fretting hand wrist problem

[funkybassinator]

i have a problem. i have short fingers as i am young. it has happend once or twice where when i play, there is a strange pulling slash pincing sensation running through my fingers into my wrist. I asked my dad, a docter. how to prevent the strain, and he told me to keep my wrist (on my fretting hand) at a 45 degree angle or less. thats kinda tough for me as i have short fingers. what techniques can i use to put less straining on my wrist, and how do i avoid it in general??
i play a musicman stingray which i love, and i really really really really really really really really dont want to have to drop the bass.

[MrHarrison]

..I was gonna say go see a doctor quickly, but it seems that you've already done that.

So, the only advice i can think of is shortening your strap so that the bass rides higher. That should give you a much better wrist angle. Other than that just mess around with how you hold it until something works for you.

[funkybassinator]

thanks, i'll try that

[Bassist4Life]

Check out this lesson:

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

Does your left wrist look anything like this?



Joe

[funkybassinator]

thanks for that link, it's super helpful

[theunknowndude]

wow thanks alot for this!!! my index finger was cramping up today playing cos I did a song using only my index finger (was too fast to change and was just root notes right up near the 1st fret and now I realise why,... must not turn thumb and finger into a G clamp!!!

[hunta]

Originally Posted by MrHarrison

So, the only advice i can think of is shortening your strap so that the bass rides higher. That should give you a much better wrist angle.

+1. If your bass is sagging like 50 cents' pants, chances are you'll be getting carpal tunnel surgery a few years down the road. Be careful though, if your bass is riding higher it will take strain off your left wrist, but it may add strain to your right hand (depends on your technique). As a general rule, your wrists on both hands should be as straight as possible. Adjusting the angle you hold your bass at (ie how tilted up/down the bass is when you're playing) can also help. Don't hold it like this lol...

I see some metal dudes (like that moron in Korn) holding their bass so it's almost pointed straight up. They have their strap adjusted super low so their right hand is way down by their knees and their left hand is way up to compensate. Then they like, bend their knees and look really GRRRRR so they sell more CD's. Younger/newer bass players copy bad technique like that because they think it's cool and end up crippled with pains shooting up their arms.

[Jim Breece]

This is all good advice and I have nothing to add, but thanks for quoting me.

[chaosMK]

I am thinking you should wear your bass where your hand it comfortable.