leftybassman392

Just so we're clear, I'm not on a crusade (whatever it might look like) and I'm not trying to marginalise myself or anybody else. I've taught guitar and bass as a leftie for around 15 years and I'm comfortable with it - surprisingly, students (especially kids) often don't even notice until I point it out. I'm not going to go and sulk if I don't get my way - I'll deal with it in a mature way..................................................................maybe All I'm asking for is somewhere that we (and anybody else who cares to) can discuss some of the many issues we face as left handed musicians. Somebody care to tell me what's wrong with that? Come to think of it, the responses I've had since I posted the comment kind of make my point for me.

[quote name='tombboy' post='510731' date='Jun 10 2009, 10:55 PM']The reason that proportionate sales of left handed equipment does not equal the percentage of lefty society is because most lefties try to adapt to right handed gear. Supply & demand etc, it's not rocket science.[/quote] Yeah, I know

I guess that now's the time to reveal myself as the other party to the original discussion with Josh. I've watched the conversation develop with keen interest, but have so far avoided trying to influence it beyond expressing support - I haven't been here as long as most of you, and don't want to be seen as an agitator. However I do believe passionately that being left handed is different, despite the subtle but enormous pressure to conform. Sorry to anyone right handed who's reading this (and I'm not trying to be mean or patronising), but you really do have to be left handed to properly understand it. 2 simple examples to underline how pervasive the pressure is:- firstly a thought about language: the Latin word for Left is Sinister; while the Latin word for Right is Dexter (so for example the literal interpretation of 'dexterity' is 'right handedness' while 'ambidextrous' translates as 'right handed both sides')...or perhaps you prefer French (Adroit - literally 'on the right' and Gauche - literally 'Left') second, the prevalence of right handed tools and artefacts all around us - musical instruments for instance - that's out of all proportion to the number of naturally left handed people amongst the general population. Try this - if you go onto eBay's guitars section you'll typically find around 40,000 entries, but when you search on the word 'left' you typically get around 400...approximately 1%, and yet research has shown that around 10% of the UK population is naturally left handed. Or try this; I wonder how many people even know that you can actually buy a left handed piano - Google it for yourself if you don't believe me. To make matters worse, right handed people have an annoying habit of taking the piss when you try to have a serious conversation about it, mostly because they don't really get it. I note the way the conversation is going, and I fully respect the decisions people are taking. But I'm kinda disappointed all the same. Here's hoping, Andy Kerr

[quote name='thedonutman' post='508442' date='Jun 8 2009, 06:49 PM']Hey guys, I decided to go for the RGT bass exam, and I should be doing it this month/next month. Basically one of the sections (other than playing scales, arpeggios, bass patterns, improv and ear tests) is a choice between Sight reading (I don't know who in their right mind would choose to do this ) or solo bass. According to the book I have to play a piece or a series of excerpts that showcase either fingerstyle, plectrum playing, fretless or slap bass. I assume it means you can only pick one. Has anyone done the exam or have any idea of what level of piece is required? I was thinking of doing something like a bit of Teen Town if I'm doing fingerstyle. Or something like Scoop or Power by Marcus Miller if I'm doing slap. Maybe a bit of "Heart of the Sunrise" if I do pickstyle? My exam could be very soon, and although I do know bits of all of those songs I don't know how quickly I could nail it. If the piece doesn't need to be that hard to get to get decent marks then I'd rather play something easier perfectly then try to show off and mess up.[/quote] Hi there. I'm an RGT registered tutor. You've probably seen the following statement already, but just in case you haven't, it reads as follows:- Solo Bass style (Grade 8) - "The candidate should give a confident and musical performance, showing advanced technical ability on the instrument. The performance should be imaginative and demonstrate versatility, accuracy, fluency and articulation." (I take it you've already read the general blurb about the Solo Bass style section so I won't repeat it here. If you haven't read it recently though, it might be a good idea to give it a quick read before continuing.) This section is marked according to several criteria, of which technique is only one (albeit an important one). If for example you choose to do a slap piece, you will need to show a pretty thorough grasp of the theory and practice of the style. That means being able to talk about it as well as being able to play it. Any single piece you choose should allow you the opportunity to demonstrate a good range of appropriate techniques. (A single technical aspect played lots of times, however difficult and however fast, is unlikely to impress the examiner much.) For this reason, some people opt to choose extracts from several pieces in different styles. When you're looking at the 'advanced technical ability' part, try not to forget that the examiner is also looking at the 'confident and musical performance' part. What that means in practice is that a big technique on it's own won't be enough to score well. Try to take a balanced approach, so that you come up with something that is technically difficult, but which also allows you to show off your qualities as a musician. Try to pick something that works well as a solo piece (or pieces) - remember, it's an unaccompanied performance. Oh, and don't get obsessed with speed - however fast you play, chances are the examiner has already seen somebody faster in the last week or two. Hope this helps, Good luck with the exam. Andy Kerr (AK1216)

[quote name='josh3184' post='509132' date='Jun 9 2009, 03:26 PM']Was just discussing this with another from the lefty crew and we were discussing seeing if we could get a lefthanded section of basschat going? I know that us lefties have been granted a sticky in the for sale thread (for which we are thankful of course) but we thought that that was just the tip of the lefty iceberg. If we were to get a subforum going (e.g. in "The Local" section) then not only would it make it easier for lefties to help each other (gear hunts, experiences with retailers, etc) but it might also help bring in musicians who are left handed who currently don't really have a forum on the internet (leftybassist.com is the closest it comes and its pretty poor from what I've seen). Thoughts and comments welcomed [/quote] Power to us all! By the way, when the revolution comes, can I be someone important please? I dunno - keeper of the Great Leader's Bass collection maybe Seriously, isn't it about time that the most important Bass forum in the country had it's own official Lefty section?

Bought PJB Suitcase + Cab recently. Found him to be friendly & straightforward, very easy to deal with. Thanks mate. Andy K.