Hand trouble during gig

[shake-n-bake]

So, I had my first gig with a new band last night. It was my first gig in about a year.

Half way through the set my right hand literally cramped up, and I was struggling to put together my lines. I play fingerstyle and had to get a pick for the next tune. After that, I was fine.

This never happens to me during practice.

Could it be my nerves, my technique...?

[pbagley]

I've had the right hand cramp thing before too. I blame my lack of practice for low stamina. Could be as simple as diet too. Low potasium can cause cramps, as can low salt. The back-up pick stayed in my pocket for years, only used it a few times. But truth is that nerves can make us more tense, meaning that we exert more then we're used to. More gigs will make you more relaxed. Then ther's the amp thing. Turn up and play with a lighter touch.

Good luck!
- Paul

[6stringninja]

I used to have the same problem. More practice and playing shows will get you used to it. I have a tendency to rush into the set with the adrinaline flowing I used to give it all in the first song, by the end of the set my hand would be so tight i would have to have my wife massage it. Now I let loose but I do it with in reason and I dont have an issue with at all anymore.

[fenderx55]

Stretching your fingers before going on helps too. Pull back on each finger for 30 seconds each, that usually does it for me.

[biff malibu]

ive had this happen to me. ive played tons of gigs and feel right at home on stage, but sometimes my right hand cramps up so bad i cant even hold a pick. i drink lots of water beforehand and play during the day to stay loose, and it still happens sometimes.

[shake-n-bake]

thanks for the tips

I could barely hear my bass for some of the songs, which probably made me play harder.

Next time I will turn it up, and take your guys' advice.

Cheers

[biff malibu]

in the past, for myself i have wondered if string guage has much to do with it. i was playing some light gauge rounds through a bit of a quieter rig, now i have med flats on, with a MUCH MUCH louder rig. with this new set-up i have been playing with a pick and my hand cramps up. maybe i should try finger again right? well the last time i used fingers on my flats the ends of my fingers looked like ground hamburger meat halfway through the show.

maybe i just play too hard.

[MrPlain]

I have had this issue before too. I play fingerstyle death metal, and sometimes my right hand would cramp to the point of not being able to move. For me, it was a hydration issue. I would have to drink nothing but water all day before a gig. I noticed that if I had a beer before playing, it would happen then too. So I just hold off on alcohol until after the set.

[staindbass]

[] are you standing during the gig and sitting during practice? johnny a

[ReBass]

+1 on the water.

I look at a gig like running a race. Crank the water/gatorade beforehand, alcohol afterward. Really helps with hand cramps.

[bonzo4880]

+1 on the stretch

i stretch all the muscles in my hands, each finger, and my shoulders/forearms before i play. i also use a gripmaster for a couple minutes to get the blood flowing. i havent gotten a cramp in a while now.

[shake-n-bake]

I stand during both.

I only had 1 beer before the show, so I doubt that is the problem.

Next time I'll try drinking water all day and stretching my fingers.

I have a gripmaster, too. Maybe I'll try that.

[mambo4]

I'm surprised no one has questioned your technique yet.

It could be that you are playing too aggressively with your right hand. We're all familiar with the tendancy to tense up and play harder/faster at a gig (esp when its rockin). You may benefit from adopting the 'turn the amp up and play softer' approach that pros frequently cite.

when gigging I try to stay mindful of my hands and how tense I'm keeping them. I've been able to avoid cramping up by just relaxing when I start to feel the tension.

varying your technique over the night can help too: for example switching between alternating index-middle to just using one or the other; or for slow sections using more of my arm to pluck while keeping my fingers pretty still.

[playibanez]

Originally Posted by mambo4

I'm surprised no one has questioned your technique yet.

It could be that you are playing too aggressively with your right hand. We're all familiar with the tendancy to tense up and play harder/faster at a gig (esp when its rockin). You may benefit from adopting the 'turn the amp up and play softer' approach that pros frequently cite.

when gigging I try to stay mindful of my hands and how tense I'm keeping them. I've been able to avoid cramping up by just relaxing when I start to feel the tension.

varying your technique over the night can help too: for example switching between alternating index-middle to just using one or the other; or for slow sections using more of my arm to pluck while keeping my fingers pretty still.

Exactly what i was going to say. I play mostly pick in my band. Well 'played' im going back to fingerstyle now. But at gigs every once in a while id tuck my pick into the pick guard and go at it with my fingers. I played really hard and my hand always cramped so i grabbed the pick again.

I thought i was cause i havent used my fingers in a while, but i played finger-style at practice for hours with no trouble.

So i think you were playing too aggressive/tense as i was.

[Candybassed]

I always stretch my hands, arms shoulders before a gig and have taken on board the advice of turning up and playing with a lighter touch. Let the equipment do the work! You can still put the emotion behind it without injuring yourself!

Relaxing and BREATHING while you play is key! = oxygen to to the muscles!

Hope this helps.

Candybassed

www.myspace.com/big_wm

[Madcity Fats]

Originally Posted by shake-n-bake

I could barely hear my bass for some of the songs, which probably made me play harder.

There's lots of good advice here, but I think you've probably hit the nail on the head with this.

The few times I've had this problem with my right (plucking) hand, it was because I was playing much harder than normal to cut through the mix.

Might just be a matter of adjusting your stage volume (or, dare I say, convincing your guitarist(s) they could turn down a little). How powerful is your amp? Is it maxed out where it was, or do you have some headroom? Could be time for an extension cab, or a more powerful amp. I found that when I put a SansAmp between my bass and amp that it help cut through the mix (this at practice with a 100w combo and 3 guitarists, no less).

Of course, if your club has decent monitors, you could always ask for a little bass up front. If your sound guy looks at you funny, it just means the monitors aren't that good.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by Candybassed

I always stretch my hands, arms shoulders before a gig and have taken on board the advice of turning up and playing with a lighter touch. Let the equipment do the work! You can still put the emotion behind it without injuring yourself!

Exactly. I'm constantly amazed at the number of players who apply so much excess physicality to the instrument. It's all about control and finesse guys - not exertion and strength. Lighten up!

MM

[Fendr1320]

I don't know if it's really cramping, but I get pain in my fretting hand after playing a while sometimes, on the inside toward the fingers. Anyone experienced this?

It seems like it has something to do with the curvature of the hand and the stretching the fingers have to do, particularly when fretting the notes on the lowest (thickest) strings. I play mostly a 5-string, but I've also noticed it happening on my 4, which has a skinny Jazz neck on it, so I don't know what's up with that.

Any tips/observations would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[lomo]

Originally Posted by shake-n-bake

I stand during both.

I only had 1 beer before the show, so I doubt that is the problem.

Next time I'll try drinking water all day and stretching my fingers.

I have a gripmaster, too. Maybe I'll try that.

Don't go crazy on the water or you'll need a diaper :-)
Bananas are rich in potassium and will help prevent cramps (really).

+1 on lighter touch and warmup/stretch.

[Jensby design]

STRETCH
There are times I have to stretch between songs and sometimes,especially if I'm do a lot of triplet,I will stretch during a song.