2 Great Tips For The Perfect Fretting Hand Technique /// Scott's Bass Lessons

Getting a good fretting hand technique on the bass can be a real struggle. Many of us started playing without having someone to show us the correct way of doing things - we simply picked up the bass, cranked up the radio and started grooving the best we could, and learned along the way.
Now don't get me wrong - there is absolutely nothing wrong with this way of learning... in fact that's exactly how I did it! Unfortunately the problems start arising when you begin to pick up bad habits within your technique - but because you've got no one to point you in the right direction, you don't even realise that you're engraining these bad habits within your playing, this then leads to engraining these habits for years, and years... and years!
Sound familiar?
Well, don't panic - it happened to me... and all bad habits are fixable!
So first of all, we need to realise that technique changes are tough and take time! Plus, the longer you've been playing the harder it can be to change your technique. We have programmed our brain to send out very specific signals for very specific movements - and now we're going to try and change those signals. Unfortunately these signals are controlled by a part of the brain that our conscious self has little control over - i.e. it's almost got a mind of it's own! If you want to know more about this, then watch this video where I go into this in more detail.
Anyway, let's get on to the lesson!...
Bad fretting hand technique can have a HUGE effect on your overall ability to move around the fretboard with ease. Get a few things wrong and your fingers will feel like they're locked together making it almost impossible to use each of the fingers independently.
In this lesson I'm going to show you 2 great tips that will really help open up your fretting hand and give you the movement you're going to need to play freely around the bass neck.
As always... see you in the shed!
Scott :)
=========================================
GET MORE BASS TIPS 👇
_________________________________________________________________
🙌 Be the first to know - SUBSCRIBE now → bit.ly/sub-to-...
🔓 Unlock your FREE trial to transform your bass playing → bit.ly/3fXt4cI
ABOUT SCOTT’S BASS LESSONS (SBL)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the largest online bass education platform in the world, with an ever-expanding course library and 40,000+ active members, Scott’s Bass Lessons (SBL) has everything you need to master the bass, all in one place.
Featuring beginner level bass lessons, engaging courses from expert instructors, step-by-step development curricula, direct feedback on your playing, real-time mentorship from A-list bassists and a thriving and incredibly supportive community, SBL is the perfect platform to uplevel your bass playing, whether you’re a total beginner, or an advanced pro-level bassist.
Try SBL Membership today! → bit.ly/3fXt4cI
RECOMMENDED BASS PLAYLIST
-------------------------------------------------------------
Catch up with SBL Content you’ve missed:
➡️ • SBL Full Video Playlist
#bassguitarlessons #bassforbeginners #easybasslines
LINKS
--------------
Tune in to our Weekly Podcast:
🎧 sblpodcast.buz...
Explore our FREE courses:
🎸 freebasscourse...
Try our FREE GrooveTrainer App:
📱 scottsbassless...

[@kennethadams9322]

I keep coming back to this video whenever i pick up learning bass again. Scott has the best fretting technique I've ever seen. Many other bass players are super talented but I've noticed their technique isn't as clean.

[@eralar2]

Now I need to relearn my right hand position... good thing I've just started 3 months ago!

[@Moraena]

Ohh, that pinky finger thing was EXACTLY what I was struggling with! It was like you literally read my mind with the "I'm physiologically different" thing. Thanks a lot for some great advice! Cheers!

[@mikelevshakoff4666]

Man! I've been doing this (dragging my thumb behind my index finger) for decades! This few minutes of video has helped out so incredibly much! I'm now "holding a ball" as my hand goes up and down my bass. I greatly thank you!

[@MarcusBingo]

If you switch to Scott's wrong left hand technique you will end up with wrist pain and damage. Adam Neely shows the correct technique: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIPOhKaXpb6MqaM

[@gcf7175]

Scrumple, that's been what's holding me back. I've been scrumpeling all along. Thanks!

[@shamarlunda8043]

GCF same

[@tangogrrl]

Is that a word? It is now!

[@marvanpalmer5592]

THANK YOU Scott! I'm a life long drummer that has picked up the bass and the "twisting" of my fretting hand is a problem! Everything w/drums the hands"contract or squeeze" ...now the spreading of the fingers is something totally new for me! Your lessons have helped me tremendously!

