How to play bass *FAST*... 5 ultimate tips...
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- Hey fellow Groovehacker, Scott here…
Ok… let’s talk about playing fast… really FAST!
I’ve now got my technique to the point where I’m pretty happy with the speed and fluidity I can achieve on the bass…
The gag is, my technique and speed used to be VERY messy (seriously, it was bad!)… I just couldn’t seem to get those super fast runs and lines down.
After a LOT of experimentation and hours and hours in the shed I found 5 super useful speed hacks that really helped me get my technique to where it is now…
If you’re struggling with your faster lines and runs sounding sloppy and/or can’t seem to get up to those faster tempos… this bass lesson is for YOU.
I’ve also got a very special guest with me in this new video… non other than the monstrous bass player, Steve Jenkins. If you’ve not checked out Steve yet - do it, you won’t regret it!
HUGE pocket, blazing technique, and a feel to die for… Steve’s got it all.
He’s been in the studio with us recording a brand new course with legendary drummer Kenny Grohowski for the membership here at ScottsBassLessons… bass education is going to the next level! ;)
As always, I’d LOVE to hear back from you guys… has playing fast been an issue for you? And if so, what do you feel are your biggest stumbling blocks? Lemme know in the comments below the video.
See you in the shed,
Scott :)
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lesson starts at 5:40
Nick Knuckle thank you
really wish he'd be responsible for that timestamp instead of a viewer. Thanks so much
@TheRealObamacide you're a clown, you shut the fuck up
lol wut
Thanks
Tip #1 Practicing Descending & Ascending separately 6:21
Tip #2 Breakdown larger segments of line into little chunks 10:04
Tip #3 You have to relax and have a light touch to play fast. Relax! 12:47
Tip #4 Practice SLOW! 14:10
Tip #5 Practice and perfect your shifts/slides 16:12
omg thnks
Thank ya!
Slow practicing. that's always for everyone
Thank you oh great note taker. We little mortals cannot compare to your greatness
I hate when ppl dont get to the point of their videos
Man, thanks to catering to us beginners as well, and not talking as if only the experts would understand, I (and I'm sure others) really appreciate it!!! thanks........from one of your students;)
this is not strange to descend it faster than ascend it : when you descend a scale, your fingers are working in triple flexion (flexion of metacarpophalangeal, and interphalangeals articulations) which makes the 2 flexor tendons work together but ascending a scale demands a mix between flexion and extension (extension of metacarpophalangeal articulation , and flexion of interphalangeal articulation) which makes your extensor and flexor tendons working together in a "non-natural way".
Sorry for my english, i'm a french physical therapist.
Hope you read this Scott, i love what you're doing with you courses.
Love from France.
Martin MATIJA that's weird because ascending is WAAYYYY easier for me than descending
@@prodigalsun1678 Thank God I am not the only one...
can you come to my house and remove the truss rod cover; i've stripped 2 screw heads.
iq:360
@@prodigalsun1678 Same here
my issue isn't hitting notes fast, it's plucking fast enough to keep up.
Me too
@@ssawws1898 same
Yeah this is my grand question for playing metal on bass. Many use a pick but I'm a finger guy. So far the most helpful was Victor wootens base lesson. Those Jaz tripple thumps in gallops is a little more strain but nice speed to play at. Look for that video he revises other useful Technics.
@BigBrain Time I have for a while but still can't get the speed and sound I want without enough strain and , as well as when I switch my positioning from pick up to pick up , or if I say switch to a 3 finger rake then back to like whatever speed gallop that I'm doing, I sometimes get cramps doing so.
@BigBrain Time yeah I did buy the highest gauge for those strings on my Ibanez. But imma try flat wounds that are a much lower gauge for my fender
The single most helpful and important lesson I’ve taken by anyone. Scott answers my “why” on every matter... as if he’s reading my relentlessly annoyed ‘why do I need to do this’ mind, and I just trust him and do. Those kind eyes, fun sense of humor, and intelligent insights engage/compliment my standby-questions. All are those qualities are great, but substantiated by his unquestionably amazing chops. Scott’s the consummate teacher for me, and I’ve studied privately on 5 other instruments. As I practice, I can hear him talking to me as if he’s here, and I literally enjoy the process.
great lesson. I would add one more thing however which is go and check out fast stuff that wasn't made for bass. Bach, sax soloes, guitar soloes, piano stuff. Because just doing scales is gonna make you fast at certian Things, but then when someone hands you a riff that wasn't ment to be played on bass and you have to play your fingers aren't ready for that motion, because you only praticed Things that were ment for bass. And it will also train your ear and you'll learn ALOT about solo ideas so you kill 3 birds with one stone
Funkmaster K essential. check out "Russian Fantasia" by Wynton Marsallis. learn every movement. profit.
