attn: bassits and fingerpickers

**gtp_96** · 10-05-2004, 04:45 PM

is it normal to get blisters on the finger tips of ur picking fingers? and which p-u do u normally fingerpick over?

**Rayan** · 10-05-2004, 08:17 PM

Originally Posted by gtp_96

is it normal to get blisters on the finger tips of ur picking fingers? and which p-u do u normally fingerpick over?

This is probably more than I should say, but I can probably get away with it once for a newbie (like me) ...
Q1. I'm not a pro, but I have been a beginner ... yes you may have soreness, even when you're doing everything properly ...

if you don't have a teacher/mentor, you may want to consider getting one ... preferably one who won't teach you (their) bad habits ...

don't get discouraged if (when) you meet more advanced players who give you the brushoff - you don't need them ... (in my town, I can give you names and ph#s of fine players who seem to be so insecure and miserable they'd just as soon break your arms as help a newbie)

you need a mentor who can both challenge you realistically, and help you monitor your progress ... develop solid, and safe playing techniques that will keep your playing options open as you grow ... all the while, keeping it fun
also, always make sure your gear is in proper repair and setup ...

one way to keep your progress going is to do more, shorter practice sessions per day/week ... (just like at the gym - more repetitions, less weight)
and "listen" to what your body tells you ... often, pain (blisters) is a signal you're doing something incorrectly, inappropriately, or too quickly ...
~
Q2. imho, learn from the best ... if Jaco were here today, I think he'd answer your second question by saying "play the whole instrument, man"? ... [if you're a bass player, get his video; there's a lifetime of inspiration and information in there ... and if you're thinking of doing drugs, don't!]
~
Of course, this forum is full of experts, so why don't I turn it over to them >>>
/Rayan

**dlloyd** · 10-06-2004, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by gtp_96

is it normal to get blisters on the finger tips of ur picking fingers? and which p-u do u normally fingerpick over?

Yes, it's normal. I still get them from time to time. Just give your fingers a bit of a rest if you get them.

I've only got one pickup, and yes, I tend to play over it.

**gtp_96** · 10-06-2004, 02:45 PM

hey, thanks for the advice, i dont really think there are too many bass teachers around here and i only know of one person who plays bass and i had enough of my guitar teacher and found i could easily play more songs on bass than guitar and i tended to like heavier strings more than smaller strings so i gave bass a go and thats what im doin now, i find that if i the blisters form i put a drop of wart remover on it and let it heal for a while
once i can peel it off and play after about a day and they havent come back yet

**Rayan** · 10-06-2004, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by gtp_96

thats what im doin now, i find that if i the blisters form i put a drop of wart remover on it and let it heal for a while once i can peel it off and play after about a day and they havent come back yet

You're on your way pal ... woodsheddin' can be fun ... 2 beginner things my first bass coach got me into that have really helped me play my beloved fretless now, years later
1) C major scale and "Happy Birthday", [and imagine you're rehearsing it for a session with your bass hero - ie Tony Levin - *feel* Happy Birthday], 2) chromatic scales up and down and across all the strings ... as Jaco mentions in his video, 1 finger per fret (no cheating allowed - one of the finest, busiest, and most incredible upright & electric players in my area is a guy with small hands/fingers) ...
Oh yeah #1 ... if you don't have a metronome ... you get my drift?
Oh yeah #2 ... be careful you don't pay any attention to one's like me who have no theory training and can't read ... all's I can play is what I hear & feel (I shoulda staid in skool)
Good Luck / Rayan

**gtp_96** · 10-06-2004, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Rayan

Oh yeah #2 ... be careful you don't pay any attention to one's like me who have no theory training and can't read ... all's I can play is what I hear & feel (I shoulda staid in skool)
Good Luck / Rayan

i have some theory and i cant read notes, shaded/unshaded ovals with tails dont mean anything to me, tab is much easier to read.. lmao

**dlloyd** · 10-11-2004, 03:50 AM

Originally Posted by gtp_96

i have some theory and i cant read notes, shaded/unshaded ovals with tails dont mean anything to me, tab is much easier to read.. lmao

It's well worth your while learning the little black dots... it's a bit of work, but you'll find it becomes easier than tab.

**skelly** · 10-21-2004, 02:21 AM

Brotha', if you got blisters you are gonna be one great player. Keep practicing like that! It's the only way...
Skelly

**RocketRobin** · 10-28-2004, 11:35 PM

Blisters can happen (especially blood blisters), but you should be careful with your fingertips.
What you want to do is build up nice hard calouses on your finger tips. These not only allow you to play longer and harder, but will also improve your tone, definition and control.
If your plucking fingers are taking a beating, switch to slapping or pick work for a change. Knowledge of these techniques is valuable, too.
If your fret fingers are getting tender, fous on correct placement (right next to the fret) and avoid slides.
Take care of your fingers and they will take care of you

Rocket in my pocket, finger in the socket.