Feeling a bit rigid

Dodgy rythym and thick strings here...

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Caveboy
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Feeling a bit rigid

Post by Caveboy »

I guess some people have a natural touch on an instrument, I wouldn't call myself one of those people :). Even though I've played bass a long time, I often feel rigid, or not as "free flowing" with my plucking hand (I'm not sure if this is how it appears when I play). Sure, its from watching the top dogs that make me want to play with that effortless gliding style. But anyway, any practice techniques/drill to work on to loosen things up? Baring in mind I probably have plenty of ingrained bad habits to break.
Last edited by Caveboy on Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:31 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by TmcB »

Is there tension in your arm or hand?
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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by Caveboy »

Um, arm position and where the bass sits when I play is something I've been toying with. I think I do keep my arm a bit tense, been trying to stop resting my thumb on the pick up, but if I'm playing something fast or fidgety I tend to rely on anchoring to the pick up.

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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by bluesbass »

There are a few books out there that might help with technique:
This is but one... http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=940, I haven't used it nor do I endorse it if it sucks.
The opinions expressed in the post above may differ from the opinions expressed by other people with different opinions.

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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by Kev77 »

Im a double bass guy - so i always play with the "meat" pad between my first and second knuckle on my index finger -
and some chewing gum,, man I just cant play well if I cant chew.,.,
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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by johny3329 »

Hey Guys,

I have a blacktop HH Strat and I'm looking to chuck some new pickups into it, since the stock ones lack clarity and aren't quite doing the job since I've joined a new band.I've emailed Dimarzio and they recommended the 36th Anniversary PAF for the neck and an AT-1 (Andy Timmons) in the bridge, I would love some recommendations or advice since I have no experience with changing out pickups or what to look for. The demos on youtube I've found of the At-1 make it sound a little harsh, but if anybody have played it in person I'd love to hear their experience with it, I've had a look at the Norton as well.

I play Blues /Hard Rock/ Grungy kinda stuff most of the time, but also fusion jazzy shred sorta stuff. Zeppelin, Clapton, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains through to Satriani and fusion jazz. So I need pickups with punch and a singing lead tone since I'm the lead guitarist for a hard rock band, and would love a neck pickup that is usable in a band situation.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks
jimmy

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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by Edwards »

johny3329 wrote:Hey Guys,

I have a blacktop HH Strat and I'm looking to chuck some new pickups into it, since the stock ones lack clarity and aren't quite doing the job since I've joined a new band.I've emailed Dimarzio and they recommended the 36th Anniversary PAF for the neck and an AT-1 (Andy Timmons) in the bridge, I would love some recommendations or advice since I have no experience with changing out pickups or what to look for. The demos on youtube I've found of the At-1 make it sound a little harsh, but if anybody have played it in person I'd love to hear their experience with it, I've had a look at the Norton as well.

I play Blues /Hard Rock/ Grungy kinda stuff most of the time, but also fusion jazzy shred sorta stuff. Zeppelin, Clapton, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains through to Satriani and fusion jazz. So I need pickups with punch and a singing lead tone since I'm the lead guitarist for a hard rock band, and would love a neck pickup that is usable in a band situation.
Any input is appreciated,
Thanks
You have placed your first post (and question) in an old thread from 2011 called "Feeling a bit rigid".
Unless you are currently feeling rigid I would suggest you post a new thread in the "Pickups" section, under the "Amps and Tone" category. (See forum index).
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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by Vince »

perhaps you should start a different thread and copy and paste your post? I mean, just so more people will notice it.
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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by dc »

bluesbass wrote:There are a few books out there that might help with technique:
This is but one... http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=940, I haven't used it nor do I endorse it if it sucks.
872 pages!

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Re: Feeling a bit rigid

Post by Edwards »

Caveboy wrote:Feeling a bit frigid
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