How to Build Speed & Accuracy on the Bass #1 (L#47)

Speed… Every beginner is wondering how to play bass faster, which is understandable, but don't forget that speed is something you build day after day and it mustn't be at the expense of accuracy. Actually, trying to play too fast, i.e. play much faster overnight, can cause mental and physical blocks that will slow down your progress.

So, what can you do to build your speed? Break things down, not your tendons! Generally, string crossing is a problem when you're trying to play faster. So, if you haven't seen my lessons about right hand technique, raking & alternate plucking, string skipping (octaves) and right hand muting, please do check them out before you try to apply what I'm showing here!

In this lesson, we're going to work on a C major scale, first descending, then ascending, breaking it down into sections which size will increase by one note at a time: 3 notes, then 4 notes, 5 notes, etc. Remember it's not a problem at all if you spend one week playing just five notes! If you want to play faster… take your time!