[@LH-zv2zq]

I understand your situation. I too am a drummer 1st, bass learner 2nd. But, building up my left hand on the bass has improved my left hand action on drums. Glad to read your input.

[@drumminfro]

As a drummer trying to learn bass, I'm having this issue as well

[@LouisLambeau]

5:14 ... that little smile... you were thinking about something else than a ball mate, were you not?!! ;-)

[@tomaskadlec9534]

The power and feel bass players have in their hands and fingers is really something more women should know :D :D

[@Strat91]

my god ! for 15 years ive been playing with my thumb directly behind my second finger and it has cause so much pain in my arm and curling the wrist and putting stress on my hand. now im so much more relaxed and playing with my thumb between the two fingers ! so much better!

[@vanilla3697]

i just picked up bass for the first time and most people dont cover this at all, i was really struggling involving my pinky with my fretting so thank you so much :3

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@dannirodgers2703]

True!!!!

[@Ollapss]

during my last year of bass lessons my bass teacher tried to cram this in my head for all he had and i just couldnt get it, for some reason now when i watch your video on it i got it almost instantly thank you so much in helping me with my fretting hand, you rock!!

[@dominicheynderickx722]

I love your easy-going flow in your videos. I wish I could find another bassplayer/teacher like you to correct my technique and get me "motivated" again.

[@t.s.racing]

Thank you so much Scott for the advice and your channel. I paid well for a instructor years ago who didn't care if I learned or I didn't. I too, pointed my thumb away from my fingers, parallel with the neck. I now try and keep my thumb somewhat in line with my second finger, and what a difference in my playing. Thank you Scott.

[@JasonBurton-u4x]

I've been a bassist for twenty five plus years (self taught) and I finally decided to learn to play properly instead of just play like I thought people played. One of the main things I decided was after so long to learn how to play without a pick as I thought it might help with some pains I've been having with speed picking as I was developing lots of problems in my right thumb because I was a real monster regarding attacking the strings rather than playing them but finger playing meant I started to develop pains in my left thumb and restricted movement in my fretting. After a lot of ploughing through technique videos I finally came upon this video and it's helped a lot but I think it'd be really good for Scott and Ian to do a new video that covers thumb pressure and some practice exercises for combatting it. I've heard other bassists talk about practicing without putting your thumb against the neck and this seems to be working for me but I'd be curious to hear Scott's approach. One thing I've considered is using a sponge between my thumb and the back of the fret board to try and release my death grip but I'm worried this might have the opposite effect where I find I'm gripping even tighter to over compensate for the sponge. Anybody have any ideas? Ps I know Ian did a short on this but having a dedicated video labelled as such would probably be really helpful especially for new players

[@seaweedslitherz]

Dude the thumb position changes everything, mobility, dexterity, flexibility, speed, the thumb stays in between the fingers!

[@ahmedmoussa79]

New bassist here, that was an awesome video! thanks man!

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Scott your a legend. Your video's are making me a better bassist. Thank you so much.

[@LH-zv2zq]

As an American, I've really been taken over listening and learning from Scott the Brit! Cheers!!

[@stogiechomper]

Excellent tips! This should help my fretting hand technique a lot. Thanks Scott, for your great contributions to bass education.

[@woodfamily5229]

Just started playing two weeks ago and I am glad that I wathced this so early in my playing!! I was doing this all wrong and didn't even know it. Thanks!

[@Prentach]

How is going your bass journey so far ?

[@canvoodoo]

Always looks like you need a heater in that room.

[@GregsBassShed]

canvoodoo ha it does look cold in there!

[@lordrabies49]

Look what he has on, Hes freezing.

[@PhantterY]

Great video Scott. You are a great teacher. What I found interesting was that a few years ago I adopted new fretting-hand technique from a video by Adam Neely, to help with tendonitis on my wrist. The techniques I adopted were exactly what you describe as bad technique here. Having my thumb to the side is a must for me, because it releases all the small muscles on my arm, and palm. And to me having my finger perpendicular to the fretboard causes fatigue in my thumb. Using the pinky was always a no-brainer to me. I never got how some people just ignore its existence while playing. While my thumb on the other hand (pun intended) ...is just there... being stupid :D

[@nerdtavern3559]

Hey I know this is a mega old comment, but as someone struggling with tendonitis I don't suppose you could point me in the direction of that video you mentioned by Adam Nealy?

