Pain while playing in fretting hand. Hand cramping.

[Rakie]

Well, I figured since you are well versed in 6 strings you're used to complaints about people getting accustomed to stretching.

Well, I play 4-5-6 string basses. Fretted and Fretless. My problem is when I use my pinky, the muscle between my thumb and first finger will cramp up. Thats the only time it happens. And it happens on any number of strings, regardless of if im playing all over the fretboard, or just on one string.

I've been playing for years, I normally play funky stuff and finger style funk/motown, and I don't have this problem because I primarily use three fingers and lately it's been bothering me that my pinky finger is nearly useless, i've been trying to learn more metal songs and work on speed.

I first discovered this when I first started playing bass. The first song I learned was "Erotomania" from Dream Theater. I can play the song, but only in 20 second bursts when I try and use my pinky.



I never saw this as a problem until recently, now its bothering me a lot... Any ideas on what I can do to remedy this problem ?



Thanks Todd.
~Tim.

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Rakie

Well, I figured since you are well versed in 6 strings you're used to complaints about people getting accustomed to stretching.

Well, I play 4-5-6 string basses. Fretted and Fretless. My problem is when I use my pinky, the muscle between my thumb and first finger will cramp up. Thats the only time it happens. And it happens on any number of strings, regardless of if im playing all over the fretboard, or just on one string.

I've been playing for years, I normally play funky stuff and finger style funk/motown, and I don't have this problem because I primarily use three fingers and lately it's been bothering me that my pinky finger is nearly useless, i've been trying to learn more metal songs and work on speed.

I first discovered this when I first started playing bass. The first song I learned was "Erotomania" from Dream Theater. I can play the song, but only in 20 second bursts when I try and use my pinky.



I never saw this as a problem until recently, now its bothering me a lot... Any ideas on what I can do to remedy this problem ?



Thanks Todd.
~Tim.

Hi Tim,

Wow....sorry you're having trouble with your hands. No fun whatsoever

This is a hard one for me to accurately diagnose without seeing you in person.....too many variables.....

But......

My best guess is that you're starting to use your pinky more....you're probably overdoing it (a guess).....and your hand is angry with you for "straining" some "new" muscles.

There could be "several" other factors contributing to your pain.....like the angle of your wrists.....the height you wear your bass.....finger angles.....

Sorry.....this is my best guess without seeing you in person....

My only other suggestions would be this: "consider picking up my Technique Builders" DVD and develop the exercises from that. This would give you the "ergonomics" you "probably" need to get all 4 fingers working together.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to spend your money or sound like a commercial, but that's the best I can do long distance.

I hope this helps.

Keep me posted..........

[Rakie]

Thanks very much Todd.

I've tried messing around with height first and noticed it made no difference. I've also noticed just putting my hand in that position alone is painful, even with no bass in my hand, facing any direction or angle.

Also, this happens on any string instrument, my 34 and 35" scale basses as well as guitars.

Should I just continue using it to build it up ? I've always been worried it wouldn't do anything other then hurt. And if so, should I play through the pain ? I've always of course been told not to.

Possibly that muscle just has no stamina .


Thanks
~Tim.

[6minusfrets]

The exact same thing is happening to me currently. i have been playing alot more in the past 6 months and learning more and started using a 6 string i few months ago. But i in the past couple weeks notice that same pain mentioned above. I just started researching it last night. I am gonna take a couple weeks off of playing see if will heal or relax on its own if not im gonna see a doctor. Let me know how you fixe it or what route you went Rakie.

[Howlin' Hanson]

It depends upon the riff or pattern you are playing, but if I am stretching four frets from pinky to index on the same string, I cramp up also. I try to move the index finger note to the next lower string instead so the stretch isn't so great. That requires rethinking the pattern, but anything to stop the cramps.

That's the great thing about bass: there's alternate ways to do things.

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Rakie

Thanks very much Todd.

I've tried messing around with height first and noticed it made no difference. I've also noticed just putting my hand in that position alone is painful, even with no bass in my hand, facing any direction or angle.

Also, this happens on any string instrument, my 34 and 35" scale basses as well as guitars.

Should I just continue using it to build it up ? I've always been worried it wouldn't do anything other then hurt. And if so, should I play through the pain ? I've always of course been told not to.

Possibly that muscle just has no stamina .


Thanks
~Tim.

Hi Tim,

Man, I wish I were more help. Something sounds very wrong if it hurts just by putting your hand in that position......Yikes!!

And........playing through pain doesn't make sense to me either.

The best help I can offer is this: Send me a PM and I'll give you my phone number. Then call me and we'll set up an appointment. I could take a look at you in person and give you my best (and most accurate) diagnosis. (BTW, the price is right...)

Cool???

Cool..........

[Rakie]

YGPM. Sorry it took so long, way deep into school, I haven't had time to do much!

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Rakie

YGPM. Sorry it took so long, way deep into school, I haven't had time to do much!

Have fun....do what you can....when you can do it!!