The Top 7 BASS TECHNIQUE FAILS (and how to fix them)

[@demonpigs4]

Thanks for making me insecure about my everything on Bass. You're great keep it up.

[@aquilesbailo1547]

so gay!

[@arando4359]

Aquiles Bailo um, ok

[@arando4359]

Aquiles Bailo ?

[@takeonemusic5537]

all us bass players NEED to feel insecure sometimes, cos thats one element that can push us to be a better players

[@tonyanderson4242]

Oh? Have you been introduced to Glenn Fricker, yet? (LOL)

[@elkayezs8wslkwaterfountain826]

I wanna hear scott do a vocal impression of gordon ramsay

[@jackill2611]

Amazing! I've just found some problems with my playing, and now I can improve!

[@anthonyguess2744]

Your inverted rist fix is great. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. God bless

[@yannickdewit7089]

A great exercise that can complement #5 is to use three finger plucking: You start with the ring finger, then middle and then pointer, rinse & repeat. You still accentuate the 1, but due to only using three fingers, the finger used to accentuate moves over. (RING, middle, pointer, ring, MIDDLE, pointer, ring, middle, POINTER, ring, middle, pointer). This can really help you play faster, strengthens your ring finger and makes it more precise

[@yannickdewit7089]

You do still count to 4 though.

[@mcnagi4246]

This video open my eyes. Thanks

[@josericardomoreira8569]

That´s it! Simple and clear!

[@Capnbeaner]

Fwaaak 🤯🤯 Been working on my bloop. Bloops n widdleywoos ... this helps so much 🙏 🙏

[@WDXash]

Brilliant. Thank you 👍

[@derek9218]

1:24 oh no, there’s a _supreme_ gentleman in the room apparently.

[@sneaky_general]

I’m not even really a bass player but I watch this channel regularly

[@Rdac0]

Im new to bass and this is useful

[@matkalyhty]

That's a beautiful bass.

[@ClauGutierrezY]

Flying fingers is physically demanding to correct even when you don't have the inverted wrist problem. I've been trying to correct it for ever and I still do it at some extent. It's frustrating. Muting properly is also hard.

[@jmcbeady8210]

Nice bass. What brand?

[@ryanlangrehr2717]

I suffer with rule 7 mainly and a little bit of rule 5

[@timmoen1083]

“Flying Fingers” is my middle name, also “crap muting, “see-saw”....I have a lot of middle names

[@MrJeawa]

Yes same here

[@Rinneganlean]

Same

[@sarahkorver2439]

Lol same here

[@antibiotic3024]

@Robin G yeah we all are the same we all be the best

[@TheActualCaveman]

Good ole Tim "crap muting" Moen.

[@barhatny]

I suffer with "i dont have bass yet" :D

[@brettzolstick989]

truly a tragic tale

[@ahmedmiladi9362]

Same here buddy!

[@ahmedmiladi9362]

@Xavier M ADAMS I'm happy for you man

[@hexyko4850]

Same, no bass

[@alexev4560]

For all who still suffers, Check Thomann.de for Harley Benton real beginner BASSes. Pretty much affordable ones. Also, cheap but playable ones are STAGG, I got B300 Jazz Bass, they have P as well, but not sure about their sound. I setup action and pickups height on my JJ and now she sounds great. Also, take a look at CORT Acton Series PJ in most, 4-5 strings, shortscale 30' Junior single humbucker. Not sure about classic models P and JJ. Lowest JJ too much expensive, and lowest P's look too much questionable.

[@blacklotus5364]

Been playing bass for 11 years (guitar for 16), self taught, and I do every single one of these. At least I know what to work on now.... everything! haha

[@blholt10]

Same 😭🚶

[@maxwelledison9954]

How the fuck did you not notice there was something wrong

[@ronguy4420]

Maxwell Edison because I got very comfortable with it and it wasn’t a problem. Self taught here also.... Been there, done that.

[@sardinecakes8977]

@@maxwelledison9954 jeez bro the anger

[@jessesparks7424]

I'm a little similar to you in being a self taught bassist, but for a couple of years longer, and also came from guitar. I'm actually quite pleased to say that I don't do any of these currently. I know I'm bassically bragging, but I'm feeling pretty good about it right now. I could improve my dynamics some, that can always be better. It wasn't always like this. I was typically a 1 and 3 guy when fretting, but realized I could cover better ground by using the box style he spoke of. I just didn't know it had a name.

