Help for short fingers

[brotherbass]

I would like to be able to increase my range while playing bass. Right now I can stretch about three maybe four frets. Any suggestions?

[BurnsinTO]

just practice. I have short, stubby fingers too. My range is a little better but mostly I've adapted my technique to be more comfortable so I don't put any unnecessary strain on my wrist. I recommend the same, unless of course you're under 17 and have more growing to do!

[Captain Fathead]

I've got short fingers and small hands. My reach is decent, but I'm much more inclined just to jump a bit.

[brotherbass]

Thanks to both, at 35 I think that I am all done with the growing. I jump, but keep getting a "plunk" sound and not the smooth transition I was looking for. A buddy said that he used to have blocks that were placed between your fingers that helped. Since I am not into pain, I was wondering if any exercises were available.

[wilki29]

its all about having fast fingers. I can stretch at most four frets, but ive worked on my finger speed. Just do a bunch of scales, and you'll have speedy fingers in no time.

[Mytola]

Practice, practice and practice. I could barely stretch 3 frets a couple of years ago. Now I do 5 easily.

[Kindness]

Stretching exercises for the hands can help as well. Take it slow and simple, but in time your reach will increase (slightly). Thankfully for me I have monkey hands.

[brotherbass]

I like that there is hope. thanks guys.

[spikemullings]

I don't know what your Ibanez and Peavey are like size wise but you could always get a girl's bass like my laughable (but playable) Bass Collection shambles .

[brotherbass]

I don't know what your Ibanez and Peavey are like size wise but you could always get a girl's bass like my laughable (but playable) Bass Collection shambles .

 

Peavey is a beast, Ibanez is light--I wonder if a better bass would improve my range. My Ibby has a huge gap between strings and fret brd. Any thoughts?

[Roguetitan]

if I were playing chords I could see the need to be able to stretch my fingers out more, however I don't play many chords on my bass with the exception of arpeggios.

it is all about speed and accuracy for me.

[brotherbass]

 

if I were playing chords I could see the need to be able to stretch my fingers out more, however I don't play many chords on my bass with the exception of arpeggios. it is all about speed and accuracy for me.

 

 

Very well said. I am trying to get into chords, and still working on the speed/

[bassdudeguy]

you wont really need to have a stretch of more then 4 frets anyway

[Death Hands]

I can do six frets if I need to. I started out fretting with one finger, though.

 

I say practice stretching tons. Four frets is really all the reach you need in most cases, but if you REALLY want to be able to reach, get a reduced scale bass.

 

Oh, and have your basses set up properly. That has TONS to do with playability.