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Double Bass need your feedback

contragabo

contragabo

Apr 24, 2007
12
7
Mexico
#1
Hello everyone, I would appreciate any constructive comments, tips on my playing (specially right arm).

Before you tell me how much I suck take in consideration:
-I've never had a double bass lesson in my life.
-I don't study music.
-I don't practice everyday

-I know my bow technique is wrong, thats why I recently bought a German bow.
-I'm starting classes in a few weeks.
-I know when I'm out of tune.

Tell me what you think:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gsm89QuYedw

thanks.
 
#2
#1: get a teacher. ;)

#2: your bow-hold is typical of a violinist, with the pinky resting on top of the stick. most bass players, however, curve their pinky around the stick, letting it rest in/around the last joint of the pinky finger.

#3: your right hand is waaaaay too spread out. try this: sit down in front of a table, like you were about to have a meal. rest your hands on the table, completely relaxed. look at your right hand. that's about how spread out the fingers should be when holding the bow. maybe a little more, but definitely not as much as you're doing.

#4: for bowing, I'd try bringing the endpin in (make it shorter) so the bass is more straight up-and-down, looking at it from the front. it's easier to bow parallel to the ground, rather than at an angle.

#5: did I mention, get a teacher? :hiding: :D



-Jono
 
#4
jsbach1982 said:
#1: get a teacher. ;)
Click to expand...
Yes, I will get a teacher when my exams are over.
#2: your bow-hold is typical of a violinist, with the pinky resting on top of the stick. most bass players, however, curve their pinky around the stick, letting it rest in/around the last joint of the pinky finger.
Click to expand...
Nice advise.

#3: your right hand is waaaaay too spread out. try this: sit down in front of a table, like you were about to have a meal. rest your hands on the table, completely relaxed. look at your right hand. that's about how spread out the fingers should be when holding the bow. maybe a little more, but definitely not as much as you're doing.
Click to expand...
Yeah my "french bow grab" completely sucks, I will follow your advice. I don't like the French bow, I think German bow would be better for me.
#4: for bowing, I'd try bringing the endpin in (make it shorter) so the bass is more straight up-and-down, looking at it from the front. it's easier to bow parallel to the ground, rather than at an angle.
Click to expand...
I'll try that.
#5: did I mention, get a teacher? :hiding: :D
Click to expand...
As a matter of fact you did mention it, but you are mentioning it again implying that I suck really bad.

Thanks for the wisdom mate. :)


-Jono
 
#5
AlphaMale said:
Without even watchin hear are some suggestions
-Get a double bass lesson.
-study music.
-practice everyday
Click to expand...

As I mentioned on my first post, I will get a d-bass lesson soon. I cannot study music because I'm studying another career, I can't study two careers at the same time, I'm not a f'kin robot. Yeah I try to practice everyday.

btw, it's 'here' not 'hear'.
 
#6
contragabo said:
Yes, I will get a teacher when my exams are over.

Nice advise.


Yeah my "french bow grab" completely sucks, I will follow your advice. I don't like the French bow, I think German bow would be better for me.

I'll try that.

As a matter of fact you did mention it, but you are mentioning it again implying that I suck really bad.

Thanks for the wisdom mate. :)





-Jono
Click to expand...



I don't think we are implying that you suck really bad, a teacher will help with more than just musicall knowledge. This is a very physical instrument, and a good teacher will help with posture, and other physical issues.
 
#7
bassist1962 said:
I don't think we are implying that you suck really bad, a teacher will help with more than just musicall knowledge. This is a very physical instrument, and a good teacher will help with posture, and other physical issues.
Click to expand...

+1.

It's not about good or bad, suck or rock. The double bass is a damn hard instrument to learn, and the 'right'/'best' way to play it is not usually obvious. Certainly not as obvious as it is with most other instruments.

It's a long-standing joke in this forum, whenever anyone asks for help or advise, the first response is ALWAYS....get a teacher.

That's just the nature of the instrument.



-Jono
 
#9
contragabo said:
Hello everyone, I would appreciate any constructive comments, tips on my playing (specially right arm).

Before you tell me how much I suck take in consideration:
-I've never had a double bass lesson in my life.
-I don't study music.
-I don't practice everyday

-I know my bow technique is wrong, thats why I recently bought a German bow.
-I'm starting classes in a few weeks.
-I know when I'm out of tune.

Tell me what you think:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Gsm89QuYedw

thanks.
Click to expand...

Well, first of all (you set yourself up for this, I'm not trying to be a snob).

-Practice every day
-Get a teacher
-Study Music

Don't try and switch to German bow because you are haven't trouble with French. I guarantee you, German bows has its difficulties. When I first started playing bass I wanted to switch because French hurt and I had a bad grip (Like you). Not that French is better, but switching because French is a challenge is a horrible reason.

Listen to what everyone said about your right hand. I know right now it feels like if you closen your fingers, loosen your grip, and curve your pinkie you will not be able to hold the bow. But, after some practice and you will get it.

Not saying not to switch to German, I am just saying that switching because of difficulty is wrong. Don't think German is all that easy either.

Good luck.
 

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