[@pauldean8577]

YES!!!! I win!!! I get all 7!!!! :D :) :| wait a sec... this not good ... er?! Scott? I should have gotten 0 right?

[@YRTEverything]

Epic

[@YRTEverything]

Epic... In this particular test, you should score 0. :)

[@lampshade3610]

i do believe so

[@ArriGaffer]

All seven equals 28! :)

[@matthewshimek]

Time Stamps for the Video! 1:46 Flying Fingers [exercise] 4:22 See-Saw [exercise] 6:35 4-Finger Per Fret [different style] 8:05 Crap Muting [different styles] 10:56 No Dynamics [exercise] 11:50 Inverted Wrist [full] 13:14 Not using Hammer-ons and Pull-offs (and slides) [full] [Exercise] = Time stamp for the exercise [Different style(s)] = Different style for the session [Full] = Full session

[@Jo-si3ot]

ザヒーローマシュー The Hero Matthew thanks bro! Your Awesome!

[@wallacewinston3627]

Username checks out.

[@josephinecaruana3847]

Lovely video Scott Love watching you My thing I need to get better with is hammer on and pull offs there is not much sound when I do them I do have tiny hands

[@animorphtoto]

As a bass player for years I never realized how much flying fingers was holding me back, thanks for the tips!

[@EndrzGame]

Been playing guitar/bass for 30+ years and I still catch myself doing 'Flying Fingers'.

[@stimpsonjcat26]

Well it doesn't affect playing so really isn't that important

[@sensationalleslie3237]

@@stimpsonjcat26 ultimately it slows you down, but depends on how fast you want to play..

[@stimpsonjcat26]

@@sensationalleslie3237 Yes but your hand will naturally stop doing this when you play faster. It is like finger picking. In slow parts you tend to have bigger strokes, then when you speed up your strokes shorten without thinking about it.

[@theTrend7]

So hard to get rid of,lol. 🐥

[@josephdrach2276]

Keep em close to the fingerboard.But sometimes people like to see,Flying Fingers or Dancing Fingers.It can be part of being a showman,in moderation.

[@gidikalchhauser]

As a bass teacher myself I'd like to add a few to the list (guess you left 'em out cause you can only fit so many): - bent wrist (fretting hand) - bass hanging too low - not being prepared to use rakes whenever possible - fretting way too hard - applying to much pressure with the thumb of the fretting hand - lifting the plucking fingers too far off the strings - the "violin fretting hand" - not muting with the plucking fingers - pressing too hard while sliding - looking at the fretting finger while sliding instead of looking at the target fret - tensing up, pulling up the shoulders, bending the neck forward - ... Boy, I could go on and on :D excellent video!

[@fela001]

i dont understand point number three..

[@kingslaphappy1533]

fena hauhnar He means if you are playing a fast line that goes from a higher string to the next lower string or strings, you use the same plucking finger and just bring it down onto the lower string ( not alternating your plucking finger) so that it “ rakes” across the string in a downward fashion. Lets you play faster descending lines. Heres Scott explaining it better than me 😀 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3-kinycfrmaptk

[@fela001]

@@kingslaphappy1533 aaah, it's what i've always been doing!!!!! damn.. i've always thought of it as a noob-cheat of my own

[@JaMeshuggah]

What's "violin fretting hand"?

[@rileygoodenough5000]

Most of these sound like personal preference and not what's best for everyone. IMO. Not trying to offend

[@Mardial]

what kind of gloves is that? and where can I get that kind of gloves? I'm suffering hyperhidrosis so my palm can't stop sweating whenever I get too excited. it might be helpful for me to practicing with gloves

[@AmarSagoo]

Although he doesn't talk about what specific kind it is, here Scott explains why he wears them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYC5eKV9d8qkn6s

[@jaseschick8853]

You can find them on Amazon, look up guitar gloves

[@swannautiluskayk4642]

got the same thing, total lifefucker

[@grantcampbell2462]

I got my first bass for Christmas and your lessons have been super helpful for getting me started. Thank you!

[@BlinkTF2]

a bass guitar is one great christmas present

[@jasondee5357]

It's been almost a year. Still playin?

[@robertayala2152]

I got one this year!

[@brodsworth4966]

I just got one for my 16th bday today

[@Funkybassplayer]

Same here. Just bought a fender precision bass this weekend and I’m watching all these videos about techniques

[@stereoroid]

#7 is something I find really important. One of my earliest influences was Geddy Lee, and his playing is chock full of such little details that elevate his basslines: ghost notes, grace notes, little slides and so on. I've seen some KZbin Rush covers where the player manages to leave all those out and play every note flat, and I want to cry ..!

