Double-Cramp While Performing!

saxdragon · #1 10-17-2011, 08:03 PM

I usually play sax and guitar, but recently signed on to play bass with a cover band doing classic rock. We've rehearsed together about six times and played our second public performance last Saturday night.

During the second half of "Sympathy For the Devil" the index finger of my right hand cramped up into a U-shape. Luckily it wasn't very painful, but it WAS freaky! I switched to playing thumbstyle and shaking my right hand to get the cramp out. Nearly impossible to do, i discovered without ceasing to play completely. But I didn't want to let the guys down so I kept playing. The cramp seemed to be easing up.

Then the same thing happened on my fretting hand! Index finger became a useless claw! Like I said, it didn't hurt much, but it was pretty embarassing. So I stopped playing for about two seconds and shook both hands out from the shoulders and the cramps eased and I managed to finish the song with the band.

So, any advice on how to keep this from happening again?

Thanks,
SaxD

**pacojas** · #2 10-17-2011, 08:12 PM

treat it like a sport and stretch,.. and stretch,... etc.

not just your hands & fingers. a full body stretch is a must for me before every performance. gl.

BassmanSBK · #3 10-17-2011, 08:15 PM

And then stretch some more. Every once in a while I get finger cramps while playing. When that happens, ghost notes are your friends . . . .

I am constantly stretching my fingers throughout the day to keep them limber.

seventhframe · #4 10-17-2011, 08:32 PM

Deep breathing, lots of stretching!

fraublugher · #5 10-17-2011, 08:56 PM

new instrument, new set of muscles ,new practice regiment.

but in an emergency ,maybe take it up an octave so the notes are closer together requiring less stretching ,
good luck

Fergie Fulton · #6 10-18-2011, 02:11 AM

All of the above, stay hydrated so lots of water and eat food with good energy properties such as a bananas, pasta, etc., or have a few energy bars or drink handy.

saxdragon · #7 10-18-2011, 02:29 AM

Great advice! Thank you.

lfmn16 · #8 10-18-2011, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saxdragon

So, any advice on how to keep this from happening again?

It's easy, leave Bass playing to Bass players.