Have you noticed how many Active Bass members are beginners? It's so great seeing the Web being used as a powerful tool to educate. Have you noticed how many of these beginners ask the same question? What do you do with your right a left hands? Well assuming left is on the neck and right is going to pluck the strings let me try and answer that reoccurring question. First set goals. Let me offer three.

1 Develop proper left hand technique.

2 Develop proper right hand technique.

3 Learn the names of the notes on the first four frets of all four strings.

Now with the goals established lets first work with the left hand. Position your thumb behind the neck so your thumb is between and somewhat parallel to the 2nd and 3rd frets. Spread out the four fingers of your hand so your 1st finger is just behind the 1st fret, your 2nd finger is just behind the 2nd fret, your 3rd finger is just behind the 3rd fret and your 4th finger is just behind the 4th fret. Ideally no part of your hand except your thumb and fingertips will touch the instrument. This will take a while to develop so be patient. Don't strain to stay in that position. Strain will tighten your muscles and tendons. I tell my students "don't force your hand to do it, relax and allow your hand to stay in position". Don't give up on your pinky.