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?
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
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