[@Kylora2112]

Yeah, in a genre like rock and metal where expression is a HUGE part of sounding "good," knowing when to embellish your playing with grace notes and legato stuff (this is coming from a guitarist) makes you sound really dull and boring. Bends, vibrato, HOPOs, staccato...all of them are ways to elevate your playing.

[@guitarworks2546]

just an observation....not sure whether or not "Tablature" has benefited a lot of players ...the best players I know sit down with the instrument and LISTEN to what they are playing, and learn subtleties from other playes by ear and reproduce the noises they hear by trial and error...thus learning how to get the same results with their hands and fingers. I find it amusing when I hear players Like Billy Sheehan discuss his knowledge of 'theory" of playing...it goes something like this: " i can't tell you what I do...I'm just the guy who does it. I'm the one playing the stuff and I leave it up to someone else who knows about this stuff to analyze it and write it down....I can show you...but don't ask me what it is on any technical level...I have no idea." you have to invent your own way of playing....sure it helps a LOT to have someone show you where you might be developing "bad' habits so that you take a straighter path to better technique, but I would venture to guess that some of the most innovative and influential players had very few if any official "lessons". You tube is different....it has such a great variety of instructional material covering anything you can think of, so you are less likely to adopt some single instructors' idea of what is the "right way" to approach an instrument and you get to see someone explaining note for note (not always exactly perfect...) ways of how to play something. so keep up the good work...your input is very likely helpful to those who have lesser 'ear" skills and haven't yet figured out some of these methods on their own.

[@josephdrach2276]

@@guitarworks2546 - That being said,Scott is mentioning some things that fall under ease of motion and economy of motion.Is it really possible to move with ease if one grabs the neck like a wrench and keeps the pressure on while shifting?No it isn't and you can try it and see for yourself.Holding it more like he suggests and not putting way too much pressure on the strings allows for easy slides that sound good and don't hurt your hand.Try it and you can see that it's true.The practice of keeping ones fingers close to the fingerboard allows one to move just a little to depress a string.Try keeping your fingers 2" away from the fingerboard and play one fret after another up and down.Then try it low to the fingerboard.You can feel the difference, especially if you go fast.The less distance you need to go the easier this becomes.This is part of economy of motion.We accept these suggestions when it comes to doing a sport or a martial art but somehow music is not the same.It is largely the same.To move easily and quickly is a goal we share and these basic ideas are very helpful.

[@guitarworks2546]

@@josephdrach2276 i guess in all fairness..I am not a "teacher" and although I have been playing for 45 years...I have not given much thought on how other players may be playing "wrong" or with bad habits such as Scott describes. In analyzing how I play, I can't even begin to categorise a "Style" as such....I typically use 3 fingers (right hand) sometimes 4...sometimes the thumb...whatever....closer to the bridge, sometimes over the fingerboard like you might see entwhistle doing, slapping when necessary, chording, etc....all this just comes automatically after all this time and i don't give much thought to either hand's role or any special left hand movement to get the notes I want....it just happens. so to give credit, the exercises here might well help a few players out there get past some hurdles on a very basic level and again. this is where youtube shines in it's availability. I like to check out what other players post as tips 'cause you never can tell when you might learn something new or different to add to the arsenal....despite the fact that I consider myself a fairly accomplished player, I certainly don't know everything and continue learning little things here and there from all kinds of players..especially ones whose techniques differ a lot from my own.

[@josephdrach2276]

@@guitarworks2546 This is about learning from others.If you want to play using method you like,go right ahead.This video is about certain techniques and common blunders people make.If you want to play using only your forefinger on your fingerboard hand and grasp the neck like your trying to choke an animal,do that.Perhaps you use only the pinky on your other hand to strike the strings.Fine,I am not here to tell you off.We are sharing what works and doesn't for use and if you feel that if someone has anything to say about how you should play they are treading on your toes,hey,I've been playing a very long time and I feel like there is no end to what I want to learn and how much better I want to be.Your entitled to keep playing as you do.If it works it must be good.Scott is not bashing me or anyone else nor am I.I have been playing for 46 years,but I won't pull seniority on you, LOL.Do as you wish.I keep learning.You,keep doing what you want to do.

