The Secret To Playing Bass With Small Hands... (With Sian Unwin) | Real World Bass Heroes

[@musicforsax]

Hi, I am not sure I completely agree with the idea that short scale isn't the 'best solution going forward' and is 'limiting'. I have small hands and use a short scale for that reason. I use the same technique Sian uses (great technique by the way) as I can't get the reach even on a smaller bass. However, even though you've mentioned that there's a place for them for some people it kind of comes across as short scales are less credible and the 'poor relation' to their bigger and better counterparts which isn't the message you intended to give I am sure. Small hands are one thing but shorter arm reach is another, so a great technique or not short scales are the solution and perfect for smaller people in general. Many professional bass players have played on a short scale, Paul McCartney, Trevor Bolder, Tina Weymouth, Bill Wyman, Jack Bruce... I am pretty sure you wouldn't say their performances were hindered because of it. But the spider technique is a great recommendation, it worked for me... on a short scale 🙂

[@leopoldhollow]

this is a fair point, and some people immediately scorn at short scale basses and disregard their uses, but it should also be acknowledged that shorter scales can cause problems that longer scales don't. I'm 5'2 with short arms and small hands, and I play a 5 string 34" scale that is often tuned lower because of the type of music I play. If I had a scale any shorter than that one, it would seriously hinder my sound because of the lack of tension in the strings. I do agree with you that short scales are viable options for some people, you've just got to weigh out the factors such as tone and genre

[@ebassguitar]

Thanks for sharing that! Appreciated it very much!

[@basstakuya4509]

I agree, short scale bass is super great option for everyone. I have more fun on them

[@bookscienfuegos1122]

I'm grateful for this demonstration of the spider exercise. It's an excellent technique for any scale instrument. And I have to say, I really fell in love with short scale bass and it is the bedrock of my passion for bass playing. I am therefore a big promoter of go for what makes you want to play more!

[@david894]

Great video! Thank you. I think it's cute how the bass is as big as she is. But she is a solid player.

[@ebassguitar]

You bet!

[@swanqueen454]

You have given me hope ❤❤❤❤

[@alanm8431]

I have short stubby fingers and I play ukulele and a fretless uke bass. It's a acoustic/electric bass and everything above the tenth fret is a jigsaw hand puzzle for me. I also have severe internal wear and damage to my left wrist with a mostly successful surgical carpal tunnel repair. I'm dyslexic and old. I do a variety of spiders on all my instruments. These videos and lessons from James and guests like Sian have given me a new perspective on playing bass and keeps me continuing to play and learn. I'm moving to a fretted short scale just for the fun of it. I'm going to explore the four over three technique. Big fun! Thanx guys.

[@ebassguitar]

That's brilliant! Glad to know you get something out from it. Cheers!

[@pacoruizserrano]

Ohhhh, thanks a lot. Golden tips for sure... I use to use that technique but now I feel quite less guilty knowing that it is not just allowed but even advised.

[@NiechoBGC]

"Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast" -- it'll happen over time. I play a short-scale bass (previous surgeries, over 50+ myself) and still have to shift (Micro-shifting, I was taught) to reach the notes. There's a few basses I'd love to try, but they're all full-sized basses. My dream bass is a full-sized bass. I'm still new to learning bass, but this gives me hope. Thank you for sharing!

[@joelee9313]

Thank you for this lesson. When you move your hand across the strings, I hear a 'si-si' sound. It's possible that this sound may not be noticeable when you're playing with a band due to the other instruments. However, in this video, you are in a quiet room, which is why I can hear it. Of course, I hear this sound all the time when I'm practicing. I've just started playing bass.

[@johnfollis2357]

I don't have small hands. But one thing I do when I am sitting, is even though I am right handed, I have my bass sitting on my left leg. That way I can have my fretting hand spread a bit better across the neck. I also raise the neck at a 45 degree angle. And when I am standing, I have the height of the bass at my belt buckle. That way even when standing or sitting, I can allow my fretting hand have access all over the neck even at the higher frets. Grate for playing chords and melodies for soloing.

