Exercise techniques for both hands?

[dyer101]

Does anyone have any drills or exercises that I can use to develop my left hand. I have searched the Internet for the last couple of days and to my astonishment I haven't been able to come up with anything. I want to be able to play a bass line while I use my right hand.

Thanks,
Keith

[lumbebear1]

Have you searched the topics on LGM.....Just type in exercise or both hand exercise, there's quite a few topics. Im sure you will find a few to help you

[T-Block]

If you want to develop strength in your LH, then practice the exact same thing that you do with your RH.  So, if you practice major scales in your RH, then practice major scales in your LH.  If you play chords in your RH, then play the same chords in your LH.

Also, if you want to effectively run a bassline, then you have to practice it.  Fingerings are different for every key, so it don't do you no good to just learn it in one key.  You first need to figure out the notes of the bass line you are trying to play.  Then, once you have the notes, come up with fingering that will allow you to play that bassline smoothly for a long period of time, and at any speed.  I'll give you the basic shouting bass line w/fingering in the key of Eb, but you have to figure it out yourself for the other keys.

Key Eb  LH/RH

Eb = index finger
G = pinky
Ab = middle finger
A = thumb
Bb = middle finger
C = thumb
Db = middle finger
D = thumb
(repeat)

Eb = middle finger
F = thumb
Gb = middle finger
G = thumb
Ab = index finger
C = pinky
Db = middle finger
D = thumb
(repeat) 

First, practice this at a very slow speed.  Many people can play a bass line fast, but few people can play at a slow speed and keep it up.  As you get comfortable with it at the slow speed, gradually increase speed until you get to where you want to be.

Once you are comfortable running a bass line, then try adding some RH chords to play while running your bass.  You can start by alternating minor 1 and minor 2 chords in the key you are in.

[friedaddy]

Does anyone have any drills or exercises that I can use to develop my left hand. I have searched the Internet for the last couple of days and to my astonishment I haven't been able to come up with anything. I want to be able to play a bass line while I use my right hand.

Thanks,
Keith

Hello. I downloaded a free metronome to help me in my practice. I play all of my scales 10 times at at certain speed. I gradually increase speed by 5 or 10 until I can't play the scales clearly. I go around the circle of 5ths and do 3 keys a day. That equals doing 3 scales 300 times a day. Once you get to the end, start over. Do the same for inversions, progressions and left hand chording. After a month, you will see a tremendous difference in your playing. ONce you do all of the major scales, move to the minor and so on. Do the same for the chords, start with the major then on to the minor then the major 7ths and so on. Cycle it every 4 days. Trust me, you will be suprised at the results. This is a lot of work and your fingers will hurt. However, without some pain or discomfort, you will not experience any growth and that is ultimately what this is about. The more you work, the easier it will come to you. Last thing and most important, before you even touch the keys at church or at home practicing, go to the throne of Grace and pray and ask God to annoint your hands and fingers and yourself as a whole. With that much faith, prayer and committment, you will be amazed at how God will elevate your talent. Be blessed!

Frie

[Nea]

This is really awesome information. Thank You for sharing. This is such a great website.

LWhite