[@vitormuzzi192]

@@nerdtavern3559 search for 'developing safe left hand technique for the bass guitar'

[@AdamKhan-zo8pb]

@@nerdtavern3559 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIPOhKaXpb6MqaM

[@bevinroue5788]

Same here. I'm new to bass, but have small hands and developing tendinitis. Adam's video, which contradicts the advice in this one, saved me. I wonder if the difference is at the low end? I can do Scott's technique in the middle of the Fretboard, but must do Adam's at the low notes.

[@hotwasabi69]

Ancient conversation but the answer I believe is the anatomy of your wrist. Which is genetic. Try holding your forearm, hand, and fingers in a line while bending your pinky freely. You either can, or your ring and pinky finger tendons are linked and they cannot bend independently of each other in that configuration. It can't be trained in, it's just biology. I happen to have both cases in either hand. With my left being mobile. And my right hand fingers being linked. This may be the case with this. I don't experience any “scrunching” of my fingers in any thumb orientation possible. Maybe because of how the thumbs tendons have developed. Some people obviously do. Probably best to just play what works and is comfortable. I point my thumb up at the head. I also have very long spindly fingers and my thumb is sorta in the way when I reach up to the E if I have it parallel to the frets.

[@TheHolyCorron]

Scott you are the man!!!! Been playing for a little while and couldn’t seem to get comfortable I appreciate you showing us how to beat to nuances and not just that showing us why. It’s like teaching us 1+1 is two but also breaking down why

[@HabAnagarek]

I love this. I'm still a novice, but thankfully I was taught years ago by a double bass uni student, so always thumb behind the neck, between the index and middle finger. Interestingly, at least from what I remember, double bass players didn't use their ring finger much, so I got used to using my pinky a bit, but ring finger is still very weak (even though I played piano for years when I was younger; now I realize I avoided using the bugger). I simply can't fathom putting my thumb over the top of the finger board and trying to play anything, but that's what most players do in rock/pop/funk/alternative/punk etc.! So I find trying to play, e.g. Steve Harris challenging because of his unorthodox plucking and fretting.

[@EBattousai]

Great video! Helps me so much to know what to look for in my fretting hand. Play with the fingertips, thumb behind the fretboard where I'm playing, and hand dropped below the board instead of resting on the side of it. Wow. Thanks Scott!

[@aaronjanusch6090]

Don't worry about FD! I'm missing half of the top pads of my right middle and ring fingers. It's odd to work through our individual "oddities", but if you're determined to keep the love while pushing on, it can be achieved! You're awesome, Scott, and I love the lessons!

[@dougp2917]

There it is! I've been "thumbing for a ride" for months on that neck! HUGE impact on mobility. Thank You, Scott.

[@cryptic-jack8108]

I'm struggling when using my pinky but after watching this video, I am now able to use it with ease when playing. Thanks a lot. You earned my sub 😁🙂

[@Jason-cm6uh]

Thanks for all you do! Ive learned more in a week than in years. Scott you have re-inspired my guitar and bass playing. Pay attention kiddies! Big test coming up

[@quimwellarcadio4880]

Thank you so much Mr. Scott. I regret hiring a personal instructor. Im so grateful this video you shared is very helpful. God Bless!

[@wadecottingham]

I love your teaching. Thank you !!!!!!

[@matthewdorais3076]

Great advice, thanks for the video, I’m brand new to playing the bass, I will make sure to learn it the right way to begin with.

[@edrock26]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you!

[@eddowens2186]

Thanks a lot my placement was like I was hitching a ride. Got work to do now

[@4rch4ngel4]

thank you scott, i recently picked up the bass and was struggling massively with my fretting technique...turns out the main cause was my thumb placement. really appreciate the tips!!! ❤

[@devinebass]

Glad that that has helped you!

[@fab9566]

C'est juste le meilleur pédagogue pour moi sur le sujet. Et en meme temps je bosse mon anglais. Au top

[@dewman0269]

Thanks for sharing that tip on thumb position... That has been my problem since I started playing 6 months ago... I'm a bass newbie....

