Speed

Bass_Snake · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 8:07 am Post subject: Speed

I' m just wondering if you guys can share some techniques on speed. Do you guys use hammer ons when playing fast?

I read that Robert Lewis (Snoop's bassist) learned his speed from guitar players.

Fred

Ankhanu · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:53 am Post subject:

Mostly practice... get your fingers used to going where they need to go, and slowly pick up the temp, being careful not to lose the rhythm.

Use hammer ons where appropriate; just remember that they do have a different tonal character than a plucked note. If that doesn't jive with the sound you're working with, don't use them.

nickonbass · Sea Monkey Joined: 08 Jun 2008 Posts: 10

The trick to playing with speed is practicing everything to perfection slowly.

Never just play fast - you'll just be hiding your mistakes.

With fingers if I need to play fast I usually go close to the bridge to play - cause the strings are tighter there.

I don't use hammer ons much though - I don't like the tonal quality as much as when I am playing the note.

vinxbass · Tadpole Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Posts: 22

What I've found out when it comes to speed is that it's best to start out slow then gradually increase your speed. That way you can play the lick or phrase, whatever it happens to be, constantly at the correct tempo. Also, I don't slur as much as I do pick every note; I do slide.

supersoad1 · Newbie Alert Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 4

i find the best luck with practicing slowly as well...and practicing a lot

crazyjoe · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:27 am Post subject:

I ain't been able to get any good speed since 1982.