Hi Katie

Welcome to AB

I am like you in terms of having short fingers.

A couple of decades ago, I tried short scale basses thinking it would increase speed and accuracy.....NOT!

I know prefer playing 35" scale basses ( longer necks ) with a wide ( 19mm string spacing ) neck and that happens to be the most comfortable for me.

So don't get locked into thinking that short scale basses are going to be the magic fix.

The thing is to get your Dad to take you somewhere where there is a huge choice of basses to try out and then you'll start to get a feel for what should be right for you.

If you want, I can have a word with "Dad" to convince him he needs to make a trip!

A Bass like a Godin has an awsome kind of small neck that I believe would suit you. The shape of the neck is "D" shape and very thin at the nut versus a "C" shape like a Fender.

Just try several Basses and pick the one your most confortable with and, get your old man to buy-it for you.

cheers........
J_F

Hi Katie, on top of what the others have suggested pay attention to how you're positioning your hand on the neck.

Imagine that you're holding a glass of water - look at the shape your hand takes on, you'll notice that your fingers are curled but comfortable. Using this shape position your thumb on the centre of the back of your bass's neck, even with smaller hands this should give you adequate reach to play comfortably.

Don't worry if you can't cover 4 frets (ie 1 finger per fret) - this will come with time and practice.

Here are a couple of links you may find helpful.

The first is an excellent article by Matthew Brown here on AB Position is Everything

The other is to Adam Nitti's website - review all of the lessons but in particular the one on left hand position.. Adam Nitti Lessons

Most importantly - be patient with yourself & have fun!

just keep at it,you will be surprised,how fast you will get used to any bass,

Hi Katie Welcome to the Mad House that masquerades as ActiveBass,

Enough with the pleasantries........I'm Hijacking this thread for a moment..... To all the knockers of shortscale basses.

All I have to say is





Phooey, Ya sound like Lead guitarists...........

Leroy,

Founder of the...........

Stop the cruel degrading of shortscale Bass Guitars or I'll poke you in the eye Society.

Did you say "knockers?"

It's your Smutty mind.....LOL

He did! I saw it!!!!

Smutt, Smutt, Smutt,

This place is going downhill fast...........

Leroy........... the un smutty

ps

I would never have said knockers.........

Oh yeah ya would... and ya did LOL.


Ploddy.

Evening all, Warm Night. <--- Dixon of Dock Green

I thought that type of knockers was spelled like nockers or nockas, but what would I know ?
I'm a nice person and a man of the cloth.
So I would never have said that word in the context that Lesley and yourself are insinuating that I said it.
Just seems funny that the two of you are ex Brits living down under, I think the blood is rushing to your heads and fiddling with your mind .LMAO

Leroy

Well I never !!!! Oh erm ... well I did once but I didnt enjoy it.
I think Lesley was Scottish lol.
A MAN OF THE CLOTH LMAO !!!!!!
Paul.

You guys all frighten me... this is awesome!!! :D

I forgiive you my Son, I will pray for you.

Leroy