Fretting hand, possible problems

[Gremlin55]

Hey, I started playing bass again recently (Got one years ago, but after a few months stuff happened and never got time to put into again until now) Anyways, after doing some reading on the net, i've been seeing stuff about your fretting hand needs to be straight and stuff when playing, not bent or angled. My problem is though that when I get to the top of the neck towards the head stock I can't stretch all 4 fingers across the four frets without bending my wrist (and still hurts since I'm trying to get my fingers stretched out again on those top frets)

Is this normal or am I doing something wrong maybe?

Thanks for any help
Mike D.

[greencow]

It is normal for your hand to turn to a slight angle when playing the lowest notes but hanging your bass even higher and also tilting the balance so that the neck is more upright might be of help.

As for stretching over all 4 frets at the lowest notes. Before you even try that make sure your hand is warm and ready otherwise you might get cramps and muscle pain. If you feel like you are actually stretching your hand to reach over all 4 frets then don't do it. Either play shifting or change from G to A : P

Depending on the size of your hands the ability to stretch over all 4 frets will come in time. If you have the fingers of a piano player it should come fast. If you have short fingers it may take a long time... Just don't do anything that makes your hand tense and give it time. Playing finger permutations and scales might be the best way to speed this up.

[Mushroo]

Mike, a lot of players use 3 fingers instead of 4 in the lower positions (closer to the headstock). Usually 1-2-4. The "bass police" will not give you a ticket!

Also remember that if you do use all 4 fingers, that doesn't necessarily mean you need to keep your hand constantly stretched out. For example, if you go from 1st finger at the 1st fret to 4th finger at the 4th fret, it's okay to shift your hand a bit and lift your 1st finger off the 1st fret.

Ultimately, for many types of bass line, the most efficient way to play is with all 4 fingers, nicely spread out with 1 finger per fret. But it may take some time before this is comfortable for you. Try playing with all 4 fingers higher up the neck, then gradually work your way down to the lower positions over time. There are several threads about this already if you look around, you'll find some good tips. Good luck!

[GreggBummer]

There is no one "right way" to do this. I have large hands but I still have trouble fretting over all four frets near the headstock. However, I have learned to compensate over time.

I tend to shift my hand around alot. I try not to glue may hand in to one area. Also, as previous posters suggested, tension is a killer. Not only do you decrease tone/performance through tense playing but you also run the risk of carpal tunnel and other repetitive motion issues.

Previous posters have suggested scales and exercises... that is the best advice.

Welcome back to the bass! Have fun.