Joint damage

[InvaderRen]

So before I started playing bass [1.5 years now], I played the clarinet for about six years. In that time span, as a result of playing the clarinet, I am now noticing that the knuckle joints for my two pinkies kinda 'slip' and lock.

The problem is with fretting. I cant help my pinky from 'slipping' and locking, and after a while it is painful. Ive begun to restrict myself to three fingers so that i can play through the pain. I fear that this may interfere with my far-off goal of learning the upright bass.

Do you guys have any advice, either on technique change, how to fix my joints, or anything? I feel that this is hindering my progress

Thanks. Dont know if this is the right section

[powerbass]

as a beginner player you need a good teacher that will correct your bad habits/technique. good technique means when you fret a note your fingers won't bend into painful positions like hyperextending (if your pinky bends backward when you fret a note that is hyperextension). Pressing on the string from the finger tip instead of the meat of the finger will correct hyperextending your fingers. some people have looser joints so that may be a factor. think of bass playing as a sport - you need good technique (accurate finger positioning/posture), strong muscles and good endurance. you need to be able to develop these skills over time w/out breaking your body down by poor training/playing. so good practicing habits include developing accurate finger positioning, and muscle conditioning, then add on all the musical stuff to practice. your instrument set up is crucial: if the bass is uncomfortable to play it will cause strain - it maybe too heavy, the strap is not set right etc. Try light gauge strings and lower action. try practicing for 1 hour at a time only. etc. a good teacher will address all these issues. good luck and listen to your body!

[InvaderRen]

Yes, I will mostly likely see a teacher about it. The thing is, I doubt that they will be able to do anything. I have tried all of the positions that i can think of, and no luck. Im thinking that the biggest thing that could help is seeing a doc, b/c i have a feeling that my tendons/other connective tissue is loose in the area, and I have the feeling it is going to turn into a chronic pain.

hmmm.. has anyone else encountered this?

[fretlessguy]

Yes. Especially when playing a fretless. My hands are really small and my fingers are really short. It led me to really stretch too far to play 4 finger technique. It also damaged my pinkies to the point they are virtually useless. Now that I look back I really should have gone to a doctor to see what could have been done.
I primarily play a shortscale now in my live playing. I primarily play my 34s in my recording projects. If I do play a 34 out now, I take my arthrits medicine beforehand and keep my playing much more simple and to a minimum. I also only play light gauges with a low action these days, even on the shortscales.