I totally agree with you, Funkmaster, but that topic you mention is part of another video or lesson. Here are the tips to play fast, not versatile. Those you're talking about are ways to study and extend your playing but not necessary in a fast way.
horn solos especially, it was very eye opening to learn trombone solos on fretless - you realize you've been playing too many basically meaningless notes ... but yeah, a different lesson
TIP: Walk around everywhere you go (especially if you are in school) with an acoustic bass, even a cheapo, and set the action REALLY HIGH. Pluck your scales as fast as you can cleanly. This will give you strength and speed naturally and when going back to the electric you will find that your fingers will glide like butter. (I realise that last part wont make much sense... butter is very glideful)
Scott, welcome to new york! Im from the bronx and have been playing since 1971. When I started out you learned everything off the radio or from playing a record or cassette over and over! This new technology is wonderful and you can pick lots of things up on utube very easy. I have a fretless peavey foundation and im sooo in love with that growl sound one can get off the instrument. Keep up the good work and enjoy new york!
Cheers Vincent :)
I have to say after watching a lot of your free material I have improved quite a bit. In fact I surprised myself last night at a gig during my bass solos. Moved faster with more fluidity, more melodic, and breaking the key boundaries in modes and passing tones. I play 1 gig a month. I'm not a hard core pro like you and yours. I just love music and bass. And your free lessons have really had a positive impact on my playing. My main gig is computers, infrastructure, and automated workflows. That's where my consistent $$ comes from. But I also fly airplanes and play bass. Obviously more fun. Thanks for the free stuff. Not ready to dive into the shed and shred full time...yet. Just thanks, Scott. You don't have me as a member yet, but you have a real fan. There are some folks I meet at gigs starting to play bass that come up and ask where I learned. I point them to your shed.
As a bassist that's come back to the game after a year or two out, Ive designed a little series of exercises for myself. I'm doing the whole 4 note per string chromatic thing, with one finger for each fret, alternate picking. So EX1 is starting with the index finger, going from 1st fret all the way up the neck and then back down. EX2 is the same, but starting with the middle finger. For EX3 and EX4 I do the both of those again, but using the raking picking action on the descent of each pattern. Then I repeat all four of the above but with a 3 note per string pattern. I feel that this programs my brain to be able to go from anywhere to anywhere in a few different ways, and of course, once you;ve spent a few hours doing it, its like magic - your fingers just seem to do it by themselves! I would be interested to think what Scott or anyone thinks about that "shotgun" approach. And hello from Leeds! :-D P.S. Ive done a little PDF for my own use of anyone wants it, pending Scotts approval..
Warm your hands up very well, keep your fretting fingers as close to the strings as possible, don't press down on the strings any harder than required, eliminate tension from your hands and work on hammer ons and pull offs from pinkie to index finger and back.
TrappenWeisseGuy ; Thank you, almost helped more than the video
tks, it helped me a lot
Glad it helped you guys out.
This is crucial information and very few online tutorials cover this - missing out this info devalues this video.
That means don't aim to end up with the plucking finger landing on the string below?
Thanks! One tip I'd like to add---and this might not work for everyone, but hey--that can help with playing slowly and gradually speeding up is to play with a metronome. Apart from being very important for learning how to play "in the pocket," playing with a metronome helps you play not too fast, and helps you get faster by speeding up in small steps. Skeptical? There are free metronome apps for your phone these day, so just download one for free and give it a try.
5:28 yes scott you most definitely are changing the way people learn and for the better. thank you.
I love this style of video, they're a little more chatty and I find them much more interesting!
Hi Scott. Long time fan first time commenter.
Learned a lot from this and really appreciate your videos. You are an excellent teacher aswell.
I noticed also that your fingers were super steady throughout this video without the gloves. Great stuff man.
Looking forward to further videos.
Tom
I want to play bass
Cool lesson mate! One more little tip I’ve used on bass, guitar, keys and brass is to take a fast run, slow it a little and change the rhythm to a bouncy “dum-di-dum-di-dum” and then reverse it to “di-dum-di-dum-di”. Repeat and quicken before playing the run as required - it forces your hands to learn the required movements and it makes your ears really hear what each note in the sequence should sound like.
This lesson could take me months to work through. Most of your lessons are similar, casually delivered with shed all over them. You have changed (bass) education already; Im getting faster. The guys in Brooklyn were awesome to hear too, love it!
