Left Hand Stretch

[valoo]

My question is similar to Leonin's. I have trouble getting my left-hand fingers to stretch so that each finger tip is just above each fret when I play standing up. When I try to play octaves on the first 7 frets, playing both notes simultaniously, I often have to bend my wrist at intensive, straining angles. When I don't do this, I get buzzes and a muddy sound, especially when playing slap.

Any suggestions on how I can solve this? Would the exercises posted in "Left Hand Questions" work for my situation or could it be my technique?

 

[Jace The Bass]

Theres a good book for lefthand stretching
Its called BASS FITNESS by J Du Pres I think theres another thread on this subject somewhere just doing a few exercises in this book everyday should help strengthen your lefthand as for your slanting of the wrist maybe make adjustments to your strap hope this helps

 

[Joe P]

If I'm playing just octaves on the first five-or-so frets (well OK, probably seven frets) - as opposed to scales - I don't wear out my hand by going 'one-fret-per', like index-ring or middle-pinky. I go index-pinky.

I suppose some here think that's a sin, though.

Joe

 

[MichaelScott]

Bass Fitness

+1

buy it. play with it. love it.

Don't forget the metronome.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Also just play the chromatic scale up and down at the first fret.

 

[Joe P]

Also just play the chromatic scale up and down at the first fret.

WITH the metronome.

 

[Figjam]

If I'm playing just octaves on the first five-or-so frets (well OK, probably seven frets) - as opposed to scales - I don't wear out my hand by going 'one-fret-per', like index-ring or middle-pinky. I go index-pinky.

I suppose some here think that's a sin, though.

Joe

I do it.

 

[valoo]

OK, cool. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Starrchild]

I do it.

Me 2.