[@chrisnichols2241]

You're doing Gods work, Scott

[@yeeeello]

Incredibly insightful!

[@stevegiller1331]

I clicked on this vid just to have a closer look at that base. Love the natural wood look. 🤟😎🎸

[@lungimsam]

What are your thoughts on Carol Kaye left hand technique guidelines? Which is basically this: Thumb points to headstock and always 1 fret behind index finger. Pivot off thumb to move whole hand up/down/ fingerboard. Fingers stay together and support each other even though using one finger to fret. Never spread fingers unless fast passages above 10th fret.

[@fibrewire08]

I think this video is a must for almost every bass player. Noboby except this guy mentioned those two things.

[@tate9096]

Thank you Scott!!!

[@marclajeunesse3329]

Thanks for the advice

[@LH-zv2zq]

I don't know why I didn't catch this lesson before, but super glad I found it. I don't want to "scrumple."

[@earlofmar11]

Having been trained as a classical guitar player many years before ever touching a bass, this fretting hand position has always been the normal thing for me to do. I've always wondered at the awkward positions I see many players (bass and electrical guitar alike) using, often with the thumb hopping over the "wrong" side as well...

[@erradate6425]

I dont know if Im missing something but this technnique you show is an absolute pain, I cannot even do a scale with the thumb in this positions it either blocks my fingers or hurt my wrist. Meanwhile having the thumb pointed toward the headstock gives me a full range of motion and doesnt hurts. Should I persevere or should I just keep my thumb pointed toward the headstock

[@doesitmatter94]

user 14555 keep your thumb pointed toward the headstock and keep your wrist straight. Your career will be shortened if you thrash your wrist

[@jorgekuntzpyles256]

Hey Scott, great lesson! my teacher plays with the fingers over the stringsbut I cant to do that.... I try and try again.... I´ll try to follow your lesson and keep my fingers over the fingerboard like you. Thanks a lot.

[@v1sq]

5:14 A grapefruit? Yeah right...

[@caseykittel]

Cool. I noticed your right hand holds a vertical line as well. Most importantly when you are moving your fretting hand all over the neck, your picking hand is only moving vertically - not following your fretting hand. Seems to make the sound more consistent. Also, makes it easier to play fast! This was a problem I had for a long time.

[@bauke-LV426]

Awesome, that's exactly the kind of tip I would expect from you! I've been watching you for years, because I've been "playing" for years (I'd call it "messing about for years" because I'm still sh*t). I'll start bullying my brain into doing the imaginary-knuckles-line thing. Thank you 👍

[@shaylenm4691]

That's a big question answered, thanks.

[@markgiallo3129]

thanx scott those were some really helpful tips cuz i dont have the longest fingers so that was inciteful

[@JDJBrooks]

Hey Scott, great tips that I wish someone had taught me ten years ago :). What I found is once I started practising fixing my flying fingers, (which I learned from your video), and the general rule you always give of not stretching to a note but moving your hand to it that the two issues you talked about in this generally went away as I fixed these other problems! Cheers, and thanks because since I've started following your videos a few months ago I've seen my bass playing improve more in that time than it had in any given year previous.

[@EclecticHillbilly]

I looked up "scrumple" and according to several on-line dictionaries, it is a word, mainly British in usage. :-)

[@MegaSweetpea72]

Hey Scott. I have just started with the bass and you are definitely the best bass teacher on earth. You explain everything so well and in so much detail. I have a tutor but you certainly help a lot between lessons. Thank you so so much !

[@BartBe]

This was most helpfull. thank you.

[@mainetimmermans8033]

Hi Scott, thanks for your lessons! As a physio i have to disagree with your comments about thumb position, The thumbposition you suggest is not possible for most players and has no positive effect on fingers movements what so ever. Most important is a relaxed position of the thumb.

[@taukhouse44]

Scrumple is definitely a word I've used it many times lol 😊

[@nitram_nosnibor]

It does help having very long fingers like you have ;) Mine are stubby and short :(

[@barondavis5692]

You’d think we all know this, but we don’t. Thanks

[@markmanbeck5210]

i love that scott started playing and was like "yeah?" as if we would say no to his fantastic little lines

[@bec947]

this is AWESOME. I never eveb realised how much of a scrumpler I was.