Ahhhh cheers Mick :)
Really defining lesson, Scott, thank you. Bassist Phil Soussan years ago taught the shift up from G to the octave and down again, using the index, 3rd and pinkie in the G major scale on fretboard. Running them as you suggested. Then do the same from the E String now higher up to the A-A, then B, C, D, etc (depends how many frets you have up the G string, LOL. The patterns become like a blocks on a packman game-and the speed develops. Your breakdown and vocabulary on getting a clean note and sound-was excellent and fun to play along with- starting slow and working up the speed, but with a clear articulation with solid tightness on the groove.
When I was taking violin lessons on shifting, my instructor taught me that shifting down was to always be led by the 1st finger, and shifting up the fingerboard was always to be led by the 4th finger. It stands to reason that would work best on a fretted fingerboard as well, I suppose.
well I disagree with the people who complain that all they want is a literal bass lesson. all the dialog is info and helpful and you also get to get a laugh Everytime he's says a word with a u in it. like "pluuucking" and "abouuut". 😃
I haven't subscribed because I don't need everything, but there are some aspects of bass playing I need to actually learn. Playing fast is one of those things.
+1 tip for playing faster: (I heard it in an instruction video with Jaco) - play close to the bridge because the strings are tighter there!
Thank you Scott for the speed tips! Now I have a clear idea of how to move fast on my fingerboard!! Greetings from Mar del Plata, Argentina
Hey man. Regular electric guitar starter here. I wanted to thank you for the tips that were essentially meant for Bassists. These tips helped me quite a bit with getting my fingering right. Right now i only can play smoke on the water and seven nation army( surprise surprise.)
Your New York Videos have been really awesome. I have really enjoyed seeing little bits of whats been going on in the studio with all of the bass greats. Can't wait to see all of the new lessons and videos on SBL's!!
instructions not clear, ended up playing darude sandstorm in a wedding
miz puma k
Is that a picture of Brendon Urie?
Awesome! Shifting, breaking the progression in to pieces, and more. I'll be back for this one.
This is right up my strasse.... doing a Vulfpeck track as my current study piece (another of your great tips!) so need all the help I can get haha!
Vulfpeck - LOVE them Simon! Keep grooving man :)
Scott. Love your stuff man! I do wish you were around when I was learning. Sadly I had to give up due to hand issues but will always be a deepster at heart. Congrats again and good luck.
Cheers Phil! :)
Hello there! "What's the word?" Really nice and useful lesson. I liked specially the tip "you got to practice slower to play fast".
I'm sure we all are in the Matrix, but while I don't realize how to transfer the information immediately into the brain, I still have to go slow. Thanks a lot!
Hey Scott, here ist Wolfgang from Germany. Thanks for your lesson.
First I'd like to give a tip:
I tried to wear two rubber-gloves at my left hand (not the plucking-hand - sorry, I don' know the english word), and it helped me really to control my flying-fingers. It seems a uncontrolled motion, especially the small finger - similar like your fingers in the video, where you explain, why you're wearing the glove, and so I came to the idea, that a glove could help me too. And - that's it!!!
Now I have an answer too:
When I try to play a line descended fast and I cross the strings, I can't prevent, that the little finger touches a little bit the upper string. For example, when I play the C-major-scale like you in the video and the little finger went to the D at the D-string than the little finger touches the G at the G-string and it stops the sound from the E, I hold with my index-finger, to early. I can't prevent that, and in the video I can't see, if it's the same with your little finger. Sometimes I think, my little finger is to short, but I can't believe it. Please tell me, what's going on there with your left hand.
Thank you. Nice regards, Wolfgang
Wow, that was dynamite. Can't believe this is the first time I've seen one of your bass vids. Certainly one of the better "bass lesson" vids I've seen. I found the part about shifting (the later part of the vid) very interesting. I've been playing for over 40 years so some things are just built in, some things you play are automatic, you don't really think about when your shifting or with which finger. So, as I watched Scott doing the "shifting section" I started to ask myself are there things I should re-examine regarding my technique to possibly change or hopefully improve. I've certainly examined or thought about these components of technique over the long period of time I've played but watching the vid was inspirational as far as "get fucking practicing" this shit doesn't just happen.Very cool vid, great playing, great work. Well done mate!
SO HAPPY FOR YOU MAN! you are not using the glove!, That must mean something important for your health!, thanks for being such a good person an teacher, greetings from colombia
The most important takeaway is the fact that practice doesn't make perfect but rather perfect practice makes perfect. A whole lot of young people are inclined to "cheat" and get a sound quickly but incorrectly. This hinders them later on when they try to learn something more complex. I'm not a bassist but learned guitar and drums. I have seen drummers fall into this trap all the time. You cannot emphasize practicing slowly and correctly enough.