[@katinabreunig6444]

Me: first one is probably fingers Scott: flying fingers! Me: even better

[@kraigompls]

"Fretting hand? You're discriminating against fretless players!!!" :-)

[@Dracu666]

😀

[@zedrseven]

Surely calling it a fretting hand is more relevant for a fretless player. Your fingers are taking the place of the frets.

[@maxwelledison9954]

@@zedrseven big brain

[@sabandija486]

Are you a feminist or something? Lol

[@reubennb2859]

Better than 'necking hand'

[@DontCallMeEdith]

Me at every single one of these: hahaha, I do that

[@sparkygordon92]

Massively underrated comment. Hahaha😂

[@theTrend7]

🤣😂

[@Evanjb156]

So I watched this video then recorded myself messing around for about 10 minutes. Watching it back I found I'm guilty of the dreaded seesaw fingers. Couple of minutes running through your drills have dramatically made my playing feel more fluid. The ideas in my head are coming out cleaner than they had before. 5 and 7 I could definitely do some more of, but I've been slowly working them into my playing as I'm getting more and more comfortable on the instrument (7 months in!) Thanks for all the great work you do, Scott!

[@ColonelRPG]

It's so interesting to see how all of these fails also apply to the guitar.

[@josephdrach2276]

I agree with just about all of this since I also teach bass guitar.To add to the inverted hand/wrist-this sometimes includes holding onto the neck as if it were a wrench and trying to slide smoothly.Obviously it's counterproductive to do so and most students are glad to be corrected.About the "box" system.Classical technique,such as is used on the bass fiddle and typically on the fretless bass guitar works well on the regular bass guitar(the one with frets).I don't call it the box system because it can be part of learning classical fingering.Up to the 12th fret,one uses the forefinger,middle finger and the pinkie supported by the ring finger to depress one position each(C,C#,D,for example).Open strings are more common and at the 12th fret and above one uses all five fingers one the fingerboard.The use of the thumb creates amazing possibilities!I also use the one finger per fret method outlined here and it's excellent as well.For fretless I feel that classical fingering is the way to go.Insofar as dynamics and rhythmic improvement go,a metronome is a Must.Also buy drum books.They have a wealth of rhythm in them and you can accent them at different points to practice dynamics.There are also drum books for odd meters and these are also very useful.Practice shifting!Start with an E on the E string and play all the notes in key of C (no sharps or flats)all the way up to the highest note available on the G string and back down again.Try soloing on one string.Then solo on another until you have done all of them.This helps with shifting and fingerboard awareness.Even though I try to keep my fingers low to the fingerboard I am aware that in some cultures and subcultures seeing the fingers move up and down and flutter is considered a good part of the performance and for certain audiences,I will toss in a bit of "finger dancing" but not to the point where it messes up my playing.Thanks for all the advice you've given in your many videos.They are very useful.

[@jacobwong38]

Scott, out of curiosity, why do you play “I Want You Back” the way you do instead of playing all of it in position 1? Is it a tone thing? I guess this can lead into a more general question - when and why do bassists choose to move up or down a fretboard when they could play it entirely in one or two positions? Is there a method to this? Thanks!

[@Dapno_]

I guess it would be wrong to boil it down to one reason as everyone has their own reasoning, personally however I do it for tone. Say you're playing for example the main Riff of "The Chicken" by Jaco (key of Bb major): Playing that major 6th on the g string will sound pretty bright and ring out as it is an open string. You can also however slide from the perfect 5th (third fret) to the major 6th (fifth fret) on the D String, which gives it a different attack and the tone of a fretted note higher up the neck. You should try out playing the same lines, same octaves in different places around the neck. You will eventually hear the difference:)

[@Nundalose]

I'm just starting off with the bass (no instruction/teaching) and i'm pretty sure I"m guilty of all of these. Thanks for the tips!

[@martilives3694]

Hey don’t critique my playing style🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@shawnbiery7331]

I feel hopeless. I seem to have a mess of problems with technique. Tripping over my fingers. I’d like to add I just picked up the bass two weeks ago.

[@JoshusBarber]

It's been a month now, how has your bass playing gotten?

[@donh5794]

How is your bass playing now. I started last month and better at knowing the fretboard and working on theory and technique.

[@1badsteed]

So practice for few months using good technique, focusing on playing correctly. Then it becomes muscle memory...

[@blacktongue1000]

Opposite to the 1 finger per fret system, I see SO many people avoiding their pinky while playing. Stretching 4 frets with the first 3 fingers like a madman.

