Index finger pain, plucking hand

[RickC]

I've been a pick player most of my life, but over the past 6 months or so I've been slowly working toward learning to use my fingers. Don't do it on the gig yet, but I've been adding it to my practice time. For a couple of weeks now, I've had swelling in my index finger and pain in the first joint (closest to the knuckle).

I've been never had any problems in my hands or fingers from playing before. I try to pick up the bass every day, and probably average an hour or so on non-gig days.

Is this a common thing for fingerstyle players? Any advice or treatment ideas?

/rick

[fearceol]

First, I'd rest the hand till the pain and swelling is gone. Finger picking should not cause pain like this. IMO you are either picking too hard, or your method is wrong. If it is the former, then use a lighter touch and bring up the volume on your amp to compensate. The angle at which you strike the strings, and from what knuckle the finger is moved is important. Here is a link that may help :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIp_t...eature=related

[tangentmusic]

It could just be a case of your finger doing something it's not used to (muscle memory and all that). Dont push it, but keep practicing fingerstyle 'till your comfortable.