fingers getting really tired...

[TheBassBoy]

...really fast. i play alot of songs that are fast,and my fingers get tired even faster. am i doing something wrong? i do pluck them pretty hard, and i use a lot of power in my playing. any advice?thanks rock on!

[Jazzdogg]

You may want to consult a teacher who can observe your technique and recommend exercises that will help build your stamina while assuring you aren't doing things that are likely to result in repetitive stress injuries.

You may also want to double-check the set-up on your bass, and see if you can turn up the volume on your amp and pluck less forcefully and still obtain "your sound."

Good luck!

[TheBassBoy]

thanks! i dont really like playing loud, and even today my jazz band teach said "you look like your hurting your hands. why dont u just turn up the volume?" but the truth is i love the satisfaction of the feel of playing the string. idk, i have to work on it.

[Fergie Fulton]

Take the first and easy step to make some conclussions to what could be the problem.

Tired hands, tired muscles, both need energy, so what are you doing to supply that energy?

Before playing you need to stay hydrate you need water in your body to supply the muscles. Yon need energy foods, food that release the energy gradually not just give you a boost.
Foods like oatmeal, pasta, brown rice, fruits, etc will all give you a great source of energy.
But beware of eating heavily before gigs, the blood supply your hands need to transfer this energy will be working on your digestion so eat light in the hours before playing, almost snacking if you like...small bits of food over the time, before, during and after the gig. If when it is over you want to eat heavy then go for it.

Alcohol is a not a good ides as it de-hydrates, so negates the bodies need for water. Alcohol does not hydrate it de-hydrates, and that is bad for muscles as you lose essential salts and minerals every time you go to the toilet.

Warm up you hands with some gentle stretches and easy playing, arrange you set so that songs "warm up" as well, the more the set goes on so the harder the songs demands on the hands...ease into it.

Try these things and if after a couple of months you are still having problems come back with the new information on how things worked out....better or for worse.

[Jazzdogg]

Originally Posted by TheBassBoy

thanks! i dont really like playing loud, and even today my jazz band teach said "you look like your hurting your hands. why dont u just turn up the volume?" but the truth is i love the satisfaction of the feel of playing the string. idk, i have to work on it.

"If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there."

It's not about playing loud, it's about playing smart! If you turn up your amp and pluck more softly, your average volume will be the same, but your dynamic range and tone will be likely to improve in the process.

One of my best friends is an award winning music teacher employed by the public school system, and although he's an extraordinary musician who has learned to play several instruments, bass definitely isn't his primary instrument; that's why I coach his bassists. If your band teacher isn't a bassist, I strongly encourage you to find a qualified bass instructor who can help you develop good habits and avoid repetitive stress injuries.

I started playing when I was about your age, and I'm still playing more than 40 years later because I was lucky enough to start with a highly qualified teacher who helped me establish good habits.

Good luck!

[gre107]

You should never have to play so hard that your hands hurt or get tired.
Your jazz teacher was right turn up the volume and play with a lighter touch. Your hands are as strong as they need to be by the time you are in your early teens.

Playing with a light touch and a higher volume allows you greater dynamics. Also, playing paying attention to economy of motion in both hands and the above will take you a long way.

Check out Gary Willis for more info on this. He has a great approach to playing economically and Gary rips through tunes all night.

[JimmyM]

isn't it nice when someone asks and answers their own question?

lighten up, dude. that's all.