[@inedibledorito]

When practiced right that 4th finger is so helpful. Used to play folk guitar, decided to go into classical guitar. Oh dam was that a challenge with the pinky. Glad i learnt that prior to bass!

[@ryanlangrehr2717]

blacktongue1000 I do that a lot

[@brenlouissurio2404]

I don't use the 1 finger per fret on the first frets (1-7) because my hand is small. For those frets I use index, middle, and pinky. I find it comfortable to not stretch the ring when it's to far.

[@josephdrach2276]

@@brenlouissurio2404 Consider learning classical fingering.It was invented for the bass fiddle but lots of bass guitarists use it especially on fretless,though it's just fine for a bass with frets.Until the 12th fret one uses the forefinger one one note,then the next note is held down by the middle finger.The next note is held down by the pinkie,Supported by your ring finger.Lots of open strings and shifting involved.Get a book on the method.Simandl and Nanny both have good books on this.Get both or a good teacher.Good for small hands.Above the 12th fret,All five fingers can be used.Study and try it.

[@brenlouissurio2404]

@@josephdrach2276 I'll try it thanks dude. I do consider myself as a guy who easily adapts so I'll probably get used to the "proper" way once I study it.

[@Liztonicedtea]

Just watched a recording of myself - I do the flying fingers!!! Thank you for providing the exercises - I will be practicing that!

[@bottleaire2082]

May be TMI, but I was watching this on the toilet when you spoke of "crap muting." Uh, I'm in Texas. Could you hear the toilet ringing? Apologies...

[@robertwatson5104]

That’s it I give up

[@16-BitGuy]

I feel the same.

[@davehein1418]

I miss the brown paper reveals ...

[@dougarnold7955]

That's funny.

[@lucyhill512]

The Glove is creepin' me out

[@djfglobal3377]

It does look like that’s the hand that’s not allowed to get sun . . .

[@mooneyes1114]

Thank you! I thought I was the only one who was gonna say something!

[@outtayardstudio]

Well I don't do any of them mate...and I'm still shite so...... 🤣

[@laura-leekelley4864]

Funny, some of these posts. I've been playing bass guitar at a pro level for... wow, 38 years now. I'm also a classical violinist, trained, 2 degrees in music. Worked in sessions, studios, and played most of my waking hours for many many many years professionally. My pinky isn't right next to the board most of the time, I do flying fingers. It's intentional. My pinky is shorter (so are most), and weaker, and I do a lot of hammering in my left hand. The technique I master years ago has a very even tone between the fingers no matter which one is hammering or just playing normally. I don't disagree that in theory many of these ideas are nice to do and, if they work for you, should reduce muscle use. However I've had zero issues with my hands, fingers, tone or ability to play fast, or complex chords, or any style of music. So, I mean, good ideas, and you play brilliantly. Some of these are not hard and fast rules, however.

[@astrolabellc7195]

Even though you have a short pinky you still have to use it! I have long skinny fingers and you can certainly play better than I can, but you must use that pinky. That's what the pinky toe is for, wanting more!

[@astrolabellc7195]

Even though you have a short pinky you still have to use it! I have long skinny fingers and you can certainly play better than I can, but you must use that pinky. That's what the pinky toe is for, wanting more!

[@IAmNumber4000]

Thanks for the cool tips James McAvoy. Never knew you could play bass too :)

[@davehein1418]

I don't use hammer-ons and pull-offs or slides much ... yet.

[@alexfithero]

Quote from my basd teacher. Dont EVEN PLAY BASS IF U CAN'T PLAY HAMMERONS. U can put YOU ON HAMMERS ONS.

[@julia-pg3xh]

Started playing about 4 days ago and I have mostly all of these problems, but I mean I'm playing for just 4 days so enough time to fix it!

[@Mar.Escobar24]

I started playing 3 days ago and already wanna play this good 😂

[@oulivneechan1150]

Actually my only real problem is doing absolute nonsense with my right hand. Instead of using the first two fingers, I use all of them! Like, I play the G cord with my pinky, which is totally weird and unconvenient, and I'm aware of that but now that I've started playing bass like this, it's hard to get rid of it

[@NexusBecauseWhyNot]

Him: Next. The inverted wrist. Never hold the the base like this. Pull the wrist down a little. Leave some space. Me: Ok, but how do I do that? My hand cramps hard and because of a mild tremor I cannot hold the hand in the air... Him: Okay! So, number seven... I know my problem is a more specific one xD but I have tried playing with straps, without, sitting, standing, I simply cannot hold it like that and still apply enough power to the fret so it doesn't buzz any time I touch it. I know that this is the solution, there's a multitude of guitar videos explaining the same thing too, I just don't know what to do with this xD

[@olabystrom5265]

I got new strings called ”black nylon tape wound” strings and didn’t put them so high above fret board. This has elevated my play so much because they are sooo easy to play with! I also suffered from inverted wrist because rounded wrist cramped up when holding down strings.

