Do You Need Big Hands To Play Bass Guitar?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
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This week I'm answering the question "Do You Need Big Hands To Play Bass Guitar?". In short, the obvious answer is...no. But I'm going to expand on this and explain how you can adapt your playing to compensate for a lack of natural hand size and maximize your stretch for those of you with medium to large sized hands.
In this bass lesson, We're going to look at the three P's. Posture, pivoting and position shifts. Each of these technical details can be addressed and you'll find they can help with all areas of your bass technique.
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Knitting is now my fallback if this bass thing doesn't pan out
I'm 15 with extremely small hands since I'm 5'1. I really love my bass so muchh and this video has been extremely helpful. Thank you so much!! I knew that being small wasn't gonna stop me from playing.
I tried everything. What finally made a dramatic difference was buying a short scale bass.
My point in the video is that with the correct approach to position shifting you would be able to play on an extra extra long scale bass. The key is to stop stretching for notes. Move the hand instead.
Thanks, Mark. I'll try these things.
That is the way to go really... I could never get used to a full scale
I know im asking randomly but does any of you know of a method to log back into an Instagram account..?
I was dumb forgot the password. I would love any help you can offer me
@Tripp Justice instablaster ;)
Learning how to shift has been the biggest improvement of my bass playing technique by a country mile.
Update on my comment from yesterday….. been focusing on every step that you show and been making real progress. As I said I am really energized. I am deaf and left handed so good quality instruction is very important to me. I read your lips, and through my Bluetooth hearing aids yours and my guitars play directly into my ears. Thanks again for this great video.
My hands are ridiculously tiny. My wrist was hurting from playing bass like other people. I was getting worried about it but this helped so much!! Even just the posture change improved my comfort levels by leaps and bounds! Thank you!! Dat 3 fret stretch still aint easy tho
What bass do you use? How big is the neck?
Thank you! This is an extraordinarily clear and helpful video with no filler. I was sitting here thinking that I couldn't believe I was watching this for free.
Mate, once again you've been a godsend - really.
I have small hands, and have been using microshifts and other techniques to get around it.
This one lesson has been HUGE! (unlike my hands). The lap and neck positioning worked straight away - I played for three hours today, just out of excitement!
You're an incredible teacher and a great resource.
Thanks again, Mark
My hands are pretty small for a bassist. I've been playing for years but still I only made small improvements because I can't reach most of the notes. When followed this video it drastically changed how I played. Thanks Mark :))
Your suggestion to sit with the guitar between your legs, and the neck raised higher, is a good one. i started out playing banjo in that position, and carried it across to my bass playing. Most bass guitar bodies are shaped so that they sit comfortably on top of the leg, and that sucks players into doing it that way from the first time they pick up a guitar. Neither position is necesarrily right or wrong, but its important to try different things. As you say, we all have different physiologies. Great vid !
The posture really helped me, but i starded using a glove that isn't to thick or to big and the glove really really helped me. Not only was the sound better but also i can play waaayyy better with my glove.
Being 14 and 4'11 with baby hands made me really sad when I realized I couldn't play because my hands are too small. This video mad me feel a lot better, though. Thank you!
A piano teacher I had once explained to me the benefits of smaller hands on piano....I was sceptical ....but watched some terrific classical pianists and know she is right....I was sure big hands were needed on Bass....then I saw Tal Wilkenfeld play.......
Great info as usual Mark...thanks very much for your skilful and insightful teaching...much appreciated.
I chose to learn ukulele to start my string instrument training because of my hand size. I wish I had chosen bass but I fell for the old wives tales at how much I would fail because I have child sized hands. Thankfully video's like this gave me confidence to purchase a full size bass and I am so glad I did. I can add this to my instrument portfolio. Looking forward to many sessions practicing.
They make bass Ukuleles now same fingering as a regular bass but frets are smaller.
I’m transitioning from playing a 5 string banjo to playing bass. Your advice to setting the bass between my legs and tilting the neck up 45 degrees replicates the banjo position. This video has helped me enormously. Thanks so much for this. I am re reenergized and can see that I can doing it. Wow!!!!!
Thanks for this advise! Have tried it and has been a great help. I have short stubby fingers and over the years have adapted to suit, this has helped much more. Thanks
Thanks. I have had hand problems for awhile. I love "Buzz" (my bass) and it's been a struggle to play him. I can do this!
Left knee and the 45 degree angle is key for me. I have large hands but a jacked up left wrist. I also wear a brace which helps tremendously with fatigue. Great tips. Thanks Mark.
Even with these tips I'm still having trouble fretting with my 4th finger, might just be a case of needing better grip strength though.
The hand moving technique worked most for me. I really appreciate it
Great advice. Being a “person of short finger” challenged, this will really come in handy. Thanks.
Man good lesson but my hands cannot cover the four frets in that position and if I have to go to the first frets that's impossible for short hands even is a killer with three fingers I can cover 4 frets in my guitar but with bass that's crazy.
