Yes, Rick, the "Ives" is one that carries over from my nylon string practicing with no problem. I do the "placing" on that one, and since the fingers lay on the strings in such a nice order.

I've been practicing the first exercise from that thread daily. I hope to get it down as automatic, since it's nice and powerful. A bit of trouble shifting it up and starting on the 5th string (instead of the 6th) -- the strings are so much thinner, and I loose my orientation. I think I'll have to practice regularly to keep up any learning I get here. I can even loose my alternating bass technique on the 6th and 5th strings (which is very strong) if I don't practice and am a bit nervous.

Right now still reverting back to earlier learned patterns when I let loose. Gonna keep practicing.

Thanks for the response, MA