Connect with us

Latest

Double Thumbing With Alex Lofoco: Lesson 1

Published

on

Meet Alex Lofoco –

Hi everybody and welcome to our first appointment with the “Double Thumbing” technique.

In this technique the right hand thumb (left for left-handed) is supposed to “pick” the string in both direction down and up. In traditional slap technique, the thumb hits the strings with only one movement (down), bouncing to load next stroke and the wrist is the fulcrum. Using double thumbing, introduced by Larry Graham and developed by Victor Wooten, we can, on the contrary, not bouncing but using an opposite motion to produce another sound (up).

In this first lesson we will start from the basics and we will practice on two simple three notes patterns, using the two movements of your thumb down (T?) and up (T?) and plucking (P) with your index finger (i). In the second pattern we will see how to introduce a fourth element: the hammer (H).

In this way we can use any combination of two, three and four notes, which can be applied to one or more strings.

The first step to approach the double thumbing technique is to achieve the right skill to hit the strings. Picking hand position is one the keys, and even if it is entirely personal and it changes from hand to hand according to size and anatomy, you must play in the most comfortable way in order to avoid inflammation and tendinitis.

These are my personal hand positions and approach, according to my own hand.

• As I said before the thumb must be able to hit the string in both the down and up direction. I place my thumb parallel to the strings. My hand, and therefore my fingers, are instead perpendicular to the strings as shown below.

• The tip of my thumb touches the end of the fretboard but you may find it more comfortable being a bit farer or even on the fretboard.

When the thumb actually hits the string it “gets through”, it doesn’t bounce, and it will stop on the string underneath. If the thumb bounces you lose the second movement because the thumb is already up.

The key point is to strike the first note (down) in the proper way. It is very important to hit the string firmly and with drive in order to obtain a full, clear and precise sound. After the first movement it will be easy to come back to the opposite direction (up) snapping the string again. I use the thumb knuckle to pluck the string on the way back.

Applying this concept on each string, note and scale, we can create infinite combinations of vertical and horizontal patterns.

The following two examples are focused on a three note pattern. Now the index finger is involved to pluck (P) the note after two motions of the thumb.

1. Here is a simple (not always!) C major scale built on three strings A, D, G. Its fingering is 2,4 – 1,2,4 – 1,3,4.

-The movements involved are then:

• Thumb down, Thumb up on the A string.
• Pluck, Thumb down, Thumb up on the D string.
• Pluck, Thumb down, Thumb up on the G string.

-As you hit the last note with an UP stroke, you can start either with a pluck or a Thumb down on the way back to play the descending scale.

Note: Keep in mind that movements must be fluent and relaxed. The best way to achieve this is to find the right balance and economy of movements.

2. In this second pattern we replace the double thumb with another element, the hammer (H), to play one quaver of our triplet.

The Open-Hammer-Pluck is a versatile and easy way to develop a triplet within two right hand movements and one left hand hammer in between.

The pattern is composed this way: the thumb hits one note; it could be either an open string or a fretted note. Afterwards the left hand Hammers another note and a third note is plucked by the index finger.

Note: The first note, opened or fretted, is always on beat. You can manage the open string as a full or a ghost note, but always on beat. Do not get confused by the fingering.

For any questions, suggestion or comments you can contact me at lesson@alexlofoco.com. I will be happy to answer your questions as soon as I can.

Enjoy and I look forward to see you in the next issue.

Bass Videos

Interview With K3 Sisters Band

Published

on

Interview With K3 Sisters Band

K3 Sisters Band Interview…

It is very rare when I talk to a band where all the members play bass. The K3 Sisters Band is a perfect example of a group where Kaylen, Kelsey and Kristen Kassab are all multi-instrumentalists and take turns playing bass.

Hailing from Texas, these three sisters have been playing music since they were very young and have amassed an amazing amount of original music,  music videos, streaming concerts, podcasts, and content that has taken numerous social media platforms by storm. On TikTok alone, they have over 2.5 million followers and more than a billion views.

Join me as we hear the story of their musical journey, how they get their sound, and the fundamental principles behind these prolific musicians.

