Disclaimer: this is not intended to mock anyone with small hands - I am also struggling with reaching over several frets…
We haven’t mentioned yet that this is also depends on the scale of the bass, and I just saw these:
https://www.jacksonguitars.com/gear/series/js-series/js-series-concert-bass-minion-js1x/2915556552
28.6’’ scale!! So, there are alternatives to these 34’’ beasts!!
One thing I’ve been trying to work on is my thumb position. I started out playing with my thumb outward behind the neck in a “hitchhiking” position, which caused all the fingers to take on a “claw” shape. That claw shape makes it very difficult to independently control each finger, and also minimizes the span.
I’ve found that by holding my thumb more inward, and placing it behind the second finger, my fingers tend to spread out more and it’s easier to manipulate them. This position feels very awkward, and even cause some discomfort at first, but I think if I keep at it, it’ll feel more comfortable after awhile.
yeah @PamPurrs , at my current level, somewhere between beginner and badass, I see two distinct hand positions : the “claw” is very useful to me because it allows a very good control over muting every string when needed, but it closes the hand and reduces drasticaly the amplitude to maybe 2 frets at best. the “flat hand” position, which is the position teached by Josh in the course, allows way more amplitude (both in the horizontal and vertical way) and more control over the notes, but there is no possibility to use the thumb to mute the E string.
I we had to choose/learn only one position, I’m pretty sure the “flat hand” would be a much better choice because it allows an overall better control on everything except muting on the lower strings.
But again my point of view is that it’s always a good thing to have more than one option in our bag 
assuming we are able to choose the right option in any given situation
Just my point of view at this moment, maybe I’ll change my mind when I’ll be a badass 
Hey Terb, good point! I didn’t even think about muting the lower strings when I posted that comment.
I adopted the “Floating Thumb” plucking technique right from the beginning when I started playing bass a couple months ago. I saw some videos about it, and fell in love with it. I’ve been using it ever since and I’m most comfortable with it. The advantage of the floating thumb is that it automatically mutes the lower strings as you move it around. I only have to worry about muting the higher strings, which I do with my fretting hand.
what exactly do you call “floating thumb” ? do you pluck with the thumb or just let it sit on the lower string you don’t use for a part of the song ?
Todd Johnson is the master of the floating thumb. Here’s a video.
Here’s another one. I like this one because I play a 5 string
that’s very interesting, I never heard about this technique ! I have to give it a try ! thanks @PamPurrs !
HAAAAA love the look of terror.
I’m not sure either, I think I got Men-In-Black memory wiped… 
They left the genetically enhanced fingers though.
Don’t forget the Ibanez Mikro either. A $200 28.6" scale 5-string
Do short scale basses have a lot less space between frets? I wouldn’t mind giving one a try if they do.
Yes. You can roughly estimate how much by looking at your 34" scale bass and removing one fret per scale. In other words, on a 32" medium-scale bass, the first fret is about the same size as the second fret on your bass. On a 30" short-scale bass, the first fret is about the same size as the third fret on your bass, and on the 28.5" Mikro (and on that Jackson), the first fret is about the same size as the fourth fret on your bass.
There’s other differences in feel too, though. In general, the shorter the scale, the less tension on the strings for the same pitch. This makes me want to try a 28.5" 5-string because I bet that B string is kind of flubby.
Thank you, @howard. That is exactly correct 
I have only marginally smaller hands, and have always used a 34" scale. I tried a 30" scale bass in our music store the other day and I did NOT like it. 
Perhaps it was because of the poor quality of the instrument I tried? More on this later.
All best, Joe
Yes @Jazzbass19, like you I have small hands and I tried a Fender Mustang bass a couple of times. I love the overall look and they sound great (plus I love Tina Weymouth from Talking Heads who is known to play short-scale from time to time) but I just didn’t take to the Mustang enough to make the purchase. I’m at an intermediate level in terms of playing ability so I still struggle with fretting songs that require a lot of shifting. However, I brought a used Squire Jazz bass almost three weeks ago and stretching my left hand isn’t a huge challenge anymore. My fretting hand is more comfortable now after practicing at least six times a week. @JoshFossgreen offers excellent advice on short-shifting which is a great help.
Keep at it and time will eventually be the cure.
Best of luck!
One of my favorites. She (and Chris Frantz) are amazing live.
One of the few music videos that actually shows the bassist. She’s awesome
@howard now I know what I’ve been doing wrong. I need to wear a short dress and dance around while I practice.
Yes! Excellent post… Tina is driving the band!
