Having issues with finger picking/popping/etc.

[OkkultistBass]

I play with my fingers a lot. I'm a big fan of chords and slap.
But I'm starting to tear layers of skin off my index finger. I'm already at the 3rd layers and it's start to really hurt. Should I stop using my fingers for a while until it heals up? Or just go the Newsted way and always use a pick?

Kind of a bummer because I always try to mimic Marcus Miller's style.

[makkE]

Sounds like you're just doing it too brutal or simply too excessive. Slap and pop doesn't need that much force that it would tear your skin off. You could also try lighter strings.
Maybe you simply haven't built enough callouses yet? How long are you at it?

[OkkultistBass]

Originally Posted by makkE

Sounds like you're just doing it too brutal or simply too excessive. Slap and pop doesn't need that much force that it would tear your skin off. You could also try lighter strings.
Maybe you simply haven't built enough callouses yet? How long are you at it?

I've been playing for 6+ years.
The thing that trips me out, is it's on the left side of my index finger. So maybe I just need to position my hand and fingers better?

[tsverrir]

The first thing that comes to mind is nickel allergy. I've never personally had this problem but I've heard about people having issues with nickel wound strings. I don't know what strings you are using, but if you're using nickel wound or nickel plated strings I would try switching to a different set of strings ( non nickel wound/plated )

[JeffBTZ]

Originally Posted by tsverrir

The first thing that comes to mind is nickel allergy. I've never personally had this problem but I've heard about people having issues with nickel wound strings. I don't know what strings you are using, but if you're using nickel wound or nickel plated strings I would try switching to a different set of strings ( non nickel wound/plated )

I feel like if he already has bad blisters, switching to stainless is possibly the worst thing to do since they're even more abrasive. Perhaps if you are using stainless, try using nickels? You might find nickel low-riders to be nice.

If it were an allergy, you would have more problems than just one blister on one finger.

[Iv@N]

That happened to me when I tried ernie ball SS strings. It was as if I had shaven my fingertips, then I tried DR strings and never had that problem again.

[OkkultistBass]

It's definitely not an allergy. It started when I was using Dunlop strings, so I switched to Marcus Miller DR's.
Which really haven't been making them worse, but when a layer of skin already gone, it's not getting much better.

[Iv@N]

Stop playing for a week, or less depending on how fast your skin takes to heal. Playing through pain is not the best idea

[staindbass]

if i have a problem or cut/blister i coat my finger tip with a thin layer of super glue (dont laugh, famous guys have done it too, thats where i got the idea). if its a bad cut i will put a layer of superglue, then a layer of toilet paper, then another layer of glue. it falls off in the next few days from showering etc.

[natw42]

Originally Posted by staindbass

if i have a problem or cut/blister i coat my finger tip with a thin layer of super glue (dont laugh, other famous guys have done it too, thats where i got the idea). if its a bad cut i will put a layer of superglue, then a layer of toilet paper, then another layer of glue. it falls off in the next few days from showering etc.

Fixed it for you sir!

I've done this before as well when I used to beat the tar out of my strings when I was in an aggressive rock band. I remember hearing a story about Flea doing this on occasion which is where I got the idea. Never tried the glue/TP/glue sandwich though.

To the OP, to me it sounds like you're playing too hard. Some people slap/pop light, some hard (like Flea) and you get different sounds doing it that way. But if you're destroying your hands, it might not hurt to lighten up on your popping. my 2c...

[Papa Dangerous]

This may sound lame, but when you get a wound or any sort like that, especially on the hands. Use a band aid and some triple antibacterial ointment. It helps heal the damage quicker. I hated wearing band aids... almost like a sign of weakness in some respects, but it really does the job... I am stuck on band aid brands so germs don't stick on me!

[gjbassist]

Just suck it up and use the SRV method of Super Gluing your wound closed!

Just kidding! Sounds like you need to build up the callouses on your plucking hand some more. Also try alternating between your index and middle finger more so your index finger doesn't take all the abuse! I would take a few days off to let it heal and then go back at it finger style.

[Mugre]

What about finger cots while the wound heals? They're like little finger condoms (but thicker) Because they're latex they leave a pretty good level sensation. You should be able to find them in just about any real pharmacy (not the kind) that you find in a supermarket.

While I'm thinking, what about a layer of foam sports tape under a a really strong waterproof cloth sports tape. (The waterproof stuff has the strongest adhesive)

Kurt

[Fergie Fulton]

Super glue is a great temp relief, but use surgical spirit to rub on the fingers, it will harded the skin amongst other things.


Rubbing alcohol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia