Finger Pain

[bassalo]

I've picked up playing the bass again after an 8 year hiatus. It's been about 3 months now, and I've found on the days where I practice approximately four hours or more, my left index finger is sore right at the fattest knuckle. Sometimes to the point I can't bend it when I first wake up the next day (like this morning). I'm pretty sure my technique is solid (thumb behind fretboard, 1 finger per fret, arm is perpendicular to the fretboard, etc.). Is this common and and just part of building endurance? If not, has anyone experienced this before?

[62bass]

Originally Posted by bassalo

I've picked up playing the bass again after an 8 year hiatus. It's been about 3 months now, and I've found on the days where I practice approximately four hours or more, my left index finger is sore right at the fattest knuckle. Sometimes to the point I can't bend it when I first wake up the next day (like this morning). I'm pretty sure my technique is solid (thumb behind fretboard, 1 finger per fret, arm is perpendicular to the fretboard, etc.). Is this common and and just part of building endurance? If not, has anyone experienced this before?

Pain like that isn't common. Maybe a bit of stiffness when you first start out. Better check your technique out again. I don't use the one finger per fret fingerings myself in the lower register or when playing repetitive bass patterns. Too hard on my 3rd finger if I'm playing a lot.

Check to make sure your left hand and wrist are relaxed. If you unconsciously tighten up those muscles you will get stiff.

I'd recommend getting Carol Kaye's Bass DVD course and checking out her left hand technique. That alone is worth the relatively low price of the DVD.

[Marcury]

This sounds like Osteoarthritis to me. I'm no expert however. Go see a doctor!

[Mayers]

Well I use one finger per fret no matter where on the fretboard and I didn't get that. Maybe you should play 4 hours ( man that a lot , even during my music degree I didn't play that long each day ). in strait line you should play maybe 2 hours take 3 hours break and return.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by Marcury

This sounds like Osteoarthritis to me. I'm no expert however. Go see a doctor!

This is what i found out i have from my doc last week in both hands Now im on daypro and some rest ...getting better thou.