Pain in my thumb

Mrpd · #1 08-05-2009, 01:44 PM

When i do 1-2-3-4 exercises or something like it, my thumb in the left hand hurts like hell in this position:

What can i do? Is this lack of training?

ben_the_bass · #2 08-05-2009, 02:03 PM

does your bass have a small neck in comparison to your hand?

Mrpd · #3 08-05-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben_the_bass

does your bass have a small neck in comparison to your hand?

Yes, why?

Fergie Fulton · #4 08-05-2009, 02:44 PM

The Ibanez GSR180, which i believe you use has a narrow neck, so not really a problem i would guess. over use and miss use of the hands from day to day use is normaly the problem, playing bass may just highlight it.

check out

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?f...ndId=233492636

Your age, physical make up, diet etc so many things can cause you a problem without even having a bass to blame. See a medical professional for a proper check up and if it hurts change what you do in practice or stop till you sort it out.
good luck

onlyclave · #5 08-05-2009, 04:27 PM

Don't do that. Problem solved.

Rudreax · #6 08-05-2009, 05:31 PM

Yeah...since no one bothered to ask, how do you hold the bass when you play? A pic would be best.

Mrpd · #7 08-05-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlyclave

Don't do that. Problem solved.

Wat?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudreax

Yeah...since no one bothered to ask, how do you hold the bass when you play? A pic would be best.

Pic:

Thanks for the help

Nashrakh · #8 08-05-2009, 08:13 PM

Kinda looks like you apply a lot of pressure on the thumb, at least it looks like you have a hard time fretting those notes.

The angle of your thumb looks awkward, too... try more of an outward bend. Like if you were holding a styrofoam cup.

Mrpd · #9 08-05-2009, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nashrakh

Kinda looks like you apply a lot of pressure on the thumb, at least it looks like you have a hard time fretting those notes.

The angle of your thumb looks awkward, too... try more of an outward bend. Like if you were holding a styrofoam cup.

Ouward bend... Like this?

Nashrakh · #10 08-06-2009, 07:37 AM

Yeah that's better, but it still looks like your fretting hand should be a bit more relaxed.

Anyway, are you having any problems with this new thumb position?

btw, what does your setup look like? What string gauge, how high is your action, etc? Maybe we can work on that, having lighter gauges and a lower action lowers the strength needed for fretting, which in turn lowers the tendency for cramping up...

TimoMetzemakers · #11 08-06-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nashrakh

Yeah that's better, but it still looks like your fretting hand should be a bit more relaxed.

+1. Looks like death grip to me. There should be very little pressure on your fretting hand thumb.

Here are some relevant threads:
Dealing with death grip
Avoiding death grip and finger cramps
Wicked Thumb Pain
Pain In My lower thumb and wrist?

Rudreax · #12 08-06-2009, 09:11 AM

That IS death grip. You don't want to have the tip of your thumb being the major point of contact between your hand and the neck. You want the pad of the thumb to be against the neck.

Also, from the first pic, I can se your thumb is WAY too tense. You need to relax it, and get it out of that angle.