Cramp in left hand.

[Mike M.]

Yesterday a buddy of mine let me borrow his Ibanez SR505 bass to try out. Great sound and a breeze to play compared to my Fender 5 string.

Played it for quite a while yesterday and today I've got a cramp in the palm of my left hand. Nothing too terribly painful but it's there alright.

I'm trying to find a bass with a smaller neck than my Fender and I can only assume that my tendons may cramp up for a few when going to a neck that's not as wide or as deep as my Fender. The thing is, I noticed I wasn't gripping the neck at all because it felt so easy to play.

Seems like the muscles/tendons would get use to it in time.

Anyone else gone from a bigger to a smaller neck and gone thru the same thing? Did it all work out for you?

Thanks for your time.

[fearceol]

While neck size/width can be uncomfortable when playing for the first time, I'm inclined to think that maybe your technique is the problem. My G&L L2000 Tribute is 1.75" at the nut. My jazz bass is 1.5". I play both regularly and have no left hand problems.


Did you warm up (and down afterwards) with gentle stretches before you started playing your friend's bass, or did you just dive headlong into fast and hard playing from the start ? If the latter is true, then this could be what's causing your pain. Drinking lots of water can help prevent cramps.



Assuming your technique is the problem, you might like to check out this link. Either way, it contains good advice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRkSsapYYsA

[standupright]

sometimes hand cramping can be the result of squeezing too hard.

[Mike M.]

Thanks, guys. Standupright, I wasn't gripping the neck at all because it was so easy to play. Quite a joy to play actually, after wrestling with my Fender.

Fearceol, no, I didn't warm up per say, just kinda dived in and went for it...but that's me. But you're right, I really should do hand exercises before I play regardless. I know of some and will do them today before I play.

I'll have to check out that video later today. I only have dialup at home, I work nights and later tonight I'll check it out during my lunch break at work. Thank you very much. Most appreciated.

[delta7fred]

I had the same problem for a while and thought I was developing carpal tunnel syndrome. I almost had surgery on it but then changed my job from using a keyboard and mouse all day to hardly at all. It started getting better immediately and now only bothers me slightly if I have a mammoth session on the PC, which I try to avoid at all costs as playing bass comes first. It turned out to be RSI (repetitive strain injury) not that my employer would admit it.

This is of course only relevant if you use a PC all day and even then may not apply to you.

fred