Fretting-hand Tension

Dean C · #1 12-15-2009, 07:46 AM

Hey everyone,

So i've been playing bass for just over a year now, and i'm having issues with my fretting hand. My wrist is often at an awkward angle, as well as my thumb at the back of the neck hurting as well, though maybe this is the cause of the tension.

I've read many posts and various forums including this one, trying to look for a solution, but i haven't found much that helped. I've tried readjusting the height of my bass and the strap to reduce the angle, but i just cant seem to correct it. Tension wasn't a problem before, but recently i have been feeling some dull wrist pains during and after playing.

So i'd like to know if anyone has any advice for me, to reduce the tension in my fretting hand?
By the way, the pain is more pronounced standing up, but it is still present when i'm playing sitting down.

Thanks in advance!

Trapezius · #2 12-15-2009, 07:59 AM

First of all, you should adjust your strap to keep the bass in the same position when you are sitting or standing. One less thing to worry about.
If it hurts, don't do it. You might wanna get checked by your doctor, just in case. Better safe than sorry, wrist problems can be serious if you don't do anything about it.
Do you have very high action or too heavy strings?

Dean C · #3 12-15-2009, 08:05 AM

Thanks for the reply, i'll most probably go and get it checked up.

As for heavy strings, i'm not too sure as these strings are the ones that came with the bass when i bought it, and this is the first bass i bought.
And i feel a bit ignorant now, but what do you mean by high action?

smeet · #4 12-15-2009, 08:21 AM

1) Straighten out your wrist.

2) Press the strings down by pulling back with your arm, not by squeezing with your thumb. You should be able to take your thumb off the neck and keep playing.

3) Find a good teacher and get some lessons.

Dean C · #5 12-15-2009, 08:28 AM

I do have a teacher, but unfortunately he's a guitarist and not a bassist.
I will do the other two points, thanks a lot

Trapezius · #6 12-15-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean C

Thanks for the reply, i'll most probably go and get it checked up.

As for heavy strings, i'm not too sure as these strings are the ones that came with the bass when i bought it, and this is the first bass i bought.
And i feel a bit ignorant now, but what do you mean by high action?

High action=strings high above the fretboard.

Dean C · #7 12-15-2009, 08:44 AM

Ah, alright thanks, i don't think its especially high, but i'll try lowering them to see if it helps, thanks again

fearceol · #8 12-15-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean C

Thanks for the reply, i'll most probably go and get it checked up.

+ 1 for that. There is a slight possibility that your problem is not bass related (though from what you say, it more than likely is ). No harm in having it looked at.

The wrist (both in fact) should be as straight as possible. If your thumb is also hurting, you are pressing down too hard on the strings. Try fretting without the thumb on the neck at all, and see how little pressure is required. Below is a good link to L/H technique. Hope it helps.

http://www.adamnitti.com/bass_player_03.shtml

Dean C · #9 12-15-2009, 09:47 AM

I've had a look at that page before, but i'll read it again, and also will try to readjust my strap again to get rid of the wrist angle. My right hand (plucking) hasnt encountered any problems, its really just the fretting hand.
I've readjusted the action as well, and its more than probable i'm pressing too hard with my thumb, so i'll try and change that.

Thanks

TOOL460002 · #10 12-15-2009, 09:57 AM

just remember your body is a machine with moving parts and friction points. just like typing on a keyboard you should have your wrist as close to straight as you can. otherwise you will have problems.

i also agree with the thing about keeping the strap at the same length. even if youre sitting down, use a strap. maybe if you play with it really far down itd be an issue, but having consistency with how you play is key.

dannybuoy · #11 12-15-2009, 10:08 AM

If you typically place your fingers in the middle of the space between the two frets, instead place your finger right behind the fret and you will find that you don't need to use as much finger pressure!

Dean C · #12 12-15-2009, 01:19 PM

my fingers are always placed just before the fret bars when i play notes.
I've tried readjusting the strap again to several different heights, but i just can't seem to get rid of that wrist angle

mambo4 · #13 12-15-2009, 02:21 PM

this is how I keep my wrists...
angling the headstock up until its closer to chin level
bending my elbows
adjusting strap length

^{(picture was taken from below the stage)}

also, trying to keep my arm at 90 degrees to the neck (NOT bending the wrist 90 degrees)

Dean C · #14 12-16-2009, 07:21 AM

The diagrams were helpful thanks. However i'd like to know, should i be bending my elbows so that they are away from my body, or closer to my body?

mambo4 · #15 12-16-2009, 01:45 PM

I suppose "out" would be the answer -as if you stood with your hands on your hips and then rotate your upper arms forward to grab the bass-it seems more natural and comfortable. I honestly just think about keeping the wrist straight and bend my elbows as needed.
And I frequently catch myself being "bad" about it, so frequently reminding myself is required.

It also allows you to use more of your upper arm muscles to help out your fretting and plucking.
Try taking your LH thumb off the neck and exert pressure from your shoulder to fret the strings to see what it feels like
similarly, try plucking with your whole right arm to see how those muscles can help too.
Don't want to use the left shoulder exclusively, just be aware how more arm muscles can help.
Please note: i'm not suggesting you actually practice this way, just see how it feels and keep it in the back of your mind.

Solarmist · #16 12-16-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dean C

Ah, alright thanks, i don't think its especially high, but i'll try lowering them to see if it helps, thanks again

Don't start twisting screws if you don't know how to do a setup; have someone qualified look at it to see if it needs a setup.

Sizlack · #17 12-16-2009, 02:14 PM

Yeah I get pain in my thumb joint as well if I don't pay attention to how hard I'm pressing with it on the back of the neck. Just have a make every effort to play lighter. I find that I tend to press harder during faster parts, or things that are new to me.
Seems you just have to be ever mindful of it until it becomes second nature.