AM1

[quote name='allighatt0r' post='502127' date='May 31 2009, 10:13 AM']About a year ago, i switched from being a pick player to a fingerstyle player, mainly because the joint of my thumb nearest the fingernail is doublejointed, and bends too far backwards, so i can't hold picks properly. Also for tone reasons. Anyway, at my gig last night, about halfway through the second set i started getting pain in the knuckle of my forefinger while i was playing... I don't think there is anything wrong with my fingerstyle technique, i keep my fingers perpendicular and my wrist straight, but i was wondering if anyone else gets this, and if there is maybe a detailed "how to play fingerstyle like a pro" article about so i can look at learning from the ground up?[/quote] Hi I've got exactly the same double joint issue and also have had pain in both knuckles on my plucking hand, nothing major but it's a bit disconcerting and better to rest it when you can, if this starts up. If you look at your thumb position while it's resting on the pickup, you'll notice that it's also bent too much at that joint - I suspect that puts a bit too much of a stretch on the tendons at the knuckle joint and is the source of the pain. It's very difficult but try resting your thumb with the pad of your finger on the pickup as opposed to bending that joint too much. This totally alters the mechanics of your hand when playing and reduces the stress on those tendons.

[quote name='The Funk' post='501378' date='May 30 2009, 02:26 AM']Screw it. If it's ten quid I'll get one and play under my desk, which won't look at all like I'm fiddling with myself.[/quote] Haha! I liked the suggestion that you could play it in bed - imagine whipping that out and getting down to a bit of slapping just as the other half was nodding off, priceless!

[quote name='liamcapleton' post='501016' date='May 29 2009, 03:29 PM']I've been a bass player for 9 years now, since I was 11 or so, and have never been remotely interested in furthering my guitar skills past a certain point. I've always just focused solely on my bass playing, and have worked hard at it for a very long time now. However, having broken out the Stevie Ray Vaughn, Hendrix, and Mayer tunes I've been playing guitar like mad... so much so I've got a serious hankering for a Mesa Boogie setup and a new Strat! I've always been okay on guitar, but I've never put this much effort into honing my skills at an instrument since I took up the bass all those years ago. I guess my point is that the reason I originally picked up bass was because at school, I was asked to join a band, and both my other two friends had drums and a guitar coming their way that particular Christmas, so they asked me if I would buy a bass and join them. The irony is that I was the only one to stick at my chosen instrument and get good at it ultimately... but I can't help feeling like it might have been a different story for me if I'd picked up a guitar all those years ago instead of a bass. I've always had an okay ability at turning my hand to a lot of different instruments, and I guess I was lucky to get the chance to play because it's changed my life completely. Bass will always be my first love, and probably always what I'm best at, but it did make me think...does anyone have a similar reason for picking up their first instrument? Do you all think had you been guitarists you would be where you are now? You put it all down to chance, or do any of you believe in fate? The floor is very much open for discussion![/quote] Liam - an interesting topic. I started playing bass only very recently after playing other instruments for a long time. I went through identical feelings to you for some time, but in the end couldn't ignore it. It is hard to imagine becoming equally obsessed with a new instrument, but believe me, it's astounding what can happen if you go with it! But there's no point in wondering what if...because it may well be that even if you had picked up a guitar first, instead of bass, you may not have had the inclination for it at that time. When the time is right, for a certain instrument, it's right. Sometimes it's initiated by a certain player/players. It's really, really strange to get a "calling" to play another instrument - and I don't mean pissing about on guitars, drums, keys etc, in the studio, I mean a serious, obsessive interest, like you feel with your first instrument. I have always loved good bass but it has only been recently that the "calling" to play it appeared. Some people have whims over stuff like this but I think you can judge in your own mind, the difference betwen a whim and a serious passion for a "new" instrument. For example, I used to appreciate guitar parts in music, much more than bass. One example - The Rover, off Physical Graffiti, has an outstanding guitar solo, but now I listen to guitar and just hear "twiddling" - whereas I really "feel" the bass now. I don't know what or why it changed, but when it does...you should go with it! Sometimes when you learn a new instrument, you find that you are able to express your musical personality in a completely different way. If you have music in you, the instrument is just a voice, but it's only when you find your "optimum" voice, that you can realise your true potential. If the guitar speaks to you, then do it. You'll regret it if you don't.

[quote name='mildmanofrock' post='500609' date='May 29 2009, 09:24 AM']Screw 'em, I say. Good luck mate, Steve[/quote] Nicely put Steve!