Thank you very much. I picked up the bass before it dawned on me about my comparatively small hands - though it also gave me trouble on guitar some years ago before the internet was...around... I'd forgotten. I knew there had to be work arounds though, and you proved me right. 2 out of three ain't bad - I'll work on speed/agility and accuracy as far as my nervous system will let me. I just love the sound of the bass! thank you again and I'll be sure to check out your other videos. Cheers!
Excellent tips. I have small hand and this gives me the "blessing" or "approval" for using these sort techniques no other teacher wants me to use. Like sifting is only ok if you really tried out streching and it absolutely won't work. I would like to have a lesson about when it is ok to be "one finger bandit" (so right hand is not doing alternate index/middle picking pattern but you're hitting the strings with your prefferred finger only). I know some songs like Paranoid by Black Sabbath doesn't sound right if you use alternate picking but still a lot of experienced bassists look down at you if you don't to the strict alternate regime.
Thank you. Youve shown me some basics that i really needed and really didnt realize that I needed! My "Marla Dean" isnt with me at work; cant wait to get home and practice this.
Thanks Mark and now I'm not strangling my bass. Nice and relaxed. You beauty 👍
Awesome teacher! I love watching your videos. I have big hands and this video was still helpful. Thanks for all that you do!
You are super mate.
Keep up the good work.
I am a lead guitarist.
But can play bass reasonable.
And just been asked to drum In a band .
Only 2 month drum expeirience.
But can play through most songs.
Pla
A name comes to mind when discussions ensue about small v. large hands affecting bass-playing: Tal Wilkenfeld. It's obvious she is an exquisitely innovative bassist who likely had to work around the Technique Gods dictums because of her pint-sized hands. Whatever it was, she nailed a technique that works for her--and how!
Thanks, very helpful.
So so very BRI thanks John of the little hands and only 3good fingers 1 .3and4 no 2 no power so this lesson has helped me thanks
like knitting
Best lesson ever.
Great video, Mark. One thing I notice in general: some bass players have standard sized hands, but have longer fingers but slightly smaller palms, whereas my palm length is a little bit bigger than my finger length. Have you noticed anything like this and do you think it makes a difference in bass playing?
I have large, square palms and pinky fingers that are alot shorter than the ring fingers, my wrists are stiff from too much hitting stuff a decade ago. I struggle, tbh i'm a bit shit and worrying. How did you get on?
Hit fret hand with ball ping hammer, repeat then sweep untill paralysis.
Thanks for the education.
Underrated video.. I love this posture technique so much as my built is small ( asian/girl )
Man that's a beautiful bass
Very good vid. I'm a beginner and now i can play 2 octave arpeggio!. Now I have to find out what an arpeggio is...
Thanks Mark you're always such great help , the best.
Great lesson...Perfect for my fingers Thanks
This was very helpful. Thanks!
thanks for the lesson Mark
I used to think that my hands were a bit too small to play the bass. My hands (more specifically my fingers) are a little bit smaller than average, but I'm able to play a 6 string bass just fine. In fact, I can even do a one-finger-per-fret system on the first four frets of the low B string. Really the only issue I've had is getting my pinky up on the high frets of the lower two strings, because the neck is so much wider there.
I'm 12 and my hands are small but i can play bass fine and my hand size doesn't slow me down
phroggy That’s so awesome!! 👍👍
Your attitude to playing is half the battle, sounds like you've nailed that!
oh man attention...attention
It's black magic
Thank you so very much. I really appreciate your help. This is so wonderful. I can play much better now. Still need lots a practice.
Pivoting seems to be my problem. I'm not doing it enough. As for posture, it takes a mighty arm to hold up the bass at 45 degrees mate. Not sure if I can do it, but am willing to try :)
Great lesson, thanks.
As with guitars, I can't play anything that isn't Ibanez flat neck or Jackson fast neck. I can barely reach from the 1st to the 3rd fret on a fender jazz style D profile neck. The Yamaha trbx series uses them for example... really liked their basses but I simply can't play them. But thin necks have to be straightened more often, which is an annoying con
Awesome Sir. Black Sabbath fan from British Columbia.
Great teacher.
very helpful! thank you!
Thank you soooo much for this!!!
Excellent tutorial.
I just can't seem to keep my first and middle fingers down on the fretboard, especially alternating between my right fingers
What should be the easiest way to help me with this problem?
This thumbnail is the best image on the internet. :-) Great lesson mate.
Discover Double Bass That's no photoshopping.
TalkingBass - Online Bass Lessons Snapchat hand filters then, I guess? 😎😜
Ah... very useful. Thank you!
Hey I tried playing by ear, but my ear ring got stuck... any help for me???? hahah... great video, thanks.
