How to get really quick fingers?

[Jide]

Hey,


I'm an Aussie and am obviously new to BassPlayer.co.nz but have been playing bass for about two months.

I practice everyday and I can definitely see improvement coming.
However I would like some tips for improving the speed of my fingers. The goal is that I would like to be able to play "Around the World" (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and "Parallel Universe" (also by the Chili's) fairly comfortably.

Also, my fretting fingers get fairly sore after alot of playing but I'm assuming this will improve in time?


Cheers,
Josh

[Dan]

Its all about repetition man. Build up stamina at lower speeds, it will translate when you want to go faster.

Same goes for fretting hand, your fingers will "harden up" in time. Just keep at it!!

[Jide]

yeah i do notice that i seem to be getting quicker and it has definetly improved the more i play. in the mean time i guess i'll just have to live with sore hands!

cheers,
Josh

[beagle]

Dan's bang on about repetition.
The sore hands etc is all part of the beginning phase but it'll get easier as time goes on.
Welcome to the site Jide

[bennybass]

when you arent playing bass and there is a table around just practice tapping your two fingers in an alternating fashion on the edge of the table... good way to practice the rhythm with it sounds like a drum beat... there is more then just playing fast you need to also have even tone...
cheers from USA

[nzbassplayer]

practice long and hard.

Once you obtain the ability, you only have to put in fraction of the time that you did.

[Jide]

hey,

haven't been on the forums for a while but have just been getting used to a greater rush of homework as i start a new year in school

anyway, thanks for the welcomes to the forums, and especially for the tips.

thanks again for your help,

cheers,
Josh

[definite]

stretch your fingers and hands regularly, even when you're not playing. Helps keep them supple and flexible, which in turn helps with speed.

[goatboy]

Being an Aussie you'll probably have an extra finger on one of your hands, just buy a left or right handed bass to suit.

[Pstewart]

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haha whoa!?

[ryanmaiden]

+1 for Dan's advice. This is the way to go.

I'm doing a gig on guitar next Sat night and I've had to learn some fiddly litte numbers, particulary the guitar solos in Enter Sandman and Hotel California. Repititon worked a treat for these, I spent a good few hours playing the solos over and over at my own pace, then once I felt my fingers knew what they had to do without too much thinking, I played along with the tracks with no issues.

[Crazykiwi]

there's no question that practice helps improve muscle memory but you might like to consider the following as well

1) Relax. Your fingers will move quicker if your muscles are not tense and fighting each other
2) Get your bass set up properly so that you don't have to fight it to play it. Lower action, lighter strings etc. etc. all contribute.

It'll take more effort to play fast if you are used to playing aggressively. I have a mate on my forum, Dood, who is a prog metal player. He can keep up with the guitarist in his band (who is known nationally) and his 7 string bass is set up super low for super fast runs up the neck.

[nzbassplayer]

my approach is quite different.

To play fast on the bass, you gotta put a lot into it to get alot out of it.

I use a method of focused and determined burst of energy. LOTS of tension and aggressive.

The action on my neck is quite high and I use regular gauge strings. Rotosound .45 to .105

Playing fast on bass is not like playing fast on guitar. the two approaches are completely different.

And you can easierly out-play a guitarist in terms of speed.

As a matter of fact, there's no other instrument that you can compare too.

I guess each person is different. but I know my methods work.