The Secret To Playing Bass With Small Hands... (With Sian Unwin) | Real World Bass Heroes

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  • čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
  • Welcome to another episode of "Real World Bass Heroes" where we dive into all things bass-related. In this video, we've got something special for all you bass players with small hands.
    Join us as we hang out with the amazing Sian Unwin, who's here to spill "The Secret To Playing Bass With Small Hands." We all know how frustrating it can be when those stretches seem impossible, but fear not! Sian is here to show you how to conquer those frets using the "one finger per fret technique."
    Get ready for some seriously cool tips and tricks that will revolutionize your playing, no matter the size of your hands. Sian will share her personal experiences, and you'll learn how she adapted techniques to fit her smaller hands.
    Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bassist, this video is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Say goodbye to limitations and hello to a whole new level of bass awesomeness!
    So grab your bass, hit that play button, and join us on this exciting journey as Sian Unwin spills the beans on "The Secret To Playing Bass With Small Hands." Get ready to rock those basslines like never before!
    FREE lesson PDF: ebassguitar.com/yt290-secret-...
    = = = = =
    FREE 14-Day Trial For The Bass Lab PLUS Membership: ebassguitar.com/trial/
    FREE Bass Player's Action Pack: ebassguitar.com/bass-players-...
    FREE lesson PDF: ebassguitar.com/yt290-secret-...
    = = = = =
    EQUIPMENT/BRANDS USED:
    Fender '62 Vintage Jazz Bass Walnut - bit.ly/40PiOG8
    Sadowsky Japanese Metro P-J Bass RV4-HPJ 4 String Bass - bit.ly/40bbrss
    Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 - bit.ly/3Sgahdi
    Aguilar SL112 x 2 - bit.ly/40fc0Bl
    Mark Bass Marcus Miller Bass Amp - bit.ly/492XIb4
    = = = = =
    00:00 - Intro
    00:19 - Sian's Tips On Dealing With Small Hands
    01:58 - Free PDF
    02:26 - The Technique You Should Be Working On
    05:24 - "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder Bassline Tutorial
    08:14 - Demo & Jam
    09:12 - Conclusion
    = = = = =
    Inside the Bass Lab PLUS Membership, you’ll get instant access to all the eBassGuitar step by step courses, interactive masterclasses, and resources. You’ll also get access to personal coaching from James in the eBassGuitar Coaching Community and connect with bass players from all over the globe, that will support and encourage you to supercharge your bass playing... once and for all!
    This unique bass guitar lessons program contains a complete syllabus design exclusively for the beginner to intermediate bass player.
    = = = = =
    About eBassGuitar
    Hi, I’m James Eager, a professional musician & online instructor. Over the past 15 years, I’ve taught 1000s of students.
    eBassGuitar is the only video bass guitar lessons website dedicated to helping startup & aspiring bassists develop into the musician of their dreams.
    #eBassGuitar
    www.ebassguitar.com
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Komentáře • 38

  • @david894
    @david894 Před 6 dny

    Great video! Thank you. I think it's cute how the bass is as big as she is. But she is a solid player.

  • @musicforsax
    @musicforsax Před rokem +18

    Hi, I am not sure I completely agree with the idea that short scale isn't the 'best solution going forward' and is 'limiting'. I have small hands and use a short scale for that reason. I use the same technique Sian uses (great technique by the way) as I can't get the reach even on a smaller bass. However, even though you've mentioned that there's a place for them for some people it kind of comes across as short scales are less credible and the 'poor relation' to their bigger and better counterparts which isn't the message you intended to give I am sure. Small hands are one thing but shorter arm reach is another, so a great technique or not short scales are the solution and perfect for smaller people in general. Many professional bass players have played on a short scale, Paul McCartney, Trevor Bolder, Tina Weymouth, Bill Wyman, Jack Bruce... I am pretty sure you wouldn't say their performances were hindered because of it. But the spider technique is a great recommendation, it worked for me... on a short scale 🙂

