dave. I just wanted to point out that problems such as our OP's problem can be dealt with. Of course, if she's more comfy going lefty, that's cool as well, but being lefty does present some difficulties getting guitars and basses that righties don't have such as limited stock and occasional upcharges for lefty instruments. Nothing that can't be dealt with, though.

 

[Mustaineisbro]

Point made and duly noted. All apologies. Sincerely.

That said, Mustaineisbro, you do what YOU feel is right. Don't think you HAVE to choose a righty or a lefty or a four or a five because someone else did. I just want to see you succeed.

P.S.; Maybe put a part in your autobiography about a sarcastic jerk named Dave who encouraged you at all costs to become the superstar you became.

I heard about this guy, it's amazing and he should obviously shut all of our mouths, but I think I will go for a lefty anyway because it's just so mood-dropping for me to see that I just can't put my finger where it should be, while the problem is so easily solved just by switching hands.

Hehehe when I get all pro and famous, you get an honourable mention!

 

[d-dave]

I heard about this guy, it's amazing and he should obviously shut all of our mouths, but I think I will go for a lefty anyway because it's just so mood-dropping for me to see that I just can't put my finger where it should be, while the problem is so easily solved just by switching hands.

Hehehe when I get all pro and famous, you get an honourable mention!

Woot! That'll be my fifteen seconds of fame. I can't wait.