[@ebassguitar]

Great share, John!

[@NiechoBGC]

What does the "four over three" technique mean, and is there a link where I can get a more in depth understanding of it and its technique?

[@mina_rdhd]

It means you use four fingers over three frets instead of four, so if your index finger is on the first fret, the pinky would be on the third and not fourth

[@DavidMiller-jo5qb]

Well she’s playing on a Fender Jazz bass,they have a skinnier neck. They’re not telling you that.

[@Peter-ff1tp]

That doesn’t change how much space there is between frets. She could play a P Bass just fine.

[@steelybeatz6382]

@@Peter-ff1tp Agreed! I play P-bass with very short fingers. It was difficult in the beginning but eventually your fingers adapt (almost unconsciously). 😀🤘

[@a.daniels6164]

great

[@bobbyt2788]

This was great!

[@ebassguitar]

Glad you like it! Cheers!

[@Omarencarnacion1]

the spider exercises are the best, great recommendations Sian, awesome video as always james

[@ebassguitar]

My pleasure Omar! Oh the spider exercise is the best, indeed! Cheers!

[@aaiidt5770]

Absolutely wonderful demonstration. I was wondering is there anyway to not hear the sliding of the finger on the strings or is that just always going to be there?

[@zachjones1716]

The only small hand bass tip I have is that the Billy Sheehan fast finger picking method works better for me than the Bryan Beller method that is similar and supposed to be faster

[@ebassguitar]

Great share Zach! All the best! :-)

[@mikeh66]

Here's a great example of a short scale bass. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHq2fn2bfsd4hc0

[@iowagirlrose3224]

I don’t think that I have small hands for a woman, but I do have a very short pinky. There’s my problem. It’s like I’m missing a whole joint section on my pinky.

[@drew-shourd]

Cheers loves ❤❤❤

[@eileenlander1380]

Um, what is four over three?

[@Derf-Y]

Using your pinky for a whole step instead of your ring finger is what I saw them doing when they said it. Though i never heard it called that, I do it often also.

[@ebassguitar]

Some players also call it simandl technique. It’s where the 3rd and 4th fingers work together. The stretch is essentially 3 frets rather than 4.

[@eileenlander1380]

Thank you. I still don’t get it. I’ve watched that bit over and over. Hey ho.

[@steelybeatz6382]

@@eileenlander1380 you will figure it out. You might want to slow the speed down by clicking on Settings and click Playback Speed. You have a choice of .25, .50 and.75 Hope that helps!! :)

[@mikemccoy9812]

24 fret bass works for me.

[@drintro]

But how much string sliding noise is too much? I'm trying to get rid of that while maintaining a good legato because on a recording with rounds its distracting.

[@ebassguitar]

Totally personal taste… Also hear how the string noise can also blend with other instrument in a similar frequency range like the cymbals etc

[@SO-ym3zs]

I strongly disagree about your take on short scale basses and advising someone to start on a 34"- scale instrument. There are both ergonomic and tonal differences between a shorty and a 34, and neither is inherently superior. Having played 28.6, 30, 32, and 34" scale basses, I can say without hesitation that smaller basses are more comfortable to hold and easier to play for me, and therefore way more fun--and I have long arms and fingers. It feels more like playing a guitar. No need to torment your back, shoulder, or fret hand with an unnecessarily large instrument. Famous pros have used shorties, too, so there's no reason not to try one other than a) personal preference b) a specific tone you want and/or c) larger number of 34" basses to choose from. It saddens me when people give up bass because of its imposing size and weight when there's a simple solution right in front of them.

[@ebassguitar]

We’re all welcome to disagree :-) You’ve got some good points…

[@ArloLinn]

Lol I can’t even use short scale, can’t even imagine a full length bass. Short arms and shorter fingers, gotta be 3/4 for me. Pinkie finger is pretty much out of commission being like 2 inches and weak as fuck, good for just about nothing

[@The_Eldest_Millenial]

I absolutely despise how that notation is written, LOL. >_

[@ebassguitar]

How come? I’m really curious! Let me know…