Left Hand Locking Up?

[Journey55]

I really hope someone here has an easy solution, and this isn't a bad medical problem but.....
I've recently started to jump up my songs I'm learning to more string bouncing songs (ie Muse, Zeppelin) and although I start off sections strong, eventually my left hand starts to lock up and I'm forced to take a break. I first noticed this when I was learning Dazed and Confused and got to the solo section where JPJ keeps playing the 5's and 7's for a long time. I simply assumed that the song was out of my physical ability to play at the moment and elected to return to it later with more experience, however this keeps occurring on more and more songs which has led me to believe that there is something up with my left hand/fretting technique...any ideas on what it might be or on how to fix it?

[cracked_machine]

I'm sure someone here will criticize this advice, but hey this is my experience (10+ years and no injuries)

Make sure sure your thumb is in the correct position behind the neck (vertical). Octaves can be a bitch when it comes to cramps, etc.., but it does get better with practice. Muse stuff like New Born or Uprising is notorious for killing your left hand.

Don't grip so hard. I also had similar problems gripping a pick too hard (with the other hand obviously). You need to relax your hand a bit more.

Also If your thumb is all bent out of shape (not vertical) you're probably wearing the bass too low for your hand size/arm length. Bite the bullet and wear it a bit higher.

Practice will always help, but stretching is recommended and don't practice too hard otherwise your fears about injury might come true.

[eddododo]

Stretching should be done AFTER exertion (playing)

Keep your palm OFF the neck


Amd most of all PRACTICE THESE SONGS SLOWWWW WITH GOOD TECHNIQUE AND HAND ALIGNMENT. this will develope the strength and endurance of the correct technique, rather than just trying to start playing fast and continue playing crappy

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by Journey55

I start off sections strong

This tells me that you jump headlong into fast intense playing from the very start. In this case it is not surprising that your hand locks up. When you start your practice, before you even touch the bass, warm up first, with gentle stretches for about three to five minutes. Do a You Tube search for "Warm Up Hand stretches for Guitar" if you are unsure what to do. Then pick up the bass and spend five minutes or so SLOWLY playing some chromatic scales or such like. Build up to intense playing gradually.

Keeping well hydrated can also help.

[winterburn69]

I've had the same problem with that part of Dazed & Confused for about 4 or 5 years! I'll definitely have to put these tips to use! that part sounds so awesome but totally kills my left hand!

[AmadeusXeno]

Among the great tips others have already said I have found that massaging my hands before playing for a few minutes helps a lot. Just spend a few minutes massaging each hand starting from your palm to the tips of each finger. It helps the blood flow in your hands and also loosens up the muscles.