    • @leopoldhollow
      @leopoldhollow Před rokem +2

      this is a fair point, and some people immediately scorn at short scale basses and disregard their uses, but it should also be acknowledged that shorter scales can cause problems that longer scales don't. I'm 5'2 with short arms and small hands, and I play a 5 string 34" scale that is often tuned lower because of the type of music I play. If I had a scale any shorter than that one, it would seriously hinder my sound because of the lack of tension in the strings. I do agree with you that short scales are viable options for some people, you've just got to weigh out the factors such as tone and genre

    • @ebassguitar
      @ebassguitar  Před rokem +2

      Thanks for sharing that! Appreciated it very much!

    • @basstakuya4509
      @basstakuya4509 Před rokem +4

      I agree, short scale bass is super great option for everyone. I have more fun on them

  • @swanqueen454
    @swanqueen454 Před 24 dny

    You have given me hope ❤❤❤❤

  • @bookscienfuegos1122
    @bookscienfuegos1122 Před rokem +5

    I'm grateful for this demonstration of the spider exercise. It's an excellent technique for any scale instrument. And I have to say, I really fell in love with short scale bass and it is the bedrock of my passion for bass playing. I am therefore a big promoter of go for what makes you want to play more!

  • @alanm8431
    @alanm8431 Před rokem +2

    I have short stubby fingers and I play ukulele and a fretless uke bass. It's a acoustic/electric bass and everything above the tenth fret is a jigsaw hand puzzle for me. I also have severe internal wear and damage to my left wrist with a mostly successful surgical carpal tunnel repair. I'm dyslexic and old. I do a variety of spiders on all my instruments. These videos and lessons from James and guests like Sian have given me a new perspective on playing bass and keeps me continuing to play and learn. I'm moving to a fretted short scale just for the fun of it. I'm going to explore the four over three technique. Big fun! Thanx guys.

    • @ebassguitar
      @ebassguitar  Před rokem

      That's brilliant! Glad to know you get something out from it. Cheers!

  • @NiechoBGC
    @NiechoBGC Před 5 měsíci

    "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast" -- it'll happen over time. I play a short-scale bass (previous surgeries, over 50+ myself) and still have to shift (Micro-shifting, I was taught) to reach the notes. There's a few basses I'd love to try, but they're all full-sized basses. My dream bass is a full-sized bass. I'm still new to learning bass, but this gives me hope. Thank you for sharing!

  • @pacoruizserrano
    @pacoruizserrano Před 8 měsíci

    Ohhhh, thanks a lot. Golden tips for sure...
    I use to use that technique but now I feel quite less guilty knowing that it is not just allowed but even advised.

  • @joelee9313
    @joelee9313 Před 10 měsíci

    Thank you for this lesson. When you move your hand across the strings, I hear a 'si-si' sound. It's possible that this sound may not be noticeable when you're playing with a band due to the other instruments. However, in this video, you are in a quiet room, which is why I can hear it. Of course, I hear this sound all the time when I'm practicing. I've just started playing bass.

  • @johnfollis2357
    @johnfollis2357 Před rokem +1

    I don't have small hands. But one thing I do when I am sitting, is even though I am right handed, I have my bass sitting on my left leg. That way I can have my fretting hand spread a bit better across the neck. I also raise the neck at a 45 degree angle. And when I am standing, I have the height of the bass at my belt buckle. That way even when standing or sitting, I can allow my fretting hand have access all over the neck even at the higher frets. Grate for playing chords and melodies for soloing.

  • @bobbyt2788
    @bobbyt2788 Před rokem

    This was great!

  • @aaiidt5770
    @aaiidt5770 Před 6 měsíci

    Absolutely wonderful demonstration. I was wondering is there anyway to not hear the sliding of the finger on the strings or is that just always going to be there?

