Picking hand tightening up

[keiser8339]

Hello fellow TBers. I've played bass for roughly 7 years now, and have never really had any pain while playing, nor any trouble during shows, but the past two shows I've played with my band, my picking hand randomly tightens up. It usually happens within the first song, leaves for a bit, then comes back by the middle of set. This past show was quite embarrassing because I dropped my pick three times, and had to Geezer my way through part of the song. I always warm up, for about 10-15 minutes, and I've always made a good habit of picking up my bass everyday, no matter what time constraints.
The only thing I can think of that might be the problem is the string spacing on my Peavey Millennium AC BXP. I've played a crappy Rogue LX-205B for about 5 years then finally decided to get a new bass, which was the Millennium. I've had the bass for about six months now, but haven't had any trouble prior to this.

This ever happen to anyone, or am I just freaking out about nothing and need to practice more? (I know there can never be too much practice. Chris Adler practices drums for 30 hours a day)

[Fergie Fulton]

If you are a pick player then grip pressure comes into place. I would doubt very much that string spacings would be a factor in this.
For any pick player stretches are important, especially finger extensions as the hand does not get a chance to relieve the muscle tension used in holding a pick. Grip pressure is an unknown factor for anyone that uses a hold or grip in any walk of life. Be aware of how you hold the pick and use minimal pressure to control it. There is also maybe a hydration issue so keep fluid up.

Here is a great stretch for the hands.

Simply rub your hands together, interlocking the fingers, rubbing the thumbs in a continuous movement for about 30 secs. Then spread your fingers and spread them apart as far as you can and hold for 10 secs, release then rub them again and repeat. Feel each finger being stretched, it is easy to spread and stretch the palm, but not really effectively stretch each finger. You should when the fingers are stretched in the hold be able to move each finger as a gentle wiggle in a ripple or similar movement.

PLEASE NOTE.. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND THE FINGERS IN THE TENSION THAT THE HOLD CREATES, THIS CAN CAUSE INJURY AS THE FINGERS ARE IN A STATE OF VULNERABILITY.

Fingers have what are called Saggital bands, Sagittal bands are ribbon like tendinous attachments which maintain the central dorsal alignment of the common digital extensor tendon at the level of the metacarpal head. They may become damaged from rupture, or acutely injured by a sudden external flexion force during active extension.

The exercise is safe if done as described, don't think doing it longer or more often is better. Twice for 10 secs with the rubbing as described is plenty.

[keiser8339]

Originally Posted by Fergie Fulton

If you are a pick player then grip pressure comes into place. I would doubt very much that string spacings would be a factor in this.
For any pick player stretches are important, especially finger extensions as the hand does not get a chance to relieve the muscle tension used in holding a pick. Grip pressure is an unknown factor for anyone that uses a hold or grip in any walk of life. Be aware of how you hold the pick and use minimal pressure to control it. There is also maybe a hydration issue so keep fluid up.

Here is a great stretch for the hands.

Simply rub your hands together, interlocking the fingers, rubbing the thumbs in a continuous movement for about 30 secs. Then spread your fingers and spread them apart as far as you can and hold for 10 secs, release then rub them again and repeat. Feel each finger being stretched, it is easy to spread and stretch the palm, but not really effectively stretch each finger. You should when the fingers are stretched in the hold be able to move each finger as a gentle wiggle in a ripple or similar movement.

PLEASE NOTE.. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BEND THE FINGERS IN THE TENSION THAT THE HOLD CREATES, THIS CAN CAUSE INJURY AS THE FINGERS ARE IN A STATE OF VULNERABILITY.

Fingers have what are called Saggital bands, Sagittal bands are ribbon like tendinous attachments which maintain the central dorsal alignment of the common digital extensor tendon at the level of the metacarpal head. They may become damaged from rupture, or acutely injured by a sudden external flexion force during active extension.

The exercise is safe if done as described, don't think doing it longer or more often is better. Twice for 10 secs with the rubbing as described is plenty.

I hold the pick using my thumb, index, and middle finger on my right hand. I also "choke up" on my pick, which is a Dunlop Tortex 1.0 Triangle pick, at most there is maybe enough pick material that is as long as my pinky showing when I strike the string... Thanks for the advice. While reading I did the exercise, and already my fingers are loose. I'll make sure I keep this up before a show.

[Fergie Fulton]

Why I keep hammering the Carol Kaye pick method

Glad to hear you are feeling the benefit of the exercise.
On pick technique i find it hard to beat the advice in this thread.

[keiser8339]

Originally Posted by Fergie Fulton

Why I keep hammering the Carol Kaye pick method

Glad to hear you are feeling the benefit of the exercise.
On pick technique i find it hard to beat the advice in this thread.

From reading the points listed in that article I believe I'm just gripping the pick too tight, and playing with my bass too low. I've raised it quite a lot in recent months because of the horns on the Peavey Millennium. They tend to dig into my chest slightly when too high, but I'll just get over it. You've been too cool for helping me, and I couldn't be anymore appreciative. Thank you.

[keiser8339]

In recent weeks, I'm trying to alternate pick more, than down picking, but in doing so, I've realized that it's quite a pain doing octaves, for instance going from third fret E, to fifth fret D. When I attempt to alternate pick, my wrist pops and my right arm moves down quickly, which isn't comfortable at all. I'm thinking that if I tighten up my strap, and raise my bass, and if I can find a 'sweet spot' so to speak, that all I'd have to do is string jump with my wrist rather than my arm, I'll be able to play with no problems.

Here's my band's Myspace. Check out our songs if you're interested - http://www.myspace.com/rightwaytonowhere