Finger conditioning

[llacnayr]

Is there anything that us bass players should do before we play?

I trim my nails but maybe there is a lotion or hand exersize to condition you hands?

[scottbass]

Living in the frozen north woods, the biggest thing for me is to get my hands warm and limber. I have been known to sit with my hands in my pockets - or even in my armpits - to warm them up before I play. Running warm water on them is counter-productive since it removes the oils that I need - I just can't play with dry skin on my fingertips. Limber is pretty easy - just flex your fingers a few times and play a few runs.

[XylemBassGuitar]

It's good to warm up your fingers, not just temperature-wise, but similar to the way you'd warm up before working out or running. I start by gently stretching them before even picking up the bass. Then I play a few very simple, easy riffs or songs so warm up my finger even more, etc.

I find that, when I warm up like this, I am able to play the fast, difficult tunes much more easily and comfortably.