  • @Omarencarnacion1
    @Omarencarnacion1 Před rokem +1

    the spider exercises are the best, great recommendations Sian, awesome video as always james

    • @ebassguitar
      @ebassguitar  Před rokem +1

      My pleasure Omar! Oh the spider exercise is the best, indeed! Cheers!

  • @drintro
    @drintro Před 8 dny

    But how much string sliding noise is too much? I'm trying to get rid of that while maintaining a good legato because on a recording with rounds its distracting.

  • @drew-shourd
    @drew-shourd Před 8 měsíci

    Cheers loves ❤❤❤

  • @NiechoBGC
    @NiechoBGC Před 5 měsíci +1

    What does the "four over three" technique mean, and is there a link where I can get a more in depth understanding of it and its technique?

    • @mina_rdhd
      @mina_rdhd Před 3 měsíci +1

      It means you use four fingers over three frets instead of four, so if your index finger is on the first fret, the pinky would be on the third and not fourth

  • @zachjones1716
    @zachjones1716 Před rokem

    The only small hand bass tip I have is that the Billy Sheehan fast finger picking method works better for me than the Bryan Beller method that is similar and supposed to be faster

  • @mikemccoy9812
    @mikemccoy9812 Před 5 měsíci

    24 fret bass works for me.

  • @DavidMiller-jo5qb
    @DavidMiller-jo5qb Před rokem +13

    Well she’s playing on a Fender Jazz bass,they have a skinnier neck. They’re not telling you that.

    • @Peter-ff1tp
      @Peter-ff1tp Před 2 měsíci +1

      That doesn’t change how much space there is between frets. She could play a P Bass just fine.

  • @eileenlander1380
    @eileenlander1380 Před rokem +3

    Um, what is four over three?

    • @Derf-Y
      @Derf-Y Před rokem

      Using your pinky for a whole step instead of your ring finger is what I saw them doing when they said it. Though i never heard it called that, I do it often also.

    • @ebassguitar
      @ebassguitar  Před rokem

      Some players also call it simandl technique.
      It’s where the 3rd and 4th fingers work together. The stretch is essentially 3 frets rather than 4.

    • @eileenlander1380
      @eileenlander1380 Před rokem

      Thank you. I still don’t get it. I’ve watched that bit over and over. Hey ho.

  • @mikeh66
    @mikeh66 Před rokem +2

    Here's a great example of a short scale bass.
    czcams.com/video/bISMJeIbEOk/video.html

  • @SO-ym3zs
    @SO-ym3zs Před 8 měsíci +1

    I strongly disagree about your take on short scale basses and advising someone to start on a 34"- scale instrument. There are both ergonomic and tonal differences between a shorty and a 34, and neither is inherently superior. Having played 28.6, 30, 32, and 34" scale basses, I can say without hesitation that smaller basses are more comfortable to hold and easier to play for me, and therefore way more fun--and I have long arms and fingers. It feels more like playing a guitar. No need to torment your back, shoulder, or fret hand with an unnecessarily large instrument. Famous pros have used shorties, too, so there's no reason not to try one other than a) personal preference b) a specific tone you want and/or c) larger number of 34" basses to choose from. It saddens me when people give up bass because of its imposing size and weight when there's a simple solution right in front of them.

    • @ebassguitar
      @ebassguitar  Před 8 měsíci

      We’re all welcome to disagree :-)
      You’ve got some good points…

  • @iowagirlrose3224
    @iowagirlrose3224 Před 6 měsíci

    I don’t think that I have small hands for a woman, but I do have a very short pinky. There’s my problem. It’s like I’m missing a whole joint section on my pinky.

  • @The_Eldest_Millenial
    @The_Eldest_Millenial Před 2 měsíci

    I absolutely despise how that notation is written, LOL.
    >_

    • @ebassguitar
      @ebassguitar  Před 2 měsíci

      How come?
      I’m really curious!
      Let me know…