Is it just cause I am new or am I doing something wrong with fretting.

clandest · #1 11-14-2009, 03:10 PM

Ok so I just got my bass. I bought the starter kit just caused it seemed like the better buy before I actually know what I am doing.

I am huge on not wanting to develop bad habits. Right now I am trying to play something that goes 3rd fret on A string then 1st fret E string and I am using my index for the E and my ring finger for the A string. And I am just questioning this because I can feel my wrist get a little strained.

And I have have pretty big, thin hands so reaching the strings really shouldn't be that big of an issue.

Do I feel the strain just cause I need to get used to having my fingers used to long stretches?

Thanks for any input. I've looked at left hand fretting techniques and none really got me an answer I am looking for.

Another quick question I like playing with the pick, but I also want to learn to be able to walk my fingers. When do you know is a good time to walk or use a pick when playing? I am mainly wanting to play punk/rock

Thanks again.

dmusic148 · #2 11-14-2009, 03:13 PM

Don't use your ring finger for that- it's too long a stretch. Pinkie city.

iamlowsound · #3 11-14-2009, 03:13 PM

Well, the best way for us to answer would be to post pictures of what your wrist looks like. You want to keep it is straight as possible. Also, this should be in the Technique section, not basses. Just a heads up.

lowsound

iamlowsound · #4 11-14-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Don't use your ring finger for that- it's too long a stretch. Pinkie city.

Depends on the technique, I often use my ring for that, but I do use my pinky as well.

lowsound

Beginner Bass · #5 11-14-2009, 03:15 PM

It's mainly from just using them for long stretches. I had some of the same troubles at first too. It's like riding a bike without training wheels for the first time. It's hard at first, but it helps once you get used to it.

dmusic148 · #6 11-14-2009, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

Depends on the technique, I often use my ring for that, but I do use my pinky as well.

lowsound

Sure, but if it hurts, it's bad.
Pick vs fingers? Depends on what sound you want, that's all.

clandest · #7 11-14-2009, 03:20 PM

Ill try and get a pic, it doesn't hurt you can just feel like the tension in the wrist.

And sorry for posting in the wrong forum, if a mod can move it if its a problem that would be cool.

dmusic148 · #8 11-14-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clandest

Ill try and get a pic, it doesn't hurt you can just feel like the tension in the wrist.

Just don't do it. There's no advantage-it's not like you can grab the 4th fret with your pinkie, unless you have monster hands.
There should never be any sort of tension or stress. Trying to 'play through' stuff like that is inviting injury. And welcome to TB!

pin_head_47 · #9 11-14-2009, 03:27 PM

I don't think that's a terribly long stretch, especially if your hands are as big as you say. Could be that you're just not used to using those muscles as much, so just take it easy and slowly for awhile. You'll build up some dexterity over time.

And I agree that we can't really tell if you're doing something wrong unless we can actually see how you're positioning your hand. How is your bass positioned? Are you hanging it too low? If it's on a strap, it should be just as high as if you had it in your lap. Also, the thumb on your fretting hand should NOT run parallel to the neck, but should be perpendicular to it, with the pad of the thumb pressing about in the middle of the neck. Try not to let your thumb wrap around the neck if you can absolutely help it. Just take it slow at first, it'll get better.

CatfishStudios · #10 11-14-2009, 03:29 PM

Its not a bad stretch when limbered up... i may need my pinky for other notes and may finger the same way you are doing it when necessary, but from what you are describing, I would use my pinky for the C

clandest · #11 11-14-2009, 03:40 PM

heres the image

JAGGL3S · #12 11-14-2009, 03:51 PM

whenever i first started bass i had the same problem.
one way i fixed it is when i played id put the bass on my inner left thigh like in between my legs it lets you get more of a stretch.
also i stretch my frett hand before i play and after.
hope this helps

dmusic148 · #13 11-14-2009, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clandest

heres the image

Again, if it feels bad, don't do it. See how it forces you to lay your index finger over? Bad. No advantage. Use your pinkie.

Did you know that the ring finger is never used when playing double-bass, until the octave (12th fret in our world)? It's partly because the ring finger simply isn't as strong as the rest. Don't strain.

clandest · #14 11-14-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Again, if it feels bad, don't do it. See how it forces you to lay your index finger over? Bad. No advantage. Use your pinkie.

Did you know that the ring finger is never used when playing double-bass, until the octave (12th fret in our world)? It's partly because the ring finger simply isn't as strong as the rest. Don't strain.

even with the using the pinky my index finger still lays over.

Gearhead43 · #15 11-14-2009, 05:50 PM

Surprised nobody said anything, but you should fret the notes right behind the fret, not in the middle between frets as shown in your photo.

JimmyM · #16 11-14-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clandest

heres the image

You see how your fingers are curving behind where you're fretting? The knuckle on your index finger is actually pointing toward the nut. You are losing a lot of stretchability doing that, and it's no doubt the cause of your pain. Keep your fingers curved like you're doing, but try to keep them a lot more parallel to the frets. In that pic, that's the only flaw I see. Otherwise your hand position looks good. But that's a big flaw that causes you to lose reach.

And yes, for reaches like that, most people will use the little finger. However, you should be able to make that stretch easily without pain. I can and I have the smallest hands of any male I know.

One other thing...fret the notes closer to the fret. Takes a lot less effort that way.

Waterpilot · #17 11-14-2009, 06:40 PM

Should his wrist be bent like that? I know when I have that bend at my wrist it kills my wrist and fingers...

CoffeeJanitor · #18 11-14-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterpilot

Should his wrist be bent like that? I know when I have that bend at my wrist it kills my wrist and fingers...

No, the wrist should not be bent. I have had some BAD wrist problems, and that is one thing that you should not do.

Wearing a wrist brace/athletic tape on your wrist can force you to keep it straight, and this helps make it a habit.

Also, always use your pinky unless the song REQUIRES one finger per fret.

Mayers · #19 11-14-2009, 07:13 PM

it is not that hard to place your index on the first fret of the E strings and put your pinky on the forth fret on another string. But I'm unable to do it in the same position as you. I prefer a classical guitar position, easier on the wrist in the long run.

JimmyM · #20 11-14-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoffeeJanitor

No, the wrist should not be bent. I have had some BAD wrist problems, and that is one thing that you should not do.

Wearing a wrist brace/athletic tape on your wrist can force you to keep it straight, and this helps make it a habit.

Also, always use your pinky unless the song REQUIRES one finger per fret.

Actually, if he just keeps his fingers parallel with the frets, that will go a long way into reducing that wrist bend because you pretty much have to keep a straight wrist to do it.