"Smooth Is Fast"

By: Wade Craver

Techniques such as slap/pop, tapping and chordal playing can be very rough on the fingers for us bassists. One thing that I feel is very important to learning these techniques is a bass that is properly set up. Intonation to start with is key to making sure that your bass is actually playing the true note that you intended, and really makes chordal playing sound full. Next thing is the "action" or height of the strings from the fretboard. Having high action only means that you have to press that much harder to fret the string. If your left hand gets tired quickly... you may want to look at the action.  Experiment with various heights to find what works best for your playing style and technique. For bassists that play walking lines, metal bass-lines and slap bass, a low set up can really help. You may notice an increase in fret buzz. Practice playing softer with your picking hand to cut back on fret buzz. Let your amp do the work not your fingers. For players who don't worry about "fast" but focus more on "groove", having a low set up allows you to do just that....focus on the groove, not how tired your hands are. By having the proper bass set up and practicing a softer plucking, slapping or tapping technique, allows you to build volume if you need it, have a fuller sound in chordal playing, increase your thumb and finger speed and keeps you from getting hand cramps 20 minutes into the show. So... whether your walkin, slappin, tappin, pickin or just groovin on a 4/4

"Smooth is Fast"

For information and scheduling lessons, clinics, seminars or solo bass performances please contact:

Wade Craver 530-209-4140   wadecraver@att.net

Music Max 530-547-7070  musicmaxonline.com