Please help! Simple Newbie question!!

[MelissaStoermer]

My fingers are being almost ripped to shreds, after a weekend of playing at least one gig and two days straight practising. I only have small hands, and pretty weak fingers. I've had blisters and cuts but my skin just doesn't seem to want to toughen up. Could anyone please tell me the softest strings at an affordable price? (I'm 16 so anything over £20 is kinda out of my price range.) Thank you!

[Punk Rock Jason]

I'm no expert, but you might want to try getting some flatwound strings. Those might be easier on your fingers, if you're okay with the difference in tone.

Not sure about price where you're at, but you can get sets of flatwounds from around $20 (US) and up.

[64jazz]

How about taking a couple of days off and practice only harmonics? You'll toughen up, but expect to give it at least a month to a month and a half to happen. Same with finger strength. It will build slowly but rest assured, it WILL happen. Also, be sure to keep your wrists as straight as possible when you play so as to prevent any long-term nerve injuries!

To answer your question directly, a set of light gauge flats might be the ticket. Not sure about UK pricing, but I play Rotosound flats on one of my basses and the last set I bought was around $30 US.

[funkyebk]

What kind of strings are you using now?

[lowfreq33]

Not string related per se, but I always put a little lotion on my fingers before and after playing. If the skin gets too dry it'll just peel off, an you'll never get good calluses. Some may disagree, but that's always worked for me.

[Stev187]

Originally Posted by MelissaStoermer

Could anyone please tell me the softest strings at an affordable price?

As others have mentioned, flats might be "softer" and nylon tapewound would be the softest. But I think this problem you're having isn't about strings. Two thoughts:

1. It takes time for your fingers/skin to adapt to any new activity. Build in breaks and try the lotion idea. Your skin will toughen up over time.
2. Perhaps this has more to do with your technique. You may be pressing too hard or using too much pressure/friction. Are you working with a teacher? An experienced bass teacher can help with this.

If you've been practicing for many hours at a time after a cold start, that could be your problem right there. Think of the way marathon runners prepare for long distances. They usually don't increase their miles by more than 10% per week. You need to work your way up to "marathon" practice sessions.

It's great that you're devoting so much time to practice, but you might switch it up a bit. Alternate playing with listening and transcribing. In other words, take periodic breaks from physically playing.

--Steve

[bherman]

Agree, take your time building up your fingers (strength and pads). I started playing again after many years away from it and took several months to start making any progress. Better to practice a little bit each day (maybe start with 15-30 minutes) and be consistent, increasing the amount gradually. It takes alot of time to build up good stamina, finger strength, and finger toughness (each of those 3 things is different, IMO).

Stamina is how long you can play without your arms/hands cramping up.

Finger strength is just that - your ability to get your fingers do do what you want on the fingerboard without tiring.

Toughness applies to the tips of fingers in both hands.

Take it slow and you'll get there. And if you can afford it, try the flats idea.

Too bad you are not in the US, I would send you some old flats to try. But postage to UK is too much!

Let us know what else you want to know and welcome to the bass world.

[64jazz]

Originally Posted by bherman

Let us know what else you want to know and welcome to the bass world.

+1

[Snarf]

Originally Posted by Punk Rock Jason

I'm no expert, but you might want to try getting some flatwound strings. Those might be easier on your fingers, if you're okay with the difference in tone.

Not sure about price where you're at, but you can get sets of flatwounds from around $20 (US) and up.

Flatwounds have a lot more surface area in contact with the fingers, which leads to more friction. Also, flats tend to be higher tension than rounds. If anything, flatwounds are quite a bit harder on the hands than rounds.

[davidgoldman]

If your fingers are hurting that bad, you need a set up. I don't have calases because I have a good set up. I have flats on one bass and round on the other, neither hurt. Take it to a pro if you don't know how.

[MelissaStoermer]

Thank you so much to all your advice! This has really helped! Thank you so, so much!

[ixlramp]

Do you know what brand and type of string are you using? Steel roundwounds can sometimes have a rough surface, D'Addario ProStreels are purposely 'textured' for more 'zing' to the sound. You could buy a set of nickelplated roundwounds, which have a smoother feel. Also try a 'light' or 'extra light' tension set with gauges similar to 35-95 or 30-90, the lower tension means you don't have to fret so hard and can use a gentle touch with your plucking hand. If you switch to a lighter set you'll need to have the bass set up for the lower tension and different gauges. The intonation of the saddles will need resetting and the truss rod may need to be slightly loosened, these are things you can do yourself if you research on the web the correct methods, plus you save money.
I have weak hands too and use very low tension strings, almost as loose as a guitar, almost half the normal bass tension.

[ksandvik]

You could also tune down the bass a semi-step or two for the time being so there's less tension.

[darkstorm]

Get the bass properly set up for low action and dont play hard. Also dont be warbling or wiggle or grinding your fretting fingers into the strings and thus the strings into fretboard and frets. I started with rotosound swing66 and useed fingerease spray a little while learning. If your playing fingerstyle and wont play more softly, tape your plucking fingers with surgical/medical cloth tape. To prevent finger abrassions from playing too hard. Last but not least, take a day or two off after each day of heavy playing time.

[dhsierra1]

Originally Posted by ixlramp

Also try a 'light' or 'extra light' tension set with gauges similar to 35-95 or 30-90, the lower tension means you don't have to fret so hard and can use a gentle touch with your plucking hand. If you switch to a lighter set you'll need to have the bass set up for the lower tension and different gauges. The intonation of the saddles will need resetting and the truss rod may need to be slightly loosened, these are things you can do yourself if you research on the web the correct methods, plus you save money.
I have weak hands too and use very low tension strings, almost as loose as a guitar, almost half the normal bass tension.

+1 on this and the other suggestions, but in terms of gear start here.

[Birdland11]

Play through the pain!!! I cant even feel paper with my fingertips anymore!! Seriously, relax, take a day off, It takes time.

[Pilgrim]

Don't dig into the strings so hard. Let the amp do the work.

[64jazz]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Don't dig into the strings so hard. Let the amp do the work.

Good advice, this.

[erock138]

Dip your fingers in rubbing alcohol a few times a day, it dries.them out. Also, I've used some new skin liquid bandaid with good results.

[Versatek6]

Originally Posted by erock138

Dip your fingers in rubbing alcohol a few times a day, it dries.them out. Also, I've used some new skin liquid bandaid with good results.

Soaking in warm salt water also can help.