Chappers86 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Hi Guys, Will try my best to explain this... I'm really getting into the jazz/funk playing and really want to improve my finger fret movement. One thing I find hard is improving the movement of my ring and pinky finger. I find I can spread my fingers over each fret but as I apply pressure to the ring finger my middle finger flinches back and occasionally my pinky which makes more work getting to the string when playing faster. What I want to know are some good exercises to stablise my fingers on the frets so when i push down on my ring/pinky fingers I dont stop flinching all over the place. Someone please say they know what I'm talking about?? Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 I used to do an exercise where, starting on the 12th fret of the G string, I placed my fingers, one per fret, on the 12th - 15th fret. I then played the notes under my left hand fingers in the order 1234 I then skipped to the D, then A then E strings, playing the same pattern, 1234 I then move to the 11th fret and repeat, then 10th and so on down to the 1st fret. I then repeat the exercise with the left hand fingers playing 3124, 1423, 2143, 4132 and other variations, all starting on 12th fret and working down to 1st. Then, to make it really hard, play it on the g, then A, then D then E string, incorporating the string skips into the pattern You can do it with a metronome to help timing issues but don't tell Jeff and increase the speed gradually over time . If you get into a rhythm, its actually quite zen like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chappers86 Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 Thanks Bilbo... Looks like a great exercise to try out. Currently spending my day at work strengthening my fingers on some weird finger device my workmate has and then going home sitting in front of the TV and doing finger runs up and down my bass. Will let you know how I get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatback Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 (edited) Try this one: [url="http://www.cyberfretbass.com/misc-wisdom/weinkum/weinkum-pita-exercise/index.php"]http://www.cyberfretbass.com/misc-wisdom/w...rcise/index.php[/url] I've been doing it a while now, and it's outstanding. Idea is, you print out the matrix and then just work through it marking off each one as ye go. Ouch. fatback Edited October 29, 2009 by fatback Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakenewmanbass Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 To build strength in individual fingers (if they are weaker than others) it's helpful to find exercises that pay specific attention to that finger's movement. There are a few exercises that involve doing hammer on and pull off whilst holding the other fingers in a fixed position but to put it in text is quite lengthy and difficult (to make sure one is understood) You really just need to be shown (by a teacher eg ME*) or read from music. The problem with doing exercises that work on all fingers is the improve dexterity evenly so some fingers end up still stronger than others. I guess it depends how perfect you want to be. *sorry couldn't resist the punt as you're only 30 mins from me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Exercises away from your bass are pretty meaningless, mate. You actually had the required strength in your fingers when you were 3. Its the effiicent use of muscles that matters not strength (I like to think of it as grace not power - liek a ballet dancer vs a weightlifter). The only exercises worth doing to improve finger dexterity are those that involve you doing the thing you need the dexterity for; playing the bass. You need to play things that are not confortable until they become comfortable. Then you are progressing. It takes time and there are no short cuts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 There is a exercise that John Patticuti had on his first video tutorial called 'the spider'. I think it is up on you tube. A good one for dexterity. Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 (edited) Talking of finger strength. These players dont seem to have aproblem. Some stonking arrangements. Garry Edited October 29, 2009 by lowdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Yeah - go see Jake. He'll sort you out. Felixstowe is also only a half hour away from you (by helicopter ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Here you go - The Spider. Of course use the fingerings in any position up and down the board. [attachment=35323:The_Spider.pdf] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chappers86 Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 Wow, only left for an hour.... Lovin' the responses so far, thanks again guys and Jake I'm appreciating the punt! lol Agree with the idea of finger grace than finger strength...just throw this finger toy thing back at my workmate! Will give these exercises a go, hopefully should get my fingers working more efficiently particularly as I want to go down the road of making jazzy bass melodies. Again mainly the ring finger which causes my other fingers to flinch (3rd and pinky) which when I see others play does not seem to be an issue for them. Is this just part of