Little Pain, Big Pain

[Trevorus]

I need some help with the way I play. I play my bass usually at mid-level, not slung really, o up under my chin. But whenever I use a pick, my right hand cramps up. My left will sometimes, too, and I am not quite sure why. I can play for hours at home, but at practice or on the gig, the cramping comes full force. So, anyone out there know what I can do?

[JMX]

Do you dig in hard?
Use a lighter touch and no more cramps.

ALso, try to keep your wrists straight.

[Trevorus]

i will try that, but the only time i dig in hard is on a part of a song where my picking goes double time. Usually I am picking the strings relatively light. It ALWAYS happens with a pick.

[Figjam]

Maybe you are holding the pick too tightly.

[Trevorus]

i have tried loosening up. The pick falls a lot. So I might try some Gorilla snot at practice tonight. Anyone else got any ideas?

[bill h]

Instead of Gorilla snot try drilling a 1/4th inch hole in your pick. Drill it in the center side to side and 5/16th if a inch from the top.

You might be getting dehydrated, try to drink alot of water before you have practice and especially if you have a gig.

[Trevorus]

i have been trying to use everly picks. The star grip ones. those work well. But the gorilla snot works better on gator grip picks. I like the feel of those a bit better. I'll try the water thing. I don't really drink enough water.

[blehROAR]

Here is an idea maybe you have yet to try... use your... FINGERS! ... yes, yes I said it fingers, not to sure why you wouldn't anyways? Sure at first blisters appear and it hurts, but the reward is great in the end. Besides don't have to worry about picks, cramps, or reicule from people like me. (Note the smiley isn't using a pick) .. har har ..

If you do use your fingers, just not for the song because of the tone you want try a new set of strings or toy around with your treb nob(s), the same tone can almost always be found for fingers as for picks... depending on gear may take longer than other.

Ditch the Pick man. Or pick up a Guitar.

[Treena Foster]

Originally posted by tmo33
I need some help with the way I play. I play my bass usually at mid-level, not slung really, o up under my chin. But whenever I use a pick, my right hand cramps up. My left will sometimes, too, and I am not quite sure why. I can play for hours at home, but at practice or on the gig, the cramping comes full force. So, anyone out there know what I can do?

I use my fingers also but I have studied in my formative years with Carol Kaye and Jeff Berlin.

Carol suggests that you lay your hand down on the strings (no never as a "mute" but as a guide for the thumb muscle) and keep the pinkie up in the air slightly to cock your right wrist so you naturally use the natural tough strength in the wrist to pick the bass.

It's just a natural flat wrist technique that lets ANYONE play HARD on the bass, getting big hard sounds without working at it.

You can read more at her -Tips page here.

http://www.carolkaye.com/www/education/tips101.htm


Treena

[Inthepocket]

I dont play with a pick so i cant help with the technique side of things

But you say you can play for hours at home ......so im guessing you mean playing whilst sitting down?!

What you should try to do, is set your strap in a manner so that your bass sits exactly the same way when your standing up and playing as it does when you play when you're sitting down.....

Your muscles have obviously strengthened and moulded to you your sitting down position....so intern, when you're standing and playing, you're actually using different muscles, muscles that havent been built up through your practice at home!....

I know if you're in a rock band having your bass sitting a little higher doesnt look "cool" ......but if it saves you from developing tendonitis or something nasty, i reckon its worth it...........atleast give it a whirl