Left wrist

[ectrhoi]

Hi! I'm a doublebass player and learned the importance of having a good technique to avoid injuries (had a lot of left hand pinky problems...)
I just started electric bass and I'm finding a problem with my left wrist that seems to inconfortably bend when I'm playing on the E string. What can I do to avoid bending my left wrist to much?

Thank you, sry for my poor english (is it? haha)
ectrhoi

[EagleMoon]

It's usually a compromise in the way you hold the bass and technique. It sounds like your left hand fingers are too stiff and straight which is making you bend your wrist too much.

[ectrhoi]

should I try to keep the "1 finger by fret" technique when playing on the E string?

[EagleMoon]

When I was first learning my teacher taught me the Carol Kaye method, which is to use your ring finger and pinky together on the lower frets (where they're wider apart) and then use the "one finger per fret" as you go up the neck.

For example, if I'm playing a F and a G on the E string (1st and 3rd fret) I will finger it with my index finger on the first fret, and my ring finger and pinky together on the third fret.

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by ectrhoi

Hi! I'm a doublebass player and learned the importance of having a good technique to avoid injuries (had a lot of left hand pinky problems...)
I just started electric bass and I'm finding a problem with my left wrist that seems to inconfortably bend when I'm playing on the E string. What can I do to avoid bending my left wrist to much?

Thank you, sry for my poor english (is it? haha)
ectrhoi

Hi ectrhoi, if you want any advice you need to give more information.
What was the problem with the little finger?
Did you fix it?
Exactly what is "uncomfortable to bend"?
What height is your bass?
What is your job if you have one? etc etc

[ectrhoi]

The problem with the little finger was that it was too arched when pressing down the notes so there was excessive "effort" on the first joint.. it is fixed now but I had alot of pain.
my wrist is bent at about 130-140 degrees so when I "fret" the lower string it feels uncomfortable in my wrist. And I know it is not good for the wrist to move your fingers when it is bent that much.

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by ectrhoi

The problem with the little finger was that it was too arched when pressing down the notes so there was excessive "effort" on the first joint.. it is fixed now but I had alot of pain.
my wrist is bent at about 130-140 degrees so when I "fret" the lower string it feels uncomfortable in my wrist. And I know it is not good for the wrist to move your fingers when it is bent that much.

Good to hear you fixed the wrist so to put the joints back in a good line so that the knuckle is the point of movement with the joints in line to the line of pressure.

Wrist bend is a personal thing depending on each individuals flexability, but rule is the straighter the wrist in line, the better better the action for transfering stress and strain. The hands are designed to hang, so any wrist bend is considered a weakness as it would be if you pulled or pushed on something.

The safest way is to let the fingers move freely and the wrist take a position of support to the fingers not the instrument.
The thumb is usualy the culprit in this, so give the thumb so more attention than the fingers in any technique.