I have small hands its been a bit of a pain to go between the Frets but your advice solved the problem. ITS WAS BECAUSE i AM SCOTISH AND AFTER YEARS OF REACHING INTO MY POCKETS FOR SMALL COINS MY HANDS REDUCED IN SIZE. Only joking Many Thanks
Large hand, short fingers....there are no unreachable stretches on a bass or guitar. Personal comfort in positioning and practice will allow you to make it. I hold mine almost upright when im standing and since i have long arms, still position my bass low in my crotch...that or you can lean into it...
Practice is the key. Dont quit on sinething that doesnt come natural...do it more and your body/mind will learn how to make it happen for you
As a person with small hands u need big hands to play this
Any advice on playing block chords with small hands? Can’t even play c major
It seems like in every bass lesson video I watch, the player/instructor is able to cover 4 frets easily on the neck. I am almost 60, with small hands and I have trouble covering 3 frets. I have pretty much settled on a short-scale bass like the Ibanez GSR20 Mikro, as I want a PJ pickup style. Am I deluding myself about being able to play? I am willing to put the effort in; I just don't want to spend my limited dollars, only to find out it was all for naught. Please, any suggestions/comments greatly appreciated. I am located in Easthampton, MA. Perhaps someone local to me could need 6 or more feet apart for help in buying my first bass.
Me: The intro said ass
Everyone: haha your so funny xddddd
Ok... my pink wants to point towards my ring finger when I curl it... how is that fixed?
Can I not use the pinky at all?
really liking these thumbnails
I have small and hard hands. Playing bass is a dream for me 😢
THNX
This has helped a lot, thanks! My main problem is that my little finger is shorter than most people's; it only comes up to just above the middle joint of my ring finger. It's also slightly deformed and as a result I've not used it much, so any stretch beyond resting position is uncomfortable. Playing the 2 octave arpeggio through half a dozen times has left it aching. Pivoting helps a little, but I guess exercises to strengthen it are my best bet. Do you recommend anything? Is that arpeggio run the best way of working it?
You could train yourself to play in left-handed style, then you could use your right hand on the frets.
I should have taken up the triangle. 😞
I suck at the bass. Too much money invested to quite... lost the motivation to go on.
nice dud keep inspire
thank you
It helps . . . .
It's definitely easier if you have big hands, but you don't need big hands to play bass. Also just like Mark said you do need to have good posture, unless you're flea
I have a rather large belly that pushes the bass uncomfortably away from me causing weird wrist positions and difficulty hitting notes. Any suggestions?
lose weight '
TheJedidragon529 Go get yourself a cello. Your belly will keep it at a comfortable distance from the rest of you, the instrument pretty much requires weird wrist positions, ....plus you get to sit down while you're playing it. While your at it, jump on the treadmill every now and then. It doesn't hurt.
TheJedidragon529 eat healthy
don’t know if anyone will read this, but just in case:
you could possibly tilt the bass so that it’s more on your side. l don’t know if the left or right side would be better. then you can tilt your shoulders to be parallel to the bass while your belly isn’t.
The Three Ps make Green Onions a lot less daunting, but I still wonder if I should be looking at a short scale ( 30") or medium scale(32") bass ?
I have short fingers and got me a 32" bass instead of a 36" bass this is so easy playing now.
Long fingers is a benefit for bass playing, but less on a 32" scale.
Great video dude!
But why do you kind of look like Frodo Baggins???
(edit: it's a compliment ofc)
You need to use all 4 fingers. Even the pinky and the third finger. I've seen some kids only use the first 2 fingers which can become a problem no matter what hand size.
I still can’t do it...
Hiya Mark my name is Stephen I’m from Manchester
I’m really struggling to play the bass I’ve got small hands my first and fourth fingers just will not stretch to the first and fourth frets and my left wrist really hurts can u please help me
Many thanks
why do bass manufacturers assume short scale basses are only for children?
Cuz they are. Doe they offer different sound. Still doe you can play anything you want but shorter scale does sound much more different than full scale.
@@diddymies children aren't the only one with small hands
But bass on the floor looks more cool. 😁
Anybody know what kind of pickups he's using??
Sims Super Quads
What make of Bass is he playing?
12:00
Well, I've got small hands and I've got some chops, BUT there's just so much one can do with naturally underdeveloped pinkies that don't work very well. =(
GOD DAMN thats a sexy bass
I have small hands and I'm pretty decent at playing bass, so I guess no
i am 9 and i pley bass
HEY WORLD LOOK UP CHILD PRODIGY BASS PLAYERS: NO MORE EXCUSES!
Well, you may not need big hands to play bass, but there are some limits. Obviously Donald Trump should probably stick to the ukulele. 😜
first of all, Donald Trump doesn't have small hands. Second of all, why would you bring politics into this?
Because he's an idiot.
Ever hear of jokes?
screw you, don't disrespect the ukulele because of its size.
So you say that people with small hands are Donald Trump? Rude.
You do not..look at the bass player..my he rest in peace..for Little feet..his fingers were stubs
What do bass players usually get on their tests?
Drool.
huh ?
Huh?
your hair is made of aluminium?
First