progression or do I have crazy fingers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AM1 Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 [quote name='Chappers86' post='639898' date='Oct 29 2009, 11:41 AM']Wow, only left for an hour.... Lovin' the responses so far, thanks again guys and Jake I'm appreciating the punt! lol Agree with the idea of finger grace than finger strength...just throw this finger toy thing back at my workmate! Will give these exercises a go, hopefully should get my fingers working more efficiently particularly as I want to go down the road of making jazzy bass melodies. Again mainly the ring finger which causes my other fingers to flinch (3rd and pinky) which when I see others play does not seem to be an issue for them. Is this just part of progression or do I have crazy fingers?[/quote] Pentatonic scales. Do them religiously every day, not for hours though, little and often. Try it - you'll be astounded. Worked amazingly for me and I'm a chick with small hands/weak pinkies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Clayton Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 Hi all, Here are amazing finger exercises that don't involve your bass at all... [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRF4EICO2G0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRF4EICO2G0[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVLJs6ttPUc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVLJs6ttPUc[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWV6aQLXRcQ"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWV6aQLXRcQ[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60frM4Pw9hk"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60frM4Pw9hk[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot33MUlHfhQ"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot33MUlHfhQ[/url] And check out the guy's website: www.handhealth.com Worth a look! Stu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 [quote name='bilbo230763' post='639826' date='Oct 29 2009, 10:34 AM']Exercises away from your bass are pretty meaningless, mate. You actually had the required strength in your fingers when you were 3. Its the efficient use of muscles that matters not strength (I like to think of it as grace not power - liek a ballet dancer vs a weightlifter). The only exercises worth doing to improve finger dexterity are those that involve you doing the thing you need the dexterity for; playing the bass. You need to play things that are not comfortable until they become comfortable. Then you are progressing. It takes time and there are no short cuts.[/quote] Abso-bloody-lutely!! Great post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 [quote name='AM1' post='640038' date='Oct 29 2009, 01:42 PM']Pentatonic scales. Do them religiously every day, not for hours though, little and often. Try it - you'll be astounded. Worked amazingly for me and I'm a chick with small hands/weak pinkies.[/quote] I would urge caution here - you can easily lock yourself into pattern playing like this and start playing with your hands not your ears and your mind. I know I am generalising (I do that a lot) but pentatonics are, to me, scales with all of the interesting bits removed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AM1 Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 [quote name='bilbo230763' post='640155' date='Oct 29 2009, 03:54 PM']I would urge caution here - you can easily lock yourself into pattern playing like this and start playing with your hands not your ears and your mind. I know I am generalising (I do that a lot) but pentatonics are, to me, scales with all of the interesting bits removed![/quote] But the question was framed in the context of improving finger strength, not rudiments of playing. As an exercise for improving strength, they worked well for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chappers86 Posted October 30, 2009 Author Share Posted October 30, 2009 Hi Guys, This is great, an abundant resource of finger exercise wonderness!! lol Don't know where to begin! Well have a weekend free to have a blast at a few of em! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major-Minor Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Here's a little exercise I made up to strengthen the 3rd finger: [attachment=35560:diminish...exercise.pdf] Hope this helps. The Major Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spacecowboy Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 The only problem i have with my finger technique and the one finger per fret rule is, i'm not smooth returning on Notes, so the whole 1,2,3,4 is fine, but when returning back 4,3,2,1 i find my third finger still isn't developed enough going backwards on runs at any speed over 90bpm and it really slows me down, its quite frustrating! But still practice makes perfect and its something to work! And i totally agree with both of Bilbo's posts! very relevant! