Am I playing 'wrong'?

Reon · #1 01-31-2009, 11:52 AM

For the last two weeks, I've had this sensation in my hand whenever I would rotate my hand to either side; It feel likes I've twisted my hand a bit to far but it's not 'pain.' I tend to notice it when i'm doing barre chords on Guitar and when i'm putting a lot of pressure on the back on my bass. I've played various other instruments, viola for example, and I've never had this 'unique' sensation. For lack of a better phrase, am I 'doing' it wrong?

pukeorama · #2 01-31-2009, 07:44 PM

Sounds like maybe your wrist is cramping up. Iam not to knowledgeable on the subject but i just played a gig and I didnt warm before I just jumped on stage. By second song my left wrist was just aching. How long have you been playing bass? Maybe just a basic warm up by just doing acesning and desending minor and major scales in different positions can help. I find a good 5 -10 warm up really makes a difference when you play bass. Does the pain go away after a while when you play or is it consistant. If the pain goes away after a while i could mean you have just warmed up your hand muscles if it is consistant. Maybe its something else. Try and pin point what positions cause the pain, when and how long. Dont hesitate to see a doctor tho man. Your hands are musicians tools and without em we are just bums

Reon · #3 02-01-2009, 02:25 PM

I've been playing bass for about a year now, and it goes away after I stop playing bass and guitar (as much) for two days. It's not pain, I guess it could be described as stifffness/ the feeling you get when your stretching.

pukeorama · #4 02-02-2009, 04:19 AM

hmm that dosent sound good if you only get the pain while playing guitar or bass. Maybe have your hand looked at. Has this been going every since you started playing within the year?

Fergie Fulton · #5 02-02-2009, 06:47 AM

Sounds like a "stretch reflex" in which the muscle area is stiff as a result of over stretching or a sudden stretch which it is now protecting. there is no pain yet because the muscle is restraining the action that is agravaiting it so you can function to some degree but with limits. The pain will happen when the muscle area wants you to stop and will not allow you the restricted freedom it has allowed you because you did not get the first message to take it easy and rest. Go see an doctors or specialist like an osteopath, physio for a proper diagnosis, i mean if you had chest pains you would not seek advice here first..i hope LOL.

Reon · #6 02-02-2009, 04:20 PM

Fergie Fulton: Well, you never know..>.>

pukeorama: Only recently, then again, I never played bass as much as I do now.

but, yeah, i'll take it easy for a while now. thanks for the suggestions

mambo4 · #7 02-04-2009, 09:36 AM

Have you had a bass instructor observe and correct your technique? that should be the first thing you check. Playing with proper technique should,only be uncomfortable in the sense that it's unfamiliar...once you get used to good technique, playing should not cause discomfort.

find a good teacher (bass, not guitar) and have them check your playing out.

SSINTENSE · #8 02-04-2009, 11:23 AM

There is no universally right or wrong way of playing. Everyone is different and the best technique is the one that conforms and utilizes your body the way it is to produce good tone with minimal effort. You should get a teacher to show you some things. I did a few months ago and now I feel like the 4 years before that were a waste of my time.