Here is the K3 Sisters Band!

Photo, Bruce Ray Productions

Follow Online:

k3sistersband.com/
TikTok
YouTube
Instagram
Facebook 

Continue Reading

Bass Player Health

What is a Pinched Nerve? with Dr. Randy Kertz

Published

on

Dr Randal Kertz - Bass Player Health - Oct 2022

What is a Pinched Nerve?

In this month’s video, we will cover how to tell if you have a pinched nerve and when to seek professional help.

Dr. Randall Kertz is the author of The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health. Click here to get your copy today!

The Bassist’s Complete Guide to Injury Management, Prevention & Better Health

View More Bass Health Articles

Continue Reading

Latest

This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram

Published

on

TOP 10 Basses of the week

Check out our top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week…

Click to follow Bass Musician on Instagram @bassmusicianmag

FEATURED @colibriguitars @adamovicbasses @brooksbassguitars @lecomptebass @mgbassguitars @mauriziouberbasses @jcrluthier @biarnel @officialibanezguitars @chris_seldon_guitars

View More Bass Gear News

Continue Reading

Gear News

New Gear:  Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300

Published

on

New Gear:  Ashdown ORIGINAL-EVO-C112T-300

Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
 
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.

Introducing the Original-EVO-C112T, a ground-breaking innovation in the realm of bass amplifiers. This exceptional amplifier redefines the standards of power, portability, and precision, offering musicians an unparalleled experience in amplification technology.
 
Weighing in at a mere 13.5kg, the Original-EVO-C112T packs an astonishing 300 watts of unadulterated Ashdown bass tone into a compact and lightweight package. Say goodbye to the days of lugging around heavy and cumbersome gear – this amplifier is designed for the modern musician on the move.

Designed to accommodate global touring, the Original-EVO-C112T features auto-protect voltage support and an adaptive temperature-controlled fan for optimal performance in any environment.
 
In summary, the Original-EVO-C112T is a game-changing amplifier that combines power, portability, and precision. It’s a testament to innovation and quality in the world of bass amplification, deserving attention from musicians looking to take their music to the next level.

Product Specification-

Power Output: 300 Watts
Power Requirement: 115-230 Volts
Speaker Configuration: 1 x 12” + Horn
High Instrument Input: Impedance 3.9m Ohms, Input range 150mV – 20mV p-p
Low Instrument Input: Impedance -1M Ohms, Input range 150mV to 10V p-p
Line Input: Impedance 10k Ohms, Input range 300mV – 40V p-p
DI Output: 600 Ohm balance / Level -20dBu nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 Ohm
Headphone Output: Yes and safe for silent practice
EQ: Bass +/-15dB @ 100Hz, Lo Mid +/-15dB @ 220Hz, Middle +/-15dB @ 660Hz, Hi Mid +/-15 dB @1.5kHz, Treble +/-15dB @ 7kHz
Effects Send: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Effects Return: Impedance 22k Ohms / Level 0dBu nominal
Dimensions (H x W x D in mm): 470 x 606 x 381
Weight: 13.5kg

For more info please visit www.ashdownmusic.com

Continue Reading

Gear News

Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Published

on

30th Anniversary Limited Edition SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Tech 21’s SansAmp Bass Driver DI Celebrates 30th Anniversary…

The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, Tech 21 is issuing a limited edition with an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing and all metal knobs.

This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. There are three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the ratio of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active 3-band EQ with 12dB of cut or boost.

The 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology encompasses the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. An integral part of the circuitry, the individually-tailored SansAmp speaker simulation will complement any type of bass speaker cabinet system.

It is rare an electronic music-related product can withstand such a test of time. The SansAmp Bass Driver has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios, and on tours around the globe. In fact, many mammoth stage rigs you see are actually driven by a SansAmp nestled behind the backline. It has defied the odds and to this day, SansAmp remains the standard of the industry.

Anticipated Availability:  May/June 2024

For more information, visit online at tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/bass-driver-30/

Continue Reading

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Facebook

Trending