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Right Hand Archives

Tapping Technique: Rhythmic Displacement of Melodies
Tapping Technique

Tapping Technique: Rhythmic Displacement of Melodies

Two-hand tapping on an electric bass can be used in a multitude of ways. In his new “Tapping Technique” lesson, Josh Cohen covers the creation of improvisations in the upper register with the right hand while playing a bass line in the left hand.

Talking Technique: Black Velvet – Nail That Fill
Talking Technique

Talking Technique: Black Velvet – Nail That Fill

Alannah Myles’ iconic tune “Black Velvet” features a fill that is pretty challenging. Originally played with synth bass, we might be tasked to play that line. Ari covers this (and all the benefits) in this episode of “Talking Technique.”

Talking Technique: The “Alternator” Right Hand Exercise
Talking Technique

Talking Technique: The “Alternator” Right Hand Exercise

In this new episode of “Talking Technique,” Ari is giving us the ultimate challenge for our right hand technique. Can you alternate your index and middle fingers throughout this demanding plucking exercise?

Making the Three-Finger Technique Consistent on Bass
Ask Damian Erskine

Making the Three-Finger Technique Consistent on Bass

This week, a reader asks Damian for advice on mastering the three-finger technique. This is something Damian has spent a lot of time on and offers up a great how-to for exploring every possible variation.

Percussive Techniques for Bass
Ask Damian Erskine

Percussive Techniques for Bass

For the next few weeks, we’ll be going over some more lesson oriented topics. I’m kicking off the series with a look at percussive techniques on the bass, specifically using your plucking hand. There are some easy techniques to approach as well as some more difficult ones. Work on these slowly with a metronome starting with the basic patterns before...

Talking Technique: Short-Scale Bass Shedding
Talking Technique

Talking Technique: Short-Scale Bass Shedding

Short-scale basses have recently enjoyed a bit of a resurgence – be it as an alternate tool in a pro’s kit or as a main axe chosen for its sound, lightweight, easy playability and hip factor. In this episode, we’ll explore some right-hand, left-hand, and coordination drills that will help you wrap your mind around the shorter scale. I’m using...

Talking Technique: Alberti Bass
Talking Technique

Talking Technique: Alberti Bass

Do you know what an “Alberti Bass” is? If you play electric bass (rather than cembalo in the 1700’s), you are excused if you don’t. That does not mean that we cannot use this keyboard figure to inspire some heavy duty technique shedding: string crossing, right-hand shedding, and coordination. In this lesson, we’ll go over these Alberti-inspired figures over the...

Is Rhythmic Tapping Okay in a Band Setting?
Ask Damian Erskine

Is Rhythmic Tapping Okay in a Band Setting?

Q: When I play the bass (let’s say on a 4/4 beat), I often tap the strings on the exact beat that the snare drum makes (on the 2 and 4), and I can’t seem to stop doing that. I was wondering: Let’s say I’m playing in a band, having fun, and I start tapping… is it ok to think...

Talking Technique: Pivot Perms & Mirror Image
Talking Technique

Talking Technique: Pivot Perms & Mirror Image

This episode is part one of a three-part challenge. Those time tested permutation exercises (you are doing them, right?) are getting two fresh twists in this episode: descending by their mirror image for an additional right-hand alternating challenge, and what I call the wicked “Pivot Permutations” – a great fun way to spice up that vital practice. I have a...

Talking Technique: “Mordents” for Finger Strength
Talking Technique

Talking Technique: “Mordents” for Finger Strength

Today we have another multi-layered workout for you to build up your finger strength. This lesson will help you practice a scale up and down one string while improving coordination and strengthening your fingers. It’s not a beginner’s workout, but wherever you are on your journey, give it a good try. You’ll need to be ready to play hammer-ons and...

Dealing with Blisters on the Pizzicato Hand
The Lowdown with Dr. D

Dealing with Blisters on the Pizzicato Hand

So, you recently acquired a double bass. This is great news! Welcome! Or perhaps you simply resolved that this was the year you got serious about playing and you increased your time at the instrument. Fantastic! Or maybe you picked up some regular gigs! Even better! Either way, this recent positive change in your life will allow you the opportunity...

Applying Three-Finger Right Hand Bass Technique
Ask Damian Erskine

Applying Three-Finger Right Hand Bass Technique

Q: I love your three-fingered right hand technique. Do you have any examples of how to apply it into songs I already know? A: This week I decided to answer the question with a video. Check out the PDF to follow along with Weather Report’s “River People” and Tower of Power’s “Oakland Stroke”.