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Octaves
My hands aren't big enough to reach octaves. I'm more or less a beginner on the bass and am not really sure how to get around this. Any advice?
Keep your thumb on the back of the neck, don't wrap it around so it comes onto your strings. I use index finger and pinkie; e.g. index finger on the D at A5 and pinkie on the D at G7. You may need to rock or bounce a little from index finger down fretting a note to pinkie down. Hope that helps!
Katlady, have you tried a short scale bass? Like the Fender Mustang which ‘Talking Heads’ bassist, Tina Weymouth used to great effect. If moneys an issue theres always the Squier VM Jaguar Short scale bass, Epiphones EB3 is another good short scaler
How small of hands are we talking here?
By the way, the octave of the note you are playing is two strings down and two frets up, e.g. E string 1st fret, ‘F’ and D string 3rd fret, ‘F’ one octave higher
When I say two strings down, that is as you look at neck while you are playing
If youre a begginer then you problably shouldnt worry. Youll be able to stretch your fingers more as you play more. I know guys whith tiny hands and they can play pretty well and reach the same notes as me on a 34
Thanks everyone for all the good tips. I really appreciate it.
I'm using a Fender Squire, for those who wondered what sort of bass I use.
Reaching two strings over is a bit tricky as of yet, but I'm sure practicing will help!
Quote:
How small of hands are we talking here?
Jazz hands? ;p
You could also look at an Ibanez, which has a thinner neck than squires, or a short scale bass.
Haha, average female hands I guess
I'm going to give it a good go on the Fender for the time being and when I gain experience, I think, invest in another bass. Is there a particular make of Ibanez that has a narrower neck, or are they all on the slim side?
just keep at it, the muscles in your hand will get used to it and you'll be able to do it without any hassle, regardless of the size of your hands
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