Flanker Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I was unfortunate enough to have a stroke just over five months ago and unfortunately my right hand is never likely to recover to its former 'glory' . I can grip but cannot release , but my wrist is slowly showing signs of life ! This morning i once again tried frustratingly to play the bass and i think with some help and a bit of lateral thinking I will be able to ( after a few months of practse) be able to play along to simple tunes!!! I can just grip a plectrum and if i can devise some way of holding the other fingers out of the way we'll be in business! Can you recommend some one note or basically really simple bass lines to practise to? (Bearing in mind I 'm 51 and while i like metal etc keep in mind slow is probably better!!!) While I'm here i want to mention my friend Joe Philpotts (Fingerz) who has been very kind and who's bass playing ability just blows me away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gust0o Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Glad to hear you're in the mend, Flanker! I quite like the old rock, and some of the AC/DC and ZZ Top lines look very straightforward - something like Thunderstruck has very little fretting hand action, but a nice beat which might be good to get to grips with - and it's a totally boss song, of course! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Sorry to hear this, mate... I've always played with a pick and have thumb and forefinger holding the pick, other three fingers placed on the bass body and edge of hand on the bridge ready for muting duty... if necessary. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuNkShUi Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I on the other hand dont play with a pick, so cant offer any useful advice other than maybe start off with a lighter gauge pick? That would probably take less tension to strum with. The reason i posted here though..... Good to hear your getting better mate, and glad to see you still have an appetite for the sonic lows! Could maybe do a video blog/diary kinda thing once a month to show how progress goes? Obviously if this is a little more effort than you want to do, no worries, but im sure there'd be a good few people interested in seeing you playing again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obbm Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Hi Steve Really glad to hear that things are improving. There are plenty of simple bass lines, roots and fifths, in early skiffle, Johnny Cash, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 [quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1317299691' post='1389199'] I on the other hand dont play with a pick, so cant offer any useful advice other than maybe start off with a lighter gauge pick? That would probably take less tension to strum with. [/quote] A very good point! I use a Herco Gold Nylon Flex 50 which is flexible but not too floppy to dig in with... so to speak. I'll send you one to try if you want to PM me an address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grassie Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I seem to recall the guy from The Hamsters playing with a ring-style pick (basically a pick moulded to a plastic thumb-ring) because of too many gigs. It meant he didn't have to grip a plectrum or worry about dropping it. Good luck with the rehabilitation mate, hope you're up and running soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 A friend of mine had an accident a few years ago and is now paralysed from the neck down. He can move his arms to an extent and wants to be able to eventually play the guitar (he used to be a drummer) he has something on his right hand that looks like a plastic knuckle duster that keeps his fingers straight until he gets more movement in them. That would probably help to keep your other fingers out of the way. I've had a search around but can't find them for sale but I'm sure your local hospital will know how to get a hold of one, and daresay they could probably give you one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flanker Posted September 29, 2011 Author Share Posted September 29, 2011 Thanks for the good wishes , some really good ideas so far. As for videoing the results, i dont think now would be a good time to start as I can barely play a note! .....but as soon as i feel i have anything useful it would be a good idea. Making videos of my recovery has been very useful over time because it seems veryyyyy slow bit by bit but seen over time you really see the the difference. Thanks kindly for the offer but it seems a load of hassle to post a plectrum,I assume i can get them online somewhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 [quote name='Flanker' timestamp='1317306613' post='1389306'] I assume I can get them online somewhere? [/quote] Yep. [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-light-gauge-Gold-HERCO-Flex50-Acoustic-Electric-Pick-/130434340315?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1e5e7e15db#ht_524wt_906"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-light-gauge-Gold-HERCO-Flex50-Acoustic-Electric-Pick-/130434340315?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item1e5e7e15db#ht_524wt_906[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clarkpegasus4001 Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 [quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1317299317' post='1389188'] Glad to hear you're in the mend, Flanker! I quite like the old rock, and some of the AC/DC and ZZ Top lines look very straightforward - something like Thunderstruck has very little fretting hand action, but a nice beat which might be good to get to grips with - and it's a totally boss song, of course! [/quote] I'd agree with this......AC/DC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRev Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 [quote name='clarkpegasus4001' timestamp='1317315300' post='1389428'] I'd agree with this......AC/DC [/quote] Especially the early stuff, like 'the jack' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wez Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Good to hear your not giving up, +1 for zz top, good luck and best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Get some early U2 basslines. Lots of easy ones there. There's also the Cult, Electric is simple one note basslines & great fun to play along to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I play with my thumb a lot, would that be any easier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 [quote name='waynepunkdude' timestamp='1317330071' post='1389679'] I play with my thumb a lot [/quote] You sure that's your thumb? Sorry Wayne - had to be said Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiOgon Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Well done Flanker for getting back into the groove, it'll be worth all the hard work I'm sure, sorry I can't offer any helpful advise. Best wishes, John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuNkShUi Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 [quote name='Flanker' timestamp='1317306613' post='1389306'] Making videos of my recovery has been very useful over time because it seems veryyyyy slow bit by bit but seen over time you really see the the difference. [/quote] Yeh, ive had friends who have found making videos of their rehab useful because: 1) It gives you the motivation to keep trying to improve 2) Because it can be a slow process, im sure there are days when you'll feel like your not improving, one look at past videos and youll see how far you've come. Then hopefully motivate you to keep on going again! Dont have to make them public though of course Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solo4652 Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 With or without you - U2 Sit Down - James Get this party started - Pink (you can get away with simply playing B throughout) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 Some Pink Floyd can be nice and relaxing to play. Comfortably Numb, Wish You Were Here, Sorrow, in fact most of their stuff is pretty easy going Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheddatom Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I use thumb picks which you don't have to grip hard, but the Dunlop ones (the only ones i can find) are very thick and stiff, so maybe not appropriate. Good luck anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul j h Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I agree a thumb pick is the possible answer, i previously played acoustic an tried using thumb picks but could'nt get on with them, if you PM me i will send you them, they are various sizes and thickness' or if too thick just sand them down. They are sitting in a drawer unused so they would be for free and they may help. Cheers. Paul. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.