i have been using DR round wounds (light gauge). i thought my technique was bad until i played a bass in a store and i don't know what strings they were.

i find myself not being able to play fast and dragging. my fingers kind of get "caught" on the string" if i lick my fingers or moisturize them they become slippery enough to play but then they get stickier against the string when they are damp.

has anyone had a similar problem or anything that helps?

Are they stainless steel? Try nickel strings. Or flatwounds if you're into that.

I like the DR coated strings ("Black Beauties"). Any coated string would probably work for you, but I recommend DRs out of the bunch.

You're not using half-rounds (aka groundwounds), are you? Those tend to drag a lot.

- Dave

Elixers. Problem solved.

no, they are straight up roundwound. and they are steel i think.

it sounds weird but it could be your skin reacting with the particular metal. like someone i know cant wear gold because it gives them a rash. its kinda unexplainable, but it happens. if you're using steel, definitely give nickel a try. nylon strings are really smooth but also really different in every way. and i wouldn't recommend trying flats, i stopped using them because they're sticker than rounds.

Try playing with a lighter touch and with the tips of your fingers. I run into that problem on gigs (when I start playing to hard). I just tell myself to relax and try not to play so hard.

Use baby powder on your fingers. It sounds a little pedo'ish, but it works. No friction, just glide.

Fast Fret is exactly what you need.
Try it. It cleans and slightly lubricate strings so you can play with ease.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/GHS-FastFret-String-Cleaner?sku=420451

I recommend Finger-Ease over Fast Fret or baby powder. I've used a lot of different things and Finger-Ease works the best.

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/214P5E9N49L._AA250_.jpg

Ya, powder will make the string sticky and go dead quicker. At least with FastFret, you don't kill the strings right away.

I have never used a lubricant, so I cant compare my experiences with powder to it. Like I had mentioned before, I have flats, so I dont really need to worry about a dead sound.

Try cleaning your stings, that may help.

i have the same problem, especially at gigs when im really rippin. baby powder does work, but its not very practical to powder up on stage...

See, I would think just the opposite would happen with powders. I would think it would add friction to the strings, especially if you started sweating or got your fingers a little damp. But string fritcion has never been an issue with me, so I never tried it.

+1 to fingerease. that stuff rocks (and has a pleasant citrus scent, too!). i used i when i first started playing to ease the pain a little whilst building callouses. it'll definitely help you out!

+1 to trying different metals. try nickel-wound or nickel-plated steel. i like them alot.
http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1815.gif

+1 to fingerease

also, it just sounds like your problem is just that they are steel strings, alot of steel strings are what i call "grippy"

i had EXACTLY the same problem, just moved over to nickel strings and it worked a treat.

I recommend Finger-Ease over Fast Fret or baby powder. I've used a lot of different things and Finger-Ease works the best.

http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/214P5E9N49L._AA250_.jpg

+1

I had the same problem when my brother introduced me to this amazing stuff. Just apply, let it sit for a min. or two, then wipe down. It almost makes your neck feel gooey.

It's also supposed to prolong string life... But I haven't noticed any difference.