[@ziharkeus7814]

Adam Neely had (still has probably) a different opinion regarding the left thumb position. And honestly the much better one since it takes out all the tension that you get with the "pincher" technique of putting your thumb behind your index or middle finger. His video about it is super old but still holds up. I think it's called "Developing safe left hand technique".

[@awlthatwoodcrafts8911]

What about when playing an acoustic bass? The neck is at least 4 inches further away so it's more of a stretch to get my knuckles turned parallel to the neck. Is there variations to the techniques you teach that should/could be applied to playing an acoustic bass?

[@UroboricNate]

Interesting, im just coming from an old Adam Neely video where he recommends having the thumb pointing towards the headstock, nothing static though, he mentions that depending on what and where youre playing on the beck that it makes sense to have shifts in positioning. Makes it a bit confusing when trying to help my daughter with bass technique.

[@KyleS.1987]

I have the same issue. For me, I need to let my thumb drift further away from my fingers as I go higher up the neck (pointing toward the headstock), or else I have to bend my wrist at an extremely uncomfortable angle to reach notes on the E and A strings with my very short pinky. I have immense respect for both Adam and Scott, but I have to go with Adam on this one. His technique works for me, and Scott's just does not.

[@JamieClark]

5:10 wasn't fruit you were thinking about, Scott's Bass Lessons I'm sure DMAC will back that up, he was there!

[@PaladinHD]

Thanks for this video, I had no idea what I was doing with my left hand lol

[@İvan-i3v4v]

Dude this Video is very helpfull thank you 🤘

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@marq1w1]

great video helped me a lot thank you

[@BartFunkBass]

Very helpful!

[@Gamborg0101]

My weakest finger is actually my ring finger! But the way i got my technique sorted out, was by learn Jaco Pastorius - Come on Come over.. That is a great song, to get your technique down! :)

[@K100music]

Hey Scott great video again! I was wondering could you maybe go over 2 octave minor scales and how to apply them and how to do them in different keys? I enjoyed your 2 octave major scales!

[@Big_Old_Bondy]

Hi Scott, Thanks for the advice. This has been my problem forever! One question, are you applying any pressure on the fretboard between your thumb and fingers?

[@trevcornwall8160]

Nice one Scott duly noted! :-)

[@alexfithero]

Helpful video

[@dmccombe7]

I use my little finger but just picked up on the thumb position that i think is maybe why i'm suffering with little finger cramp on long sessions. 6hr rehearsal tomorrow and gonna try the thumb positioning change to see if that helps. Cheers Scott.

[@ItsABOUTflamTIME]

There's no denying that you're a skilled bass player, but what you teach as "good technique" is what many others teach as "bad", and what you teach as "bad technique" is what many others teach as "good". From a physiological perspective, I think it's clear that your technique is the one that's tougher on the wrist- and this may be fine for you, but it worries me that others may be adopting this technique and facing tendonitis/RSIs as a result.

[@fexnah]

I always get worried when you take off your glove, like something bad is about to happen!

[@kainetyrie5355]

thanks man instantly easier to play anything :)

[@MichaelJohnson-eg4bj]

Thank You ,struggling with the song ...i cant help myself ,reason being is my left hand technique Thank you

[@michalsalanci1313]

I just started with base, but I can't play put the pinky to E string, without unwillingly touching the other strings

[@devinebass]

Hey Michal - Check out this video, it should help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYPThayra7pggMk

[@Gothgalactica]

I just want to know if you still use "scrumple" 😂 As someone who is always making up my own words, I loved it and will totally use it. Thank you for you awesome tutorials.

[@bradstricker4134]

when your hand moves up and down the fretboard. Does your thumb pivot up a move and then move it or more like your thumb and index finger move a long together?

[@rawstarmusic]

I move my hand more than you do. Then I play a pattern deliberately in different positions to encourage me to fly around the fretboard. I also keep my right hand free without any anchor, that feels natural to me.

[@MM-un8ew]

great feeling in my hand with your advise, but i get a weird pain in my left scapula... do you know this problem, Scott?

[@fezstavrou7742]

scot do you have the FDS tendon in pinky? many great bassists do not have in pinky. i wanna know if more do not have it!