[@nickellis6530]

Hey Scott - Thanks for the video ! I was really worried when pressing play on the video that I’d be ticking all 7 boxes aha ! I’d say myself I struggle to keep my pinky and ring finger floating over the strings - it’s like a combination of 1&2, my pinky and ring finger will seasaw between themselves when I’m using them. Something else that I’ve seen a lot of people do - myself included is when playing in the ‘box’ technique I loose most ability with my pinky finger and sometimes even hide it behind the fretboard the higher up the register I go. Another note - something you very lightly touched on is the dynamic difference between hammer-one and pulls-offs. My hammer-on game is strong, but pull-off technique feels quite weak and you mentioning about want the same volume between the 2 has made much sense in what I need to practice with! Furthermore - Thank you Scott ! Having watched loads of your videos I cannot say thank you enough for all the free content and great advice !

[@bjames692]

I just bought my first bass yesterday

[@bartzijtveld632]

me too, a little while back.. to be honest, I'm just waiting for covid to stop so I can take some bass lessons irl instead of youtube tutorials

[@saulbetesh2229]

Guilty with pretty much all of them. at least some of the time. I'd say to use an amp when practicing and actually listening to yourself play in order to work on dynamics. I find that when i dont use an amp i mash the strings in a way that is detrimental to to proper form, volume, etc.

[@tywallace8343]

Thanks Scott! Been following for about five years now, since I started actually playing daily. You are doing good stuff for the rest of us trying to learn 👍🏽💯🎸

[@charlieschultz4446]

keep - up the great work , best wishes , bye C.S. Penshurst , Australia . :)

[@sakehump7536]

Was that in “sea Major”?

[@Henry-vb4fv]

I’m not doing any hammer ons and pull offs yet but I’m not advanced to the point where I’ll be using them yet

[@lancepria5495]

Scott:Did you see any point where my finger was sticking out? Also Scott: immidiate deep NOO

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Nice lesson. But that's the only bass I've heard you play that doesn't sound very good.

[@serialvapist5807]

I just started bass a couple weeks ago and I suffer with 1 through 7. In all seriousness though, I've seen your flying fingers videos and been working on that. The most helpful one for me as I am right now is the seesaw, once I heard that I realized I've been doing that.

[@og_epicsimulator]

My pinkie loves to fly. Plus I always mute with my left hand even though I’m a righty and I cannot go down on the see saw correctly haha

[@crowolfe290]

Dynamics are definitely my sticking point.

[@quoncy]

Never thought about this "box system" of 1 and 4. It is really helpful! Please do a lesson on this topic! You are great, Scott. Thank you!

[@89MAGGOT4LIFE666]

OH MY GOD! Thank you so much for #6 I've done this the entire time, and wondered why I had no range, you're the best!

[@kylehawkins1644]

Love your work Scott, you’ve really helped me develop as a bass player and your videos on technique have really helped me weed out my bad habits

[@KiraPlaysGuitar]

When I jump on the bass it's usually to play like a Vulfpeck or Jaco tune, some funky 16th note grooves. At the moment I'm playing Conscious Club - Vulfpeck, and obviously it's a pretty fast line, but that octave bit is pretty killer. I'm not sure if I should try to have my right hand closer/to more parallel with the pickups. I feel like I'm curling my right hand too much, like a claw - hard to explain - basically as if I'm pointing towards myself, as opposed to the ground, when I'm plucking. Is this wrong/what's making things difficult?

[@lucymerlier7354]

#8 : the crooked plucking hand wrist. 100% guilty of it because I got used to playing while having a bit of nails...

[@lucymerlier7354]

Also : crap muting definitely happens sometimes on the 5 strings or while slapping :/

[@lucymerlier7354]

Oh and I sometimes get a tiny bit of inverted wrist on special occasions. I guess it's because I started on guitar and used that "thumb over the low e string" thing a lot...

[@MaurycyHartman]

Why did I think "ploocking" in my head?

