TECHNIQUE BUILDERS teaches you how to control the shape, attack, decay and articulations of the notes you play in a logical, organized, and concise method!
Technique Builders is perfect for beginners wanting to "learn things right the first time", or for the self taught old pro looking to fix some bad habits.
In this DVD, Johnson troubleshoots the problems inherent to playing the electric bass. He addresses the mechanics involved in playing the instrument in the most efficient manner possible by eliminating wasted motion and reveals how you can control the shape, attack, decay, and articulations of the notes you play.
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Through an organized method, this video collection is divided into four separate sections. Following a brief introduction outlining the general purpose of the content within the videos and the benefits of utilizing good technique, Todd discusses some of the basic and most often overlooked variables involved in playing electric bass such as the angles of the wrists, the height at which the bass is strapped on, and setting the strap at a consistent length for both standing and sitting positions.
In the second portion of his course, he focuses on principles including left hand posture, finger placement, the right hand, the floating thumb concept, right hand muting technique, as well as playing with a light right hand touch and right hand placement considerations.
After establishing the fundamental guidelines contained within the first couple of segments, the videos move onto a series of exercises that discuss the significance of warming up and stretching in order to build strength, independence, and dexterity between each of the fingers.
Todd also shows you exercises he calls two-finger combos, a shifting drill, a supportive fingering exercise, an exercise regarded as the x-drill, and exercises he refers to as bouncing fifths.
In the last section you get six more collections of exercises comprised of the spider, octaves, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and ghost notes.
As with Todd's other bass videos, Technique Builders is extremely structured, well-produced, and provides multiple camera angles with lots of close-ups which allows you to really get inside the techniques and view his hands from different positions.
Also included are PDF files of the exercises in both standard notation and tablature.
In Technique Builders, you'll learn:
Right and left hand ergonomics
Floating thumb technique
Right hand muting
Shifting
Supportive fingering
Hammer ons & pull offs
String skipping
Ghost notes
Here's what others are saying about "Technique Builders":
One of the finest electric bass educators on the planet. Todd's DVDs are indispensable viewing for any bassist wanting to play jazz. -- Steve Lawson
Todd, those technique exercises are really great...I remember when I first bought your DVDs I was thinkin', "Man, $40 is an expensive DVD," but they are definitely worth it. -- Dave
I have to reiterate that this video has made me a better player. I find all of the excercises and drills very useful, especially with my left hand finger independence. The detail in this one video could have replaced at least two others that I own. Thanks again. -- Menyo
"The Bottom Line Regardless of your current playing level, previous experience, or the style of music you prefer to play, Todd Johnson's Technique Builders will assist in establishing a solid foundation in becoming a well-rounded bassist and save you hours of frustration in not being able to play something accurately due to the lack of proper technique. It is the perfect starting place for beginners who have just picked up the electric bass and also for those self-taught bassists who are seeking to resolve bad habits that have been inadvertently formed over the years." -- Steve Lawson
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