[@dmbakker1]

Scott, I had a stroke, on right side..hard to feel the strings when plucking..Any ideas???

[@johnbeer2854]

You seem to hold your thumb on the string lower than the one you're fretting ? is that also the thing to do rather than keeping on the top of the pickup ?

[@jupitor919]

Do you get a four fret stretch from this hand it looks like even though using the whole hand, you’re only spanning three frets.?

[@tylerbell5162]

Hey, Scott... I totally get everything you are saying... And I hate to be that guy who says "but I'm different!" but about the only way I can bring my thumb in to be opposite my index and middle fingers is if I put my wrist at a 90 degree angle, which means my fingers don't move AT all. Or I can curl(scrumple?) my thumb under so that the back of my thumbnail and knuckle are what rests on the neck. That's not comfortable either. and by "not comfortable" I mean " The only thing that is comfortable has my thumb over the top of the neck when playing on E. Even G my thumb is only about 1/4 of the way around the neck So when you say that your thumb should be opposite, can you go into more detail? Perhaps(again, I'm being "that guy") my thumb is less opposable? hah.

[@barrywiseman559]

my pinky finger was broken years ago, just popped the second joint back in and taped it. now when i try to use my pinky it locks up, i still use it, but any tips for a jacked up pinky finger. thanks man

[@pinkskies21]

im confused. in other videos you say to avoid extreme wrist angles and to keep your wrist relaxed as possible, but look at some of the angles ( like at 4:16 ) you got going on here. this technique really hurts my wrist and feels very unnatural.

[@forkheader]

I cant even physically put my hand in that position

[@AzuriteCoast]

Right there with you. This video also stands counter to Adam Neely's left hand technique video. The thumb shouldn't be in the middle of all of the fingers, that will cause strain over time for many.

[@jwal1992]

"I'm sure there are teachers watching this right now" (00) I feel personally attacked lol

[@ariefwinarto5613]

Hi Scott. I am bassist of a pretty well know band in Indonesia called ten2five. 7 years ago I was diagnosed with General dystonia. It affected my left fingers. Now I lost my pinkie abilities to bend due to uncontrollable spasm. I wonder if how the glove help your condition . Help me with any information about this, since I have stopped playing on stage since 6 years ago. Thanks in advance

[@HansyPants184]

Hands are pretty weak right now (Guitar player 🤣) would you recommend a lighter set of strings for developing technique and strength then going back up to my good ol' 45s after the technical aspects have been addressed? OR do I just suck it up in shorter periods until the endurance is there to get back to playing enjoyably?

[@mqaisataloss.5951]

What if your struggeling with the ringfinger ? I Mostly use my pinky middle en index finger. My ring finger doesn't rly wana coöperate with the pinky or the middle finger. I can move it well on it's own but when I grab a note with it it's never clean.

[@IanJKnapp]

Hey, thanks for the video! What do you find to be the best technique for playing notes on the same fret. i.e. if i were to be playing a C on the third fret and then moving to the G right above it, (or below it if we're being musically technical.) I find the my fingers get jumbled together and it can be an awkward move from note to note that way.

[@kfing1]

Holy shit - that thumb thing - works a charm

[@tomgingell8347]

Revisiting this video as I'm noticing with my fretting hand I'm not always using my tips to fret as I find it a stretch sometimes to do it particularly trying to do one finger per feet. I've noticed my knuckles are never in line with each other pointing down like you show here. I'm at a bit of a end here I do have quite small hands but i just don't really know where I'm going wrong.

[@tabealsoundlab9266]

cool stuff

[@Vsko478]

Moogerfooger just chillin' in the back

[@jillshort9241]

People normally have a pinkie that goes up to the second knuckle of their ring finger. Mine is only a little more than halfway to that distance, so I am "missing" at least a quarter of an inch on my pinkie. I've only just started, but I'm finding it difficult to do some of the exercises that require stretching that finger, and I've only got an Ibanez Mikro, about the shortest short scale there is. Am hoping I can figure it out or compensate somehow, but don't know yet. Of course, being female, my hands and fingers are smaller than those of you guys, anyway. Sigh. Just another hurdle for an old lady to try and overcome...