Just want to say say that I've just recently discovered your channel and -- wow -- what a gold mine of information! The subject matter you cover is so relevant and interesting and your presentation is polished and very enjoyable. Your productions are fraught with positive vibes and great energy! Your lesson on Teen Town was fantastic. Thanks for sharing your world with us! Subbed!
Super helpful lesson. Thank you. I actually have problems descending and have gotten pretty sloppy with my speed so this lesson definitely spoke to me.
I don't even know how to PLAY scales on the bass yet. LOL I don't even know my scales. I got a LONG way before I can even go half as fast as he is right here.
I hope you're still playing
@@damisirekogi8148 not really. lol. My bass has sat inactive like it has for decades (well, like EVERY bass I’ve had, has sat. lol. This is currently my third one. lol)
DAAMMMMNN!!!that dude is bad ass!! The lesson itself is awesomeness this can help me out alot in deed! I ill cant play that fast yet but with practice i hope i can get there
Ein tolles Video!!
Hey Scott, never commented on these videos before but i just wanted to say great lesson as always and thanks for being an inspiration for many of us.
Ahhhh thanks for the kind words - And thanks for commenting :)
Great video, this was exactly what I was looking for, I can pluck quickly and note change fairly quickly but when it comes to ascending and descending I trip uo, this video is going to help me alot, thanks Scott 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Appreciate this free lesson Scott; thanks a bunch! The intro 'trip' as interesting too! Cheers!
thank you very much, Scott's Bass Lessons!
His technique is so clean! I'm light years always. Does any one which bass he using. That's bass is gorgeous. I just purchase a lakland skyline DJ4. Can't wait to get it.
it is like driving for a long time , you never think- you just do it - react!
BEST BASS LEASONS ONLINE PERIOD!
“Little finger”
Me: “Chaos is a ladder”
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤟🏽
how to play fast....!!! love it ....love scotts bass lessons
As always, great lesson Scott! My biggest takeaway from this one... I gotta get my shift together!
Thank you for this. I was feeling a bit down because my technique was shite. Everyone is indeed shite when they pick up the bass.
These videos are gold, thank you.
I can't even tell how IMPORTANT is the last tip, specially when you have little hands/short fingers and you can't reach properly to put and stick one finger in each of the first frets. Seriously, for what serves to have the quickest wickest fingers if you can't reach the proper frets? When you are in this situation, shifting is simply great.
thank you, sir. hats off... hats off.
Song yall were trying to sing in beginning was "Squad Goals by PROF" Minnesota Skol!
*Scott's Bass Lessons* what are your thoughts on Les Claypool, the bassist/vocalist for Primus?
Great lesson. Thanks Scott!
I ham so home sick...missing Brooklyn New York...thanks for the post...
Plucking near the bridge will help quite a bit as well, which Scott is doing here during fast runs.
I am just the opposite. I can ascend faster than descend. Love this lesson!
*after reading comments -- I'm in the camp that actually appreciate/dig the extra hangout fodder in Scott's vids - inspiring. bassLyfe :)
This dude wears so much super dry.
Lmao
scott your the man, great teaching vids
Thanks once again good information
The shifting tip is fantastic
Love these vids! If for no other reason it is just to wait to hear the word "Plookin" lol. Seriously...simple, segmented, logical, steady slow progression forward. Not to mention just a cool time hanging out. Thanks again!
It makes perfect sense to shift with the little finger on the ascending runs and the index on the descending runs, as those fingers are closest to the final destinations that the runs are leading toward.
Also, I am curious as to whether you have tried, or if you have any feelings on multi-scale instruments? I just upgraded my bass to a multi-scale and personally find it more comfortable, and was curious about tour thoughts on them. I also noticed that you haven't been wearing your gloves in these NY videos. Has your neurological condition been improving? At any rate, it's great to see your bare fingers on the strings, as I'm sure you're enjoying feeling the strings under your fingers as I would.
Talk more about the plucking hand!
Thanks! So valuable to hear this.
I appreciate this a lot. But I'm confused Scott. In a previous video you talked about "raking". I tend to rake naturally, possibly an offshoot of efficiency picking on guitar. My hands also get confused as I don't know whether I should start a run on M or I? My tendency is to start on M because that finger is long and also corresponds to what my brain perceives as my right hand as if I were drumming. Your thoughts please?
Hey Scott forgot your gloves??