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest leebass69 Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Alright mate, I've a couple. One's elastic bands wrapped fairly tightly around your fingers, this helps the muscles that push back after a contraction-not an actual one with childbirth though. The idea is your fingers can grip/squeeze/tighten so easily, the idea is to strengthen the relatively tiny muscles that push your fingers back ready for your next move...it works. The other one is chinese stress balls, I've never used them but you gotta twizz them round in your palm but don't let them touch-it will help your fingers develop a directionality. Let us know how you get on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted November 22, 2009 Share Posted November 22, 2009 Finger strength is important but you don't need to be like this bloke: The reason why martial artists don't look like this... ...is because extra bulk slows them up and reduces the amount of control they can exercise. Also by over exercising you risk tendonitis, muscle strain and other issues. Plus you may also be exercising a different set of muscles with rubber bands or hand exercisers to the ones that you actually use to play with. I'd suggest just practice regularly to the level that you need and when your fingers or hands start to feel sore take a break for a day or two. Your strength will build up naturally. Consider a heavier gauge of strings than the ones you normally use if you have a second bass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eight Posted November 23, 2009 Share Posted November 23, 2009 I bought this [url="http://www.amazon.com/Bass-Fitness-Exercising-Josquin-Pres/dp/0793502489"]http://www.amazon.com/Bass-Fitness-Exercis...s/dp/0793502489[/url] - and whilst I don't know what everyone else thinks about it, it's been working out for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrackerJackLee Posted January 19, 2016 Share Posted January 19, 2016 I realize this is an old thread, but I'm right into this after a one year layoff... Finger Drills / Chromatic Spiders have their place... one gets to practice every permutation... for the following in-line groups I come up with 4! = 4x3x2x1 = 24 1234 1243 1324 1342 1423 1432 2341 2431 2413 2134 2314 2143 3412 3124 3241 3421 3142 3214 4123 4312 4132 4213 4231 4321 You can repeat these but with one finger landing on the next adjacent string... then two, then three... Then zig-zag and string skipping and diagonal patterns... etc... For spider drills (chromatic) I'm enjoying this little book... Basic Guitar Workout (The Basic Series) Paperback by David Mead... it applies equally to the bass... It contains three types: Warm-Ups, Co-ordination, Ear Training (Where you play the scale, but omit one note which you sing instead.) I am also using Josquin Des Pres' book Bass Fitness - An Exercising Handbook (Guitar School) Paperback But don't forget the old scale sequence exercises mixed with interval leaps... they are finger-worthy, but also much more musical... Ascending leaps (diatonic thirds from the Major Scale) combined with a three note sequence: 13, 1231, 24, 2342, 35, 3453, 46, 4564, 57, 5675, 68, 6786, 79, 7897, 8. Repeat in descending order... like mathematics... there are an infinite variety. Check YouTube for examples of James Jamerson's Chromatic Exercise (Igor)... Download the tab here: http://www.afolkmusician.com/guitar-tabs-chords-and-sheet-music/james-jamersons-chromatic-bass-exercise/ Try Killing Floor, Expressway to Your Heart... etc... Hey Joe by Hendrix or Deep Purple and Manic Depression are good triad exercises... So many Blues-Rock and Delta Blues tunes are great riff-scale exercises... and of course Led Zeppelin tunes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bassman7755 Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 (edited) I'm going to go against the flow here and recommend one of these [url="http://www.physioroom.com/product/Prohands_Gripmaster_Medium_Hand_Exerciser/3172/39562.html?gclid=CjwKEAiAw4e1BRDfi7vghaWU9jESJACzo9jujVPdoZd6oV8FPmAM-ovV7bZYQc6J4JXFzGiCTkc3LhoC-cfw_wcB"]http://www.physioroo...kc3LhoC-cfw_wcB[/url] While bilbo is right in that you probably already have the latent strength, the above device quickly educates your fingers to be able to apply that strength independently of each other. I used one for a few months many years ago and the effect was permanent and I never needed it since. Naturally you would use this in addition to the actual playing exercises described above and not instead of. Edited January 22, 2016 by bassman7755 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 (edited) I need to practice stretching my hand...how do I do this? Why? Well there's a song in our back catalogue which some bright spark has decided to add to the live set... It involves playing the following strings and frets with each group of 4 notes played arpeggio but holding each note, letting it ring to form a chord.A(0)A D2(E) G4( B ) D2(E) (easy enough) A4(C#) D6(G#) G8(Eb) D6(G#) (bugger that's a stretch), E4(G#) A6(Eb) D8(Bb) A6(Eb) (another stretch but somehow easier than the C#) E0(E) A2( B ) D4(F#) A2( B ) (aaah relief)...... here's the studio version [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjUxAOn9dUI[/media] It's far easier on a short scale bass than a 34" - sadly I only take a 34" to gigs. - I only own 34" basses I suppose the only answer to achieve that stretch 4-8 across 3 strings is to practice. I need bigger hands. Edited January 22, 2016 by Twigman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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