bass2345 Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Hi. I'm currently learning "Purple Haze" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience and "Footsteps In the Dark" by the Isley Brothers. Both songs feature some notes that are 2 frets and/or 2 strings apart. I'm wondering: 1. Is there a relatively quick way to increase the distance between your fretting fingers? Finding that out will make practicing the songs easier or more efficient. 2. Is it worth practicing these songs now even though I have to move my wrist/hand in order to play them in time, which is less efficient/more difficult and more tiring than if I was able to play without having to move my hand along? Should I just wait until the width between my fingers increases, or will it not increase unless I play this kind of songs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 When I started playing bass I bought a book to teach me how to do it. The first song in the book was Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix. The author said it was a great tune to allow new bassists to practice the 'one finger one fret' method of playing bass. She was right. The walking bassline at the end, which Noel Redding plays, is perfect to practice one finger one fret and slowly stretch your hand span. My left hand can now stretch an inch wider than my right hand (and I don't have one freakishly large left hand and a freakishly small right one.....honest). http://youtu.be/TcYOy6I6OR8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coilte Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 (edited) I'd be careful about using the OFPF technique on the lower (1-5) frets. Everyone's hands are different and there is no one size fits all. Some find the stretch from say F on the E string to G#, too much, regardless of how long you have been playing. It is just as easy and much safer, to use the thumb as a pivot for large stretches. You dont say how long you have being playing. My guess is not too long. Otherwise your hand would not be tired from being moved. It takes time to build stamina and dexterity. Give your hands time to adjust. Pivoting is briefly mentioned half way through the second clip below. The OFPF is a great technique, but when starting out, it is prudent to only use it higher on the neck. As your hands adjust, then by all means, move down the neck. Here are some clips worth checking out : [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRkSsapYYsA[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeRoQuXlj9w[/media] Here is a similar type of thread from the "Talk Bass" forum. [url="http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/fret-hand-stretch-1050962/"]http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/fret-hand-stretch-1050962/[/url] Edited February 1, 2014 by Coilte Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Try this it has some fantastic hand exercises and tips really good book http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Couch-Potato-Bass-Workout/dp/0739075462 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 It matters a lot less than people think. I find I almost never play a line where I need to play anything quick or sophisticated enough to need OFPF tecnique AS OPPOSED to 124 fingering. Certainly, phrasing using OFPF is a lot harder than it need be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 [quote name='bass2345' timestamp='1391273567' post='2355260'] ... some notes that are 2 frets and/or 2 strings apart ... [/quote] I would use 124 (Simandl) for that especially on the lower frets. OFPF is just going to cause damage. But anyway needing to move your wrist or hand is normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 For 2 frets and 2 strings apart, use your index finger on the lower note and your little finger on the octave. Always move your hand in order to place your fingers over the right note.... don't stretch. If you find something difficult or awkward to play, start slowly and keep playing it until it's easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Yes, I would only recommend playing OFPF higher up the fretboard, where the frets are closer together initially. As your span gets wider you can try the same basslines further down the neck. The rule is, if it hurts stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 When you get more comfortable playing, you'll be able to move your hand in the split second it takes to get to that other note without over stretching. I frequently go from using my middle finger around the 7th / 8th fret to using my index finger on the 1st fret and it doesn't sound at a'll messy. Just takes time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmo Posted February 3, 2014 Share Posted February 3, 2014 No idea if this is true, but my bass teacher says keep playing scales in a legatto, instead of stacatto, and your fingers will stretch. It is working for me, but still some way to go to stretch at the top of the neck 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.