relaxation

[SOA_bassist]

whether i play fast or slow i end up tensing up in my right arm all the way up. This usually happens when playing really fast bass lines with my band or playing to a click track or metronome at any tempo ( especially when i try to keep my elbow out of my side, but even when it is on my ribs ).

how do i relax the muscles, keep them from tensing up?

 

[Der Bluten Kat]

assuming you are right handed, i would say just relax dude.. make sure your bass is in a comfortable position and your arms arent moving all over the place (especially your right one).. i usually keep my elbow in my ribs.. all i can say is play with your fingers not your whole arm ya know

 

[mkettner]

Thumb position really helped me. Once I placed my thumb roughly between my middle and ring fingers on the back of the bass neck it got a lot better. Also make sure the thumb is on the bottom half of the neck. Let me know if that works.

 

[SOA_bassist]

eh it works for comfort but then it ends up sliding back up to the top lol

 

[cosmic53]

Don't press so hard. Find out how much force is really needed to hold the string down. Study which muscles really need to be flexed to hold the string down.
All that remains is your strength against yourself.

 

[DaemonBass]

Some keys to relaxation while playing fast/complex things...

1) First be able to count out the beat of what your playing, try to stay at a steady tempo (don't start speeding up)

2) Focus on breathing regularly (no short in/out breaths or holding breath)

3) Be aware of any tenseness that begins to build up and focus on breathing and repositioning yourself or playing differe ntly to allievate the tenseness.

 

[Lowtonejoe]

whether i play fast or slow i end up tensing up in my right arm all the way up. This usually happens when playing really fast bass lines with my band or playing to a click track or metronome at any tempo ( especially when i try to keep my elbow out of my side, but even when it is on my ribs ).

how do i relax the muscles, keep them from tensing up?

Practice slower.

Only increase tempo, in steps, when you can play the phrase or piece relaxed.



Joe.

 

[KarateKid25]

Practice slower.

Only increase tempo, in steps, when you can play the phrase or piece relaxed.



Joe.

+1 When im training for karate, the same thing happens. You go so fast you end up slowing yourself down! You need to practise a bit slower and build up. Concentrate on what muscles are being used and when they go tense, focus on relaxing them. After a while you will be playing quicker before you start to tense up.

 

[lemur821]

Practice slower.

Only increase tempo, in steps, when you can play the phrase or piece relaxed.



Joe.

+1

You've got to pay close attention and relax your arm every time it starts to tense. You'll have to slow down a lot to do that. Don't ignore the rest of your body though! Watch for tension there too.