Fretting Hand Frustration

bassplayer7768521 · #1 07-19-2009, 07:54 PM

Hey guys

Lately I've been getting aggravated with my left hand (in my case, my fretting hand) and the way I hold the neck.

I noticed that when I stand up, my bass's neck tilt's downward. To compensate I find my right index finger hugging the bottom of my neck, holding it up.

Is there anything wrong with your upper palm / low finger joints touching the bottom of the neck? If so, what can I do I correct it? At times it feels unnatural, but I have to keep my bass held up.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

xxpigxx · #2 07-19-2009, 10:14 PM

From what I have learned, keep your hand away from the guitar!

Try shortening the shoulder strap?

bassplayer7768521 · #3 07-19-2009, 10:37 PM

I've shortened the strap, lowered the strap, so i don't think it's the positioning of the bass. It's really only a problem when I fret the E string. the first 5-7 in particular. I have long fingers, so I don't know what the deal is.

tobie · #4 07-20-2009, 03:23 AM

I've had this problem with our church's bass. The reason is a slippery canvas-like strap. I've solved it by playing my guitar instead (it has a solid, wide leather strap). If I'm too lazy to carry my guitar to church I take the strap with me and use it for the duration of the service.

And yes - don't let the neck rest on any part of your fretting hand. It's going to mess up your technique, speed and shoulder muscle.

fearceol · #5 07-20-2009, 05:28 AM

Your bass has "neck dive". As tobie says, your strap could be the problem. Try getting one that has some grip.

Ideally the palm of your hand should not touch the neck.

BluesBassman065 · #6 07-20-2009, 07:21 AM

Hand away from the neck, it's all about your position. New strap will help you to avoid this playing mistake, and above all the things, stay relaxed while you're playing.

PJSShearer · #7 07-20-2009, 07:56 AM

Get a leather strap that's at least 3 inches wide - your Bass will stay where you put it then

bassplayer7768521 · #8 07-20-2009, 10:16 AM

Thanks for all of the help guys! I'll have to get a new strap

Haruni · #9 07-20-2009, 12:29 PM

Try this one, I own one of this and haven't any problem at all:

http://www.wholenote.com/item--EM.CSPBS

bassplayer7768521 · #10 07-20-2009, 01:25 PM

Could it also just be that my bass isn't balanced well? I admit it's a P.O.S.

xzzy · #11 07-20-2009, 01:42 PM

It could be unbalanced, but unless you're willing to attack the thing with a router, there's not a lot you can do about it. I guess you could start taping strips of lead to the base of the instrument.

Get a strap with more friction and you'll probably be fine.

bassplayer7768521 · #12 07-20-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xzzy

It could be unbalanced, but unless you're willing to attack the thing with a router, there's not a lot you can do about it. I guess you could start taping strips of lead to the base of the instrument.

Get a strap with more friction and you'll probably be fine.

Alright, bought 3 pounds of lead at the Home Depot, and Super-glue! I'm about to do some work on this thing. Haha. Yeah that looks like my best option.

derekd · #13 07-20-2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearceol

Your bass has "neck dive". As tobie says, your strap could be the problem. Try getting one that has some grip.

Ideally the palm of your hand should not touch the neck.

I agree. I hate basses and guitars with neck dive. I wind up wrestling with them everytime I play. If it can be fixed with a strap change, great, otherwise out the door. Not worth it to me.

tobie · #14 07-21-2009, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haruni

Try this one, I own one of this and haven't any problem at all: http://www.wholenote.com/item--EM.CSPBS

Mine looks more like this: http://www.wholenote.com/item--MF.365911.

These are like the one at church that's driving me crazy : http://www.wholenote.com/item--MC.PS3B

mrjim123 · #15 07-21-2009, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PJSShearer

Get a leather strap that's at least 3 inches wide - your Bass will stay where you put it then

+1. That's all I've used (same strap for 35 years) and I've NEVER had neck dive.

Fergie Fulton · #16 07-21-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

don't let the neck rest on any part of your fretting hand. It's going to mess up your technique, speed and shoulder muscle.

The above statement is false to a point(shoulder muscle is in no danger) and has no bearing if you play rock or metal. As for the hand on the fretboard it actualy it becomes important to blend it in to your technique for rock and metal.

Yes a wider strap will help your problem and if it does not, then change your bass for a better balanced one.