I was practicing some simple slap routines today and I noticed that my thumb was really painful.

Every time I went to slap the base of my thumb joint was really painful, like a red-hot needle was poking right through the bone and the actual thumb itself was making clicking noises. The only thing I can think of which is similar is when a joint 'cracks'.

Does anyone know what's causing this? What should I do about it?

Hard to tell with only words to go on. Have you consulted with a teacher who's well-versed in technique issues?

Hard to tell with only words to go on. Have you consulted with a teacher who's well-versed in technique issues?

I've never been taught by a professional teacher but I have had some tuition off other more experienced bassists who corrected my technique and also some of my playing issues.

Maybe it's time to pay them a visit again.

Maybe it's time to pay them a visit again.

I don't think this is anything to do with technique. I've been slapping for ages without a problem, but more recently I've been having flare-ups of my RSI and tendonitis again.

Maybe it's the RSI causing the problem....

Time to talk to a doctor. There are some that deal with musicians injuries, but few of them around. Next best is a doctor who does sports injuries. They can check it out to see if serious and if not recommend exercises and such. Got to listen to your body its telling ya it don't like something.

Time to talk to a doctor. There are some that deal with musicians injuries, but few of them around. Next best is a doctor who does sports injuries. They can check it out to see if serious and if not recommend exercises and such. Got to listen to your body its telling ya it don't like something.



Going to the doctors Tuesday...

Good idea. He's most likely going to tell you to lay off the bass playing or anything else that hurts your fingers. I'm sure you could still play without slapping&popping though. See it as a chance to improve your other techniques, and take your pills or whatever the doctor prescribes.