Hello fellow bassists,

It is time for bass tip # 3!

This tip will include points from the previous two tips and works on bass guitar as well as the upright bass.

Tip 3 incorporates the F major scale in 10ths (tip1) and the tango bass line formula (tip2).

This exercise will help our left hand shift quickly and cleanly along the neck of the bass. It is also a great exercise for upright bass intonation.

Shifting is a VERY important aspect of both the bass guitar and the upright bass, so please pay attention to the movement of your shoulder, arm, wrist, hand and fingers. Think of your shoulder, arm, wrist, hand and fingers as one well oiled machine moving along the strings of the bass.

*It is very useful to practice etudes like this in front of a mirror. This will let us see what we are doing right and wrong as we shift along the bass neck.

Remember to start at a slow tempo, once you feel comfortable with the shifting and fingerings gradually increase in speed.

Be sure to pay attention to the quality of each chord (major, minor and half diminished).

Take note that the when playing the 7th of the F major scale (E half diminished) we must lower the 5th by a half step. E half diminished= E, G, Bb and D.

Take your time with this exercise and also try it in different keys, you will see positive results in your left hand shifting.

Shifting made easy!

Till next time,

E.J. Parker