whats going on here ? playing near the bridge

[ML94]

Hi guys

My problem which now has become a pain is that whenever I try to play a whole song or some of the very fast passages in bebop songs my fingers don't seem to play fluently. What i'm trying to say is that they don't just roll off the strings like butter. I was able to do this on my Fender Jazz 4 string which I sold to get my newer ACG 6 string bass.

It's not much of a problem but I'd like to play a whole song with the punchy more jaco-esque tone rather playing upfront near the neck. I've tried making sure my ahnds are clean, washed and have gone far as moisturised lOl.

I'm using the same strings on my ACG that i had on my fender which are the D'addarrio EXL's (Cheapest ones on the market) that I use.

I recently changed my picking style with my hand, its more of a floating thumb and back on the pickup when playing on the E and B strings just to make sure I don't get no buzz from any of the higher strings. Could it be that ?

What's your thoughts guys ? (As I'm writing this I'm putting on some Thomastik flats on, again)

EDIT: I atually should say when Im playing those passages, i tend to start playing more staccato. Is there an exercise for this ?

ML

Edited October 29, 2013 by ML94

[Myke]

My only thoughts would be the string tension is higher so it's harder to play.

Or..

It might be mental and you concentrate more and your fingers tense up a bit unintentionally. I know I personally struggle with this but it's only guess work.

[chris_b]

Forget floating thumb and make the strap a bit longer.

[Shobaleader One]

[quote name='Myke' timestamp='1383182833' post='2261390']

It might be mental and you concentrate more and your fingers tense up a bit unintentionally.
[/quote]

+1

This happens to me all the time, especially when using floating thumb

[thebassist]

[quote name='Shobaleader One' timestamp='1383205297' post='2261425']
+1

This happens to me all the time, especially when using floating thumb
[/quote]

And another

[ambient]

Maybe you just need to give the new playing style time, use a metronome and build up your speed gradually. Just check all your notes are consistent and smooth.

[OliverBlackman]

[quote name='ambient' timestamp='1383346592' post='2263572']
Maybe you just need to give the new playing style time, use a metronome and build up your speed gradually. Just check all your notes are consistent and smooth.
[/quote]

+1, build up the speed so it moves from conscious playing into sub conscious playing. Then it will be less effort. Also try playing with a lighter touch.