gary mac Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 I'm actually suffering physical pain playing disco stuff . Last week we introduced Donna Summer's Hot Stuff in to our set. This is the first tune in years that has caused me any grief. It must be the galloping along pace, coupled with all the octaving. My hand feels like it's contracting in to a claw and the cramp starts in my forearm. I'm really not sure whether to persevere with it or come up with an alternative bass line. Additionally, I mostly play with a pick but this is one of the few tunes that I can't play efficiently with my trusty plectrum. I'm finding it works better with thumb and third finger, although I do lose a little volume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 (edited) yes i used to play this one too as 'p_im' instead of 'i_im'and they used to cause same problem - not sure what ive done but ive managed to get myt technique somewhere now whereby it is easier to play so much so that i often wonder what all the effort was about i think the key to this type of thing is that it should not be strenuous - imho and from my own experience if you are using too much effort and ending up with a forearm like popeye then it is most likely technique that needs adjusting - the difference in technique is quite subtle for me and i am struggling to put in words exactly what i have done to remedy this but i do know that my technique has changed to make these type of lines more manageable edit - the main thing i can think of is is the mental attitude to the timing - i think that i always used to play this as if i was 'reacting' to the tempo, the mental mindset leaves you feeling like you are constantly just behind the beat and always putting in that extra effort to stay up there on the beat - i do think that i have changed my perception of the timing slightly so that now my thinking part of my brain is trying to be ready in anticipation before the beat so that im there on the beat with minimal effort - i know this sounds a bit vague and tenuous but for me this is the main improvement i have made as my physical playing style hasnt really changed a great deal in the last two years apart from growing slightly more economic Edited March 4, 2014 by steve-bbb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xzodar Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 I'd say that the key to playing repetitive lines is to keep at it (practice at slower speeds and build up your speed and stamina) and also try to relax so that you can play with a lighter touch, both with your fretting hand as well as your plucking hand. I'm having to learn 'Don't Stop Moving' for an upcoming show and had the same issues when I started playing it, but it's all good now. Cheers, Pete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 [quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1393921818' post='2385737'] i think that i always used to play this as if i was 'reacting' to the tempo, the mental mindset leaves you feeling like you are constantly just behind the beat and always putting in that extra effort to stay up there on the beat - i do think that i have changed my perception of the timing slightly so that now my thinking part of my brain is trying to be ready in anticipation before the beat so that im there on the beat with minimal effort - i know this sounds a bit vague and tenuous but for me this is the main improvement i have made as my physical playing style hasnt really changed a great deal in the last two years apart from growing slightly more economic [/quote] Not vague at all - I can see exactly where you're coming from on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted March 4, 2014 Author Share Posted March 4, 2014 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1393922377' post='2385745'] Not vague at all - I can see exactly where you're coming from on that. [/quote] Same here, nicely summed up. Also as Pete said, need to relax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 [quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1393922377' post='2385745'] Not vague at all - I can see exactly where you're coming from on that. [/quote] Works for me too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Dave Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 It's the octaves - I get it. We've been doing a manic version of spirit in the sky that morphs into a crazed , foul mouthed version of my coo ca choo in the middle. Octaves all over the shop and it hurts like chuff. My fretting fingers cramp up and my hands sweat like Ken Barlow when the verdict comes in. I even have to take my scabby old fingerless gloves off to do it. It's a stunt - I know - but in the middle I often take my left hand off and do any open string octaves by tapping with my right while I have a slurp of my ' Bollockthwaites XXX Awd Northern Bastard' with my left. I first did it just for the easy pose but it don't half give my fretting hand enough respite to de-cramp. My advice is my motto - when in doubt , cheat ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 you could always distract them with your foot provocatively up on the wedgies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr.Dave Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 [quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1393928119' post='2385815'] you could always distract them with your foot provocatively up on the wedgies [/quote] Just the one foot ???? Wimp !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 both alternately in rapid succesion in synch with your fingering octaves sort of cross between mosh pit and can-can Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted March 4, 2014 Share Posted March 4, 2014 We play Hollywood Nights which is an even faster, relentless octave bass line. It used to kill me but my view was it’s a great line for the number and I should be able to play it, so I’m bloody well going to! All I can say is, relax and don't think about what you're playing, breath, play with the neck of the bass raised, that put's your wrist and hand at a better angle for the octave stretch, and just practice until you can play it right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Go out and buy Chic's greatest hits, and learn the lines inside out...concentrating on 'everybody dance'.... That is a great track to vary how you approach these lines... You can double thumb it or just 1st and second finger which is more the handful... Anyway, after nailing that.... galloping octaves are so much easier... This is where a clenched tense approach to playing kills you...but that would be a MAJOR MAJOR technique shift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 [quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1393921225' post='2385730'] I'm actually suffering physical pain playing disco stuff . Last week we introduced Donna Summer's Hot Stuff in to our set. This is the first tune in years that has caused me any grief. It must be the galloping along pace, coupled with all the octaving. My hand feels like it's contracting in to a claw and the cramp starts in my forearm. [/quote] For plucking, I use thumb, plus two fingers in a clawhammer technique to get the triplets also. Works really well and no cramp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 As JTUK says.... go listen to Bernie E play on the Chic numbers... great tunes to practice too.... It can be painful in the beginning just don't over do it.... otherwise you'll end up with a dodgy hand. one of my faves to play with the octave bounce is Canned Heat by Jamiroquai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1394005667' post='2386713'] This is where a clenched tense approach to playing kills you...but that would be a MAJOR MAJOR technique shift. [/quote] [quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1394006412' post='2386719'] The trick is to completely relax the fretting hand to the extent where I just lay all four fingers across the fretboard and you would be hard pushed to tell what is being fretted. [/quote] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 I've left it alone for a day or two but plan to revisit it tomorrow, thanks for all the tips, pointers and info. Been looking at some Bernard Edwards clips, which is always a pleasure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpaceChick Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Disco Octaves do hurt, I feel your pain Gary! Hope you can sort it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raslee Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Ditto...my functions band did Hot Stuff, thankfully dropped it since...but blimey i needed redbull to get up to speed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sprocketflup Posted March 5, 2014 Share Posted March 5, 2014 Ive been having a bit of bother with the repetitive bassline in Boogie Oogie Oogie, but found that a good stretch before playing it seems to help with the pain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damonjames Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Anyone here tried to play spoonman by soundgarden? I have the exact same Problem. I'm working my backside off to nail this tune and it is getting easier, but it controlling the light touch that I'm finding the most difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Like all the best lines, start slowly and work up to speed. No point making yourself ill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wombatboter Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 Heard Hot Stuff on the radio this week and I remembered playing it on the first rehearsal and how I had the same problems as you...Not an easy tune to play. Something which fought with all my wrong manierisms... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted March 6, 2014 Share Posted March 6, 2014 It might help to lower your action so there's less effort involved. 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.