Oh - I meant to mention one more thing and it may not be relevant as you're probably more experienced than me - but the way Sampson positioned the role of the bass in his beginner stuff has been pivotal for me. I can honestly say I did not properly and fully understand the role of the bass in contemporary music until I read his manual, when a lot of stuff just clicked into place. I think that understanding of the role of the bass is crucial in developing the judgement of how to construct basslines that compliment songs and not overplayed "guitar playing on the bass" stuff. I now know that when people describe bass players as failed guitarists, that they do not understand how to think like a bass player and they do not understand the role of the bass. His best description was that the bass is like a mini drumkit, with dozens of little pitched drums. He also emphasises getting to know the drums inside out, another concept which has massively improved my ability to play grooves in the verse and add bass fills that fit with the drums. I'd say ignore the naysayers, who, let's face it, if they haven't bought any of these resources, cannot comment with any valid context - and try one of his learning methods. There's no need to go mad, I only paid £25 and it was well worth it. No magic secrets, but lots of very useful learning methodology. Cheers AM

[quote name='saibuster' post='500509' date='May 29 2009, 02:02 AM']Thanks for that, exactly the sort of opinion i wanted to hear! I've just found a topic about it on Talk bass and the reactions where very interesting. People who actually bought his products where very happy and the ones who didnt called him a scammer, and got very upset at him for using words such as "magic" or "formula". I think his marketing method does create a very negative effect, but Its important to note that he writes everywhere that he used these words, like magic and formula, just because they sound cool and there is no magic in becoming a good bass player, its all about hard work. I will report back once i get the DVDs. I must say I am very curious about it.[/quote] I thought exactly the same when I read all the ridiculous marketing spiel but at the time there was a deal where you got the fretboard stuff but also a whole bunch of much better stuff. I am lazy on fretboard stuff and have managed to get away with playing by ear but now I know it is limiting me which is why I am going back over all these resources again. The fretboard stuff is just one of many of his resources, the really interesting ones are stuff like groove secrets, licks, chord mastery etc. He has a real knack for identifying where people are going wrong on the learning side/hitting walls..and giving you some tools to get past it, but the onus is on you to do the work. I got some excellent drum groove software free on that original deal. Seriously, the guy is really passionate about teaching - I just decided to take a punt on it for £25 and it was well worth it. I am just amazed he is not more well known but as you say, the over the top marketing is detrimental. I am instantly turned off by seeing bass guides with nonsense like "be a bass guru in 2 weeks" and such hilarity but Sampson emphasises again and again in his material that if you don't put the work in, you won't see results. On the subject of learning and practice material, I have a ton of other stuff I can send you if you PM your email address. This stuff is free but takes a bit of chasing down. As to Sampson, remember, I can't vouch on the DVDs..and I don't know where you are in relation to me, I'm bass pondlife. Cheers AM

[quote name='saibuster' post='500447' date='May 28 2009, 11:55 PM']Anyone have any experience with Alex Sampson stuff? Here is a link : [url="http://www.fretboardformula.com/the-relaunch.html"]http://www.fretboardformula.com/the-relaunch.html[/url] I actually read the whole thing, i know its sad but i guess this retarded marketing system actually managed to get me. This guy also have some videos posted on another website [url="http://www.bassguitartips.com/newblog/"]http://www.bassguitartips.com/newblog/[/url] And i find his videos and the way he teaches to be very easy and fun to play along with. The reason I'm posting this is because im looking for a more complete package of bass practice. Most of the dvds that are around usually aimed at beginners and for people who are picking up the bass for the first time. I'm looking for a more advanced DVD that also tells you [b]what[/b] and [b]when[/b] to practice. This package includes over six hours of video and claims to cover a lot of ground with tips on how and what to actually practice. (which is what I am struggling with). I know that idealy I would go to a teacher once a week, but unfortunately cant afford that at the moment. Any thoughts about it? anyone this, or any other package this guy is selling? Maybe you know another DVD or books that fit the description of what i need? ( I always prefer DVDs as I am dyslectic and find studying with videos much easier) cheers![/quote] Hi I found Alex Sampson's stuff excellent. The marketing is just typical insanely enthusiastic yank style, but he's actually very motivated for imparting knowledge and has a real passion for teaching. He also has a web forum and a raft of additional teaching videos but it's restricted unless you are actually a customer. Once you're on the customer list, he sends out loads of extra resources, very regularly, free. He is a proponent of giving you the material but you must do the work, hence the constant email reminders, which is a good thing. I am in the same position as you in terms of lessons, hence self teaching but Alex Sampson's stuff starts from basic and goes into intermediate then advanced very quickly. I can't comment on the DVDs as I just paid for the online resource which I think was about £25. I don't think it would be ethically right to just send you the PDF stuff I have as the guy does put a lot of work into it but I recommend him (I'm a bass newbie). Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[quote name='yorick' post='500234' date='May 28 2009, 08:38 PM']As of today i am no longer the bass player in my (ex)main band. Apparently, i've been made the scapegoat for the bands inability to "reach the next level". The rest of the band have been talking about it for ages without my knowledge!!!!! Basically according to the email, "we think you've been unhappy for a while.....". Was i asked? Was i feck. "We'll be playing FLASHIER songs....." Was i asked to work them out, or if i was able to play them? Errrr, no. The only bit that had a ring of truth was about my reluctance to wear better stage wear and wigs. Even this was never mentioned, as in "Nige, we'd like you to make a bit more effort in your onstage appearance". FFS, it's a Van Halen/Dave Lee Roth tribute, where the emphasis is on the frontman. Not a full blown Kiss tribute!!(Sorry Gary....) And they got the drummer (who's the nicest guy in the whole world) to phone me up to explain the band's point of view............. excuse the shouting.. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rant over.[/quote] Yo Rick (did you see what I did there?!) If any of these gutless c*nts had bothered to communicate like adults, then I'm sure matters could have been discussed and resolved. As it stands, they have proven, beyond doubt, that they are not worthy bandmates and you should count yourself lucky at having realised this now, before wasting any more of your precious time and effort. Good bass players are hard to find and the demand right now for bassists is huge. You will have no problem finding a new, better band, in no time, whereas these yellow-bellied, passive/aggressive twats will not be playing anything, never mind their "flashier" songs with no bass player. You've had a lucky escape - if a band cannot communicate effectively before they even play a note, there's no hope for them. In time, you will realise this is a blessing in disguise. The absolute best retribution is onwards and upwards and that means don't waste another second of your time and energy on this. Just start hammering the band ads. I have a stack of contacts for bands looking for bass players if you want them. In fact, I know of a band right now, looking for a bass player to gig on the 5th June in London - PM me if you want the details. PS - Spandex is just wrong.

