Pressing too hard?????

[acts2-38]

I wonder if I press too hard when I play bass?

I notice that many experienced players seem to run up and down the neck with ease, barely moving their fingers apart and not really putting much pressure on the strings. It seems like I do the exact opposite. I press and pluck hard and my hand seems to cramp some.It seems like I cant move my fingers fast enough sometimes.  I fear that this may be a bad habit I developed as a self taught bassist......

Is there an advantage to keeping your fingers close together and barely touching the strings?????

[dfwkeys]

it's a huge advantage and it's the key to playing smooth, fast, and with better accuracy.  IF you press hard your muscles tense up and it's more of a sloppy joe playing.  Just about everyone has this problem when first starting out. 

Practice slowly until you get comfortable. you'll notice a difference in playing.

[gambit23435]

Have you had your bass professionally setup and adjusted? From your description of the problem it sounds more like a setup issue. Just MHO.

[floaded27]

i agree with gambit. it could be your setup. are your strings high above the fretboard?
you dont want to play like that on a regular basis, but what i do is during a practice session, i press the frets as hard as i can and i feel it in my forearm and that muscle surrounding your thumb. i do it for about 5 or 10 minutes. this helps develop strength and endurance for playing during long stretches and helps with muscle memory. I think your halfway there. just lower the action on your strings (if necessary) and go with a lighter touch and u should see immediately that ur faster with your fretting hand.

[Quebass86]

Ditto on all the above. I remember when I first started playing. It was a year before I had my first setup and wow! What a difference!! I didn't realize that would make such a big difference and yes, my playing improved a great deal. I had to back off because I was so used to playing with a high action almost like a stand up bass that when I made the adjustment I was pressing too hard. My popping and slapping went from a 1 to a 6 just like that.

[BassbyGrace]

Also along with a good setup, you may need to check your technique.  I got this from "101 Bass Tips from the Pros" (GREAT book).  Do this with each finger too.  Put your hand down on the fretboard and play a note.  While the note is ringing, lightly lift your finger up until you get a buzz.  Right before you get that buzz is all the pressure you need to play the note.  Its surprising how little pressure is needed.  I do it as a little warmup reminder before I play now to relearn my fingers, but Im playing lighter by the day and saving energy.  Try that.