[@mattcartwright8474]

Lucy your 5string muting technique sounds like it needs work. Instead of anchoring your right or plucking hand (if you play right) thumb on the pickup, anchor it on the low B. That will keep the low B muted while you're playing the E and A string. If you have to go to higher strings move or drop your thumb down to the next highest string while keeping your thumb layed against the lower (in pitch) strings. That way your plucking hand thumb is muting the lower (pitched) strings while you play the higher (pitched) strings. This is called the floating thumb technique. Takes a little getting used to but it's the difference between extended range bass players and those that say "Jaco only needed four strings"

[@mattcartwright8474]

Every time I see someone who says they "can't play more than 4" I ask them to play, always always they have their thumb anchored on the pickup or thumb anchor. Those look cool but not good for technique

[@imperiousquartermaster6009]

Having played bass for 35 years with only 3 years of lessons in the beginning, I can honestly say I'm good on the wrist, hammer on's and offs, improving on the muting, but he nailed me on the first 3 and I appreciate the techniques to practice to fix my bad habits.

[@eduardoferreira1963]

This is the most beautiful bass I've ever seen.

[@jorgeresendizplaybass]

My favorite was "Not using hammer on's and pull off's" i think should incorporate that

[@ugubu5359]

I have a birth-defect that makes it impossible for me to use my littlefinger when i play bass since it is much shorter and curved sideways than an average littlefinger. So i can only play with 3 fingers.

[@jockojohn3294]

You need to master the sliding technique......

[@swissarmyknight4306]

Well, that's one more finger than Django Reinhardt and three more fingertips than Tony Iommi. If you want technique tips, the Simandl Method uses 1-2-4 fingerings in the lower register, but I do them 1-2-3 and I think you could too.

[@takeonemusic5537]

nothing wrong in that

[@estebanb7166]

So... Don't use it. Problem solved.

[@josephdrach2276]

@@swissarmyknight4306 Simandl teaches the classical method which could be adapted as a good way to play if you have three fingers on your fingerboard hand.The classical way allows one to use the thumb from the 12th fret up.Hey! Try it!(ugubu)

[@jimlloyd1854]

I am having trouble with a combination of 1-2-3-4: Left hand can't stay positioned on the strings, line up for more than 2 frets, while the right hand keeps drifting onto the wrong strings. I think I was doing better, two months ago. Maybe, I should find a local instructor to watch what I am doing and give me realtime direction!

[@jimlloyd1854]

A month or so later... I did get some one-on-one time with a couple of experienced players, one guitar and one bass. What a difference! . I am finally getting the little finger strength up, can hit the correct fret more times than not ( from 1 to 9), and walk one or two strings on the fret while plucking the correct string! And, my retention and speed seem to be getting good enough to need a metronome (:>) . Everyone who has spent 4 or 5 months stumbling around, progress is best realized with perseverance!!

[@vkavcic6]

please send me name of this bass guitar.....and you have ,flatround string '?

[@CarlCumby]

That is an FBASS VF Series 4 string, made by George Furlanetto in Ontario, Canada. Roughly $3700 USD starting price currently.

[@jefflg2334]

Never play with a raspy or clanky tone. Never use extreme vibrato.

[@greglee50]

Hi Scott I’ve got a fender p bass , which fender rumble do I get , cheers

[@james-lt8ry]

greglee50 I find the rumble 40 to be a nice size one to get

[@timothysawyer-garza6372]

Great video. I'm one week in self taught and I have made all of these mistakes. This video will expidate my process of fixing those mistakes. Thanks mate!

[@pearldavis2640]

I suffer with hammer ons and pulloffs

[@richardbartkus4192]

Scott, Thank you so very much! I was a professional Trombonist and have been fortunate enough to have performed with many celebrated artists. Several years ago I had a stroke and as a result some eye problems that prohibited me from playing much trombone as the back pressure was verboten according to my Retina Surgeon. I performed and recorded with many A Player Bassists whom I got some great tips from, but have NEVER been able to get my muting under control. This video has helped me tremendously and with practice the muscle memory that comes with the hours of repetition I believe success is in my future. Thanks Scott! Hope to thank you in person one day!

[@nightlust]

5:26 anyone having some old school Doom vibes? :p

[@josephfuentes2251]

Whats with the glove? Just curious!