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='499444' date='May 27 2009, 11:08 PM']Fair play to you dude, sorry if there was a misunderstanding but it did read a bit odd. Anyway, the Take That show is a really good experience. If anybody was thinking of poo pooing it because they are a boy band, then they should take a peak, there is some really top playing and arrangements going on.[/quote] +1

Hmm.

[quote name='alexclaber' post='499132' date='May 27 2009, 06:23 PM']When it comes to matters of groove I'm happy to push boulders off cliffs, Wile E. style.[/quote] Just in case I am missing something - what do you think qualifies you for the role of groove critic? The prolific groove players that I'm aware of don't appear to visibly criticise their bass playing colleagues so freely. [quote name='alexclaber' post='499132' date='May 27 2009, 06:23 PM']On walking and soloing I'm willing to accept more than a substantial hail of gravel in return. Alex[/quote] Well, quite why there is such an adversarial approach to our fellow musicians is rather confusing to me. Most serious musicians know the full extent of their own shortcomings, without needing to be told and can make their own choices how to proceed.

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='498986' date='May 27 2009, 04:36 PM']Ouch. You hit where it hurt... So what is it about the Cairnes bass you like so much?[/quote] Ha, very amusing, you know perfectly well which bass I am referring to! Right, am off to stroke my fretboard for a bit!

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='498975' date='May 27 2009, 04:32 PM']That's just mere titillation. Anything that can be bought in Ann Summers is a joke.[/quote] Ann Summers sells scuba gear?!?! Uh, I'm lost, what was my original topic again. Hehe!

[quote name='EBS_freak' post='498968' date='May 27 2009, 04:29 PM']Its a shift in what your body has become used to. If things are still sh1t after a while, consider a dare strap. No, I won't buy that rebreather off you - not unless it comes with some proper batteries at least.[/quote] Yeah, it's trial and error. I do have a comfort strap but it's too short....so if any Mark King fans want to swap a small for medium....drop me a PM! Ha, every rebreather will find it's own unique ways to try and kill you. I call this one, KATO. However, I feel that I could tempt you to part with the 4 stringer for some quality diving equipment (not home build!).

[quote name='Doddy' post='498892' date='May 27 2009, 03:36 PM']If you have trouble with using one finger per fret in the lower positions,I'd suggest using a more double bass-like fingering of 1,2,4 over 3 frets. Sure you can practice stretching exercises,but you can also risk damaging your hand. I generally use one finger per fret from about the 5th fret upwards-I can do it,no problem,on the lower frets but find it more comfortable to use 1,2,4.[/quote] Hi Thanks for your input. I do use 1,2,4 a lot and also 1,4 across frets 1 and 3 when I can, I don't see the point in unnecessary stretches. The whole 1 finger per fret thing is a topic in itself! [quote name='Doddy' post='498892' date='May 27 2009, 03:36 PM']Back to the opening post-I can name every note on the board easily due to years of practice and doing reading gigs,but it is now at the point where I don't have to think about it. Therefor,I can play scales and patterns in two or three different positions,depending on my position on the neck. [b]Once you learn the neck completely it opens up a whole new world for your playing [/b][/quote] I suspected that to be the case. I think you can get by, doing what I'm currently doing...but there's a big difference between getting by and getting great!