Endurance

[Kragen]

Recently I've found that although the complexity of the riffs I can play, and the speed that i can play them with, has increased, frequently when practicing (and also in the one gig ive played so far), I've found I just dont have the endurance to play them.

Partly I think this might be down to my technique (for example when I fret with my 3rd / 4th fingers I usualy dont have my 2nd / 3rd fingers anywhere near the fretboard).

I know I have to work focus on my technique, and perhaps work on a few speed / muscle building exercises once my technique has started to improve... but I wondered if anyone had any tips / advice?

[BassPlayingPineapple]

Try and get used to playing one finger per fret on your left hand :thumb: Helps a lot.

[punkjazz]

from personal experience, it's mostly practice. when i first started playing with my band i felt like my fingers were gonna fall off after two hours of practice trying playing alongside a a double-bass loving drummer, but after a week or two i got used to it and now i feel fine. just practice with your band frequently.

[sinister]

Metronome
+
Going up and down the minor and major scales, and the minor and major pentatonics in groups of 4.
Just use it to improve endurance by playing 16th notes or fast 8th notes, also the major pentatonic is good for building up little finger strength.
I advise using the major scale if you want to get used to using all your fingers.

If you don't get what I mean; in C major play:
C D E F, D E F G, E F G A and so forth. It takes awhile to get used to playing them in that order but once you can its a great excersise.

[Ian]

Learn proper warm ups and exercises like the chromatic scale to build endurance and finger dexterity/strength. Definatly learn the one-finger-per-fret rule also.

[Fast_Food_Klepto]

Another thing too... especially when playing a gig, is to remember to stay relaxed. If you're really tense your hands will get tired real quick.