[@salongaucher8597]

probably skin reaction to the strings. some people have that. question is: why only one hand? maybe to protect the neck? maybe he has a bionic hand :P

[@Hagen55555]

He got a video about that glove, check it out

[@jichuloveschicken2340]

I'm a beginner in Bass, and I believe I suffer with #6 the most, the rest of the techniques I'm not familiar with 😂😂

[@rodolfo7413]

why am i watching this im a guitarist

[@ApacheUy]

of the list, I have some issues with the "Bass Technique" one... But And Im professional at "fails..." so 50% 50%... ;)

[@16-BitGuy]

Just started learning bass two days ago. watching this makes me feel struggling trying to get all of that right to make it feel all natural to me. I'm frustrated. It is so helpful and yet intimidating.

[@anthonyguess2744]

Hey go to blues bass for beginners,. It makes learning fun

[@djdankmemes9257]

Technique doesn't have to be perfect to play, it just helps. It's more important to play. Use technique to enhance your playing. Enjoy playing first! :)

[@16-BitGuy]

@@anthonyguess2744 good idea! :D

[@16-BitGuy]

@@djdankmemes9257 thx, dude!

[@donh5794]

Don't let it get you down. I just started too. It's good to know what good technique is and fixing what you can in the beginning. At least you know what to work on if you have problems learning to play.

[@acoolname]

This is exactly the video one needs toward clean bass playing. Thanks. Love it.

[@cheknfaks]

Thank you Scott for this video and many others you have shared. You are a gem when it comes to being very informative. I especially enjoy your cool riffs and funky bass licks which you add here and makes the videos more interesting. The important related issues you covered has corrected me of some bad habits i've been struggling with my entire bass life and you were first to point them out. You are an amazing teacher with how detailed and make it incredibly easy to learn. Awesome! Thank you sincerely Scott, Nate

[@bluemini1969]

Well, that's 7 things for me to work on then ............. Thank you - really helpful

[@ScrapPalletMan]

Thanks Scotty. Back to the basics for me :)

[@andrepb19]

Why the glove?

[@nootnoot1725]

I've been a bass player in my high school pep band. And I must let you know that watching your videos have helped me learn so much! Thank you for making these awesome videos! Keep up the great work! :)

[@quickbreaks5865]

I suffer with all of them lol. I’m a self taught bass player from age 6. I never had anyone tell me what the correct way to play was. This will be hard to fix but I will do my best to apply them all

[@tywallace8343]

I'm getting way better,I totally got this video. I used to struggle with alot in the beginning, and being self taught. I conquered all but the Dynamics, that tends to bring back old habits, especially if I'm learning a new song. Maybe I'm just trying too hard,and it sabotages my practice.

[@ryangroom2959]

the day guitarist find out about no. 5 man side note: BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR WRIST MAN I used to play guitar all the time with my wrist curled in super far so I could stretch as much as possible but I started having issues with my wrist cramping and I have this strange pop that never went away... best advice I can give is to point your thumb towards the headstock and try to keep your wrist as reasonably straight as possible. Also check and see if you can play your bass or guitar without pressing your thumb against the neck, if you struggle to play that way it could be indicative that you rely too heavily on squeezing the neck or the action is too high or something, it should not take that much pressure to get a good sound. My issues might be more related to playing bar chords on guitar but none the less take care of your hands guys!

[@qualitycontenteveryday6288]

thanks for making me want to fight my fingers

[@tugginalong]

Thank you. Muting is my first focus, especially with my right hand.

[@DJBennyswift]

I honestly like this video, I have a couple issues since I’m starting on Bass, I always find myself messing up number 6 which makes sense, of course there are other numbers such as all of them, but I’m really digging your videos Scott thank you!!!

[@BoredPodcaster]

Number 6 is definitely the biggest issue for me, and until you confirmed it, I was only guessing that it was where I was positioning my wrist (been watching a while, and noticed your wrist position one day, and noted that I didn't do that, and that could contribute to not being able to use all my fingers). Sadly, I started getting into bass before I discovered your channel, and picked up a few bad habits like that. I am, however, working them out of my practice, and now that I know about number 6, I can continue retraining my fret hand to feel comfortable with the position. Thank you for the video, I watch when I can, big fan. I look forward to the next one.

[@davekat4680]

Big help on my basic sloppy fundimentals 🤣 thank you Scott and be well ✅

[@nunyabiznis2460]

The fundamentals of bass playing are just as important as music theory and practice. If you develop poor playing habits early on they limit your ability as your progress. I can't stress enough how important it is to unlearn and correct bad form.

[@ant-onemusic444]

10 years playing bass and my muting still leaves a lot to be desired