BIGeSTRING 👀
BIGeSTRING that New York cold must be doing something for his nerves 👏
I love the glove and have tried playing with glove on left hand and actually like it. Glides so much better than skin on roundwounds. I'm thinking about actually using one much of the time.
Hi Scott. Thanks for the lesson and the post.
Great lesson. I think everything is apropriate, also the intro with that guy that plays extremely fast and the NY metro...
I do precisely use some kind of exercirse to shift positions through scales (from a given fret, like the 3rd, to the end of the neck). It is in the book of John Myung.
Hey @Scott's Bass Lessons at 13:14 it sounded like you were playing the bass line for watermelon man, by Herbie Hancock. If you want to hear the bass line search up Studio Jams #67 - "Watermelon Man" the bass line is at 2:54
Excellent.
Could it be that when you ascend and you use the "resting thumb" technique on your right hand, you actually have to lift the thumb up and put it back down each time you go down (as in, towards the ground) a string?! Because when you go up (towards the sky ;)) ) (Descending scale) you can kind of just left the thumb slip over the string. It sure makes the difference to me.
Thank you so much
Thanks a lot, very useful tips ! Cheers.
I can see your hand is better! Good to see! Take care!
Thanks Scott, great advice.
Just learning, thankyou !
Hey SCOTT! Just did that to get your attention.. I really love these videos. I've been a drummer for years and now I am a beginner bass explorer. Your videos are really entertaining. After a while I feel like I know you. It is actually kinda weird huh? I like how you speak and look into the camera, it seems as if you are speaking to us, but I know you are really just talking to me, not everyone else. haha. Did that take time to learn? I know filming and recording is an art itself also. Do you have someone there helping or is it just you with a camcorder? Would like to see a behind the scene blooper of early film fails. Anyway thanks a lot. cheers from Texas
Great Class my dear friend is helpful to find many skills and solve the technique in many situations greetings
Hey Scott, great lesson as always. Are you raking with your right hand when you are using the light touch?
Great tips again! Thank You!
Cheers!
I've been following your lessons for maybe 4 years now, and I really miss your older style of videos. In your latest uploads you waste the first 5-10 minutes rambling about stuff that has nothing to do with the lesson itself, whereas your older style felt much more focused on teaching something and honestly, they were more didactic by far. I can't help but care less about your lesson if I have to find it first by skipping this long vlog kind of intros. Maybe you should upload lessons and vlogging videos separately so you don't alienate your audience.
Just an opinion, I still love your lessons and find them really helpful!
Cheers!
Matías Wernert I like how you put your view across without being aggressive. RUclips needs more comments like yours. 👍
I'd like it if Scott could post a start time of the actual lesson in the description, then if I want to listen to the ramble I can, and if I am pressed for time I can move right to it.
I have to agree. The vlogs are really good but they need to be separate from the lessons. Now, that would be fantastic!!
if you don't like what he's doing than fast forward it, simple as that's. he's giving away free lesson and he has every right to do what he wants on his videos.
I understand and appreciate your perspective Matias. That said, I thoroughly enjoy the approach Scott uses. Musicians are human beings who have lives and adventures. Including these in the intro adds that touch. Being in NYC is an adventure. The one thing I like most about Scott, is that his instruction is never dry and boring. The editing is excellent. It would be nice if he included a credit to his editor. (I doubt it's Scott unless he never sleeps).
Love the harmonics
Some people might also want to check out Alex Webster's book on extreme metal bass, he covers some really nice plucking techniques
"the secret to playing bass fast is cold brew coffee anyway I'm in love with a bassist named Steve Jenkins"
thank you so much you have helped me so much
Scott...I can't help but notice. No gloves? Some type of remission?
+Scott's Bass Lessons Did you start out raking your finger to cross strings while descending? Aside from arpeggios, is there a good time to use your third (ring) finger?
Thanks for this video Brother.
... that's my real problem: I'm always diggin' in, and I can't improve my speed... I know that, but it's hard to change it after 30 years playing that way... :(
Great one
What is the music that starts around 3:22? I'd really like to check out a full version of that.
beautiful lines
Hey Scott! I'm a new subscriber and I find your videos very helpful! One question I have though is how you mute your strings so well? I've really gotten into the habit of resting my thumb on my pickup, but that can allow some real string noise when I'm doing runs across multiple strings. Any tips?
Nice Lesson. My question for you is: "What is the music playing in the Background?" It sounds like it is in B Locrean. And what did you use on the bass? was it distortion and an Octave Pedal?
Can you do a lesson on the outro of the rhcp song "Funky monks" ?
I LOOOOVE that album!
I think it's my favourite album of theirs as well!
oh man that outro gives me the chills