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Sweeps

Discussion in 'Technique [BG]' started by brutalmetalguy, Nov 25, 2003.


  1. Nov 25, 2003 #1
    brutalmetalguy

    brutalmetalguy

    Nov 24, 2003
    Lufkin, Tx.
    I need some help with a technique.

    I have been practicing sweeps for about a week now, and they are HARD! Does anyone have any suggestions that would make them easier?

    Thanks very much for everyone's help. I really appreciate it.
     
  5. Nov 25, 2003 #2
    brutalmetalguy

    brutalmetalguy

    Nov 24, 2003
    Lufkin, Tx.
    I forgot to mention that I play with my fingers, and never use a pick. So, if anyone has any suggestions reguarding sweeps with your fingers, please help me. Thanks.
     
  10. Nov 25, 2003 #3
    thrash_jazz

    thrash_jazz

    Jan 11, 2002
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Artist: JAF Basses, Circle K Strings
    There are many ways to do them, but the way I do them is to use one finger per string while ascending and "rake" the strings with one finger while descending.

    Another thing I've been practicing is raking with my thumb while ascending.

    BTW, the bassist for Cryptopsy is Eric Langlois. :)
     
  14. Nov 25, 2003 #4
    brutalmetalguy

    brutalmetalguy

    Nov 24, 2003
    Lufkin, Tx.
    Hey man, thanks. I really appreciate your help, and I'll give it a try.
     
  18. Nov 25, 2003 #5
    thrash_jazz

    thrash_jazz

    Jan 11, 2002
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Artist: JAF Basses, Circle K Strings
    No problem, and welcome to TB!
     
  22. Nov 25, 2003 #6
    christle

    christle Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2002
    Winnipeg, MB
    What is a sweep? I haven't heard the term before.


    Thanks, Dan
     
  26. Nov 25, 2003 #7
    brutalmetalguy

    brutalmetalguy

    Nov 24, 2003
    Lufkin, Tx.
    A sweep, somebody please correct me if I am wrong, is an arpeggio played in two "sweeps", up and back down. (I think it is an arpeggio, I don't know much about what certain structures are called... Nobody ever taught me.) But, that is what I think it is...

    An example would be something like this:

    G--------------3-5-7-5-3-------------------------
    D------------5-----------5----------------------
    A----------7---------------7---------------------
    E------------------------------------------------
    B------------------------------------------------

    That being played quickly, in two "rakes", or "sweeps", up then down. Hammer-on and pull-off
    the middle three notes.
     
  31. Nov 25, 2003 #8
    thrash_jazz

    thrash_jazz

    Jan 11, 2002
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Artist: JAF Basses, Circle K Strings
    Correct - it's basically a very quick arpeggio.

    The difference is that each note is not individually plucked (when using a pick, at least) - it is "swept", using the same picking motion as when playing a chord.
     
  35. Nov 25, 2003 #9
    christle

    christle Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2002
    Winnipeg, MB
    Thanks. Very helpful. I now have a new exercise. :D

    Dan
     
  39. Nov 26, 2003 #10
    Darren R

    Darren R

    Sep 25, 2003
    Toronto, Canada
    Check out the bass lessons on www.bassically.net for sweeping exercises and further instruction.

    Cheers
     
  43. Nov 26, 2003 #11
    christle

    christle Supporting Member

    Jan 26, 2002
    Winnipeg, MB
    OK Thanks!

    Dan