Want better control on electric guitar? Try these exercises
What's the story
Building fretting hand strength is key for electric bass players looking to up their game and tackle more advanced pieces. This article provides five hand exercises specifically crafted to build strength, speed, and flexibility in your fingers, unlocking your ability to effortlessly navigate complex bass lines. These exercises are easy to perform but highly effective. A little bit of daily practice goes a long way!
Spider walks
Spider walks for finger independence
Spider walks are a basic exercise designed to improve finger independence and coordination for electric bass players. Start at the first fret, allocating each of your fingers to four successive frets, one finger per fret. Gradually, shift each finger to the next string in order, replicating a spider's walk. This exercise not only enhances agility but also assists in establishing a relaxed stretch between the fingers.
Hammer-pull
Hammer-ons and pull-offs for strength
Adding hammer-ons and pull-offs to your practice routine will greatly improve finger strength and dexterity. Start by plucking a note with your index finger, then "hammer on" to the next note with your middle or ring finger without plucking the string again. Then, do a "pull-off" back to the original note. Repeat this across different strings and frets to build endurance.
Scale speed
Scale sequences for speed
Practicing scales is crucial not only for grasping music theory but also for developing fast fingering. Begin at a slow pace with a scale you're comfortable with, focusing on hitting each note accurately. As you get more confident, gradually increase your speed, but always prioritize precision over haste. Playing around with various scales and modes will keep your practice sessions interesting and help you become more fluent overall.
Stretch it out
Stretching exercises for flexibility
The key to effortlessly reaching those tricky notes across the fretboard is flexibility. A simple stretching exercise: Position your fingers on four consecutive frets, then gently slide one hand away from your body while keeping all fingers in contact with the strings. Hold the stretch for fifteen seconds, then slowly release. Repeat this exercise multiple times, progressively extending the stretch distance as your flexibility improves.
Permutation practice
Finger permutations for coordination
Finger permutations challenge muscle memory and coordination by altering the sequence in which your fingers strike the strings. Start with a basic pattern such as one-two-three-four (index-middle-ring-pinky) across all strings, then progress to more intricate sequences like one-three-two-four or two-four-one-three. Consistent practice of these patterns will significantly improve your efficiency in executing complex bass lines.