Playing bass - wrist problems?

Fassa Albrecht · #1 02-24-2007, 07:31 PM

Okay. I've been playing (or trying to) bass for a few months now and anything I try and play over a few minutes REALLY hurts my wrists. They ache and feel stiff for anywhere up to 3-4 days at a time. It's starting to affext my playing cause I can't practice well then.
I typically play indie and rock pieces and a little bit of slap bass- it's not like I'm playing anything really strange or fast.
What can the bassists of the world suggest to help this?

ogyen · #2 02-24-2007, 08:03 PM

check out Todd Johnsons ask a pro section here, his floating thumb technique and other ergonomic advice on playing would probably help, I would imagine you've just got some issues with how you hold and play your bass. He's also got some sample's on youtube so you can see how it works.

Zappstorius · #3 02-24-2007, 09:17 PM

Play lower (if it's your right wrist that is hurting). I know that this is unpoular advise with the jazz guys, but when I play my bass too high (chest area), my wrist hurts too.

Kronos · #4 02-24-2007, 09:49 PM

I play where it feels comfortable. Bass playing should feel comfortable. Make sure you're not over extending your wrists, no matter how high or low you're playing. If you can, get someone to take a picture of how you normally play (both hands) and that way more people can tell you where your pain is coming from.

bassin · #5 02-24-2007, 10:00 PM

You probably need to give a little more info as to how you are playing. Has this just started happening to you or has this happened from the time you started? Is this hurting both wrists or just one, and if so which one? Does it make any difference if you play standing or sitting? Do you do any type of warmups before practicing?

pretaanluxis · #6 02-25-2007, 02:20 PM

1. Stretch alot, but not too much
2. Always warm up
3. Keep your wrists as straight as possible and stay relaxed/comfortable

Check out this great pdf explaining common players physical ailments: http://www.longandmcquade.com/pdf/ST...N%20TUNE-2.pdf

Also some previous threads on the topic:
Position
Tendonitis
Wrist pain

HaVIC5 · #7 02-25-2007, 02:54 PM

The wrists of both hands should be more or less perfectly straight, otherwise wrist problems will inevitably develop. The tension us electric bassists have to deal with is far less than that of upright bassists, so this important technical maxim will not be immediately obvious, but it definitely holds true for both instruments, and strin instruments in general. Have you ever seen a professional upright bassist who plays with a bent wrist? If you have, chances are that he won't be in the business for very much longer.

Kippa-Dee · #8 02-26-2007, 01:28 AM

I had a smiliar problem when I tried to adjust to 'correct technique' - that is left wrist perfectly straight, finger tips directly onto the neck... hurt like hell. I played where it felts comfortable, and had absolutely no dramas.

Jeramaya · #9 02-26-2007, 10:08 PM

About 10 years ago I was having major problems, due to having both my wrists bent at extreme angles, because I thought if the bass were higher up I'd become a more technically capable bassist. Well, it set me back for some time, so a specialist actually had me bring my bass in and adjusted the strap so that it was lower (about waist high).

The other thing, though, is that doing other activities can affect you as well. I have stick-figure wrists, so anytime I'm overdoing something, using too much wrist/finger movement, I have problems. For example, I used to take the money out of slot machines (this was my job..hehe), constantly gripping, squeezing and pulling these metal boxes out of machines. Also I turned lots of keys. All that added up.

Excessive typing is my main problem now, and the damaged nerves in my right hand don't like the mouse. I guess what I'm saying is don't **just** look at it as a bass playing problem. It could be from other activities.

TheDirtyMoocher · #10 02-26-2007, 10:26 PM

I used to have wrist problems in my left hand. My bass teacher told me to straighten my wrist out, move my thumb down to the center of the neck, and stretch less and move more (I can actually stretch my left pinky out farther than my right from stretching to reach frets (which is apparently not so good)

Anyway, now my wrists feel fine and I can play as long as I want.

chaosMK · #11 03-05-2007, 12:02 PM

Do you have any photos of how you are playing?

Scott in Dallas · #12 03-05-2007, 04:07 PM

If all else fails, try a different bass. One of my basses makes my right hand swell up like a balloon after an hour or so of playing. I thought I was going to have to stop playing altogether. I can play my jazz forever with no swelling.

Pooly · #13 03-05-2007, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zappstorius

Play lower (if it's your right wrist that is hurting). I know that this is unpoular advise with the jazz guys, but when I play my bass too high (chest area), my wrist hurts too.

The opposite if it's your left wrist (and if your a regular, not goofy ). Playing a bit higher reduce the strain on the left shoulder, the left wrist and you can play higher on the neck.

mhahn123 · #14 03-05-2007, 06:45 PM

Check this out; drkertz@aol.com

Col200 · #15 03-07-2007, 12:42 PM

I've had the same problem. It seemed random though. Some days it was fine while other it hurt. I finally realized what it was...SEX. Yeah, maybe my mattress is too soft or something but if I'm in missionary a long time (I know...too much info), my wrist start to hurt from being bent at a backwards angle for too long. So, I've been making fists instead (like an Ape) and that seems to help. I know, I know....

...but seriously.

4StringWarlord · #16 03-07-2007, 01:17 PM

Ive been playing for just a little longer than you have, and what ive found out is that I have very long fingures. As a result of that I have to rest my thumb diferently than when I play on the E string. Rather than leaving it resting on a pick up I move it up on the bass so the bend in my fingures isnt as extreme. This helps me out, maybe itll work for you.

Boomtime · #17 03-12-2007, 04:36 PM

I switched to bass from guitar, which I had played for 11 years. Consequently, my left hand made the transition painlessly and easily to fretting on a bass. However, I played guitar with a pick and switched to fingerstyle bass without paying attention to technique. Big mistake. Horrible wrist pain in my right hand.

I was at a picnic with some friends and I mentioned that I think I had carpal tunnel from the bass. My friend Britney, who is a massage therapist, said she would take care of it. She performed some kind of special procedure on my right arm starting at the shoulder and working down to the hand. It worked wonders. I was way more relaxed and it eased the pain.

I know this sounds kinda hippie-ish, but consider visiting a reputable massage therapist or homeopath that specializes in occupational injuries like carpal tunnel.

Tenma4 · #18 03-12-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Col200

I've had the same problem. It seemed random though. Some days it was fine while other it hurt. I finally realized what it was...SEX. Yeah, maybe my mattress is too soft or something but if I'm in missionary a long time (I know...too much info), my wrist start to hurt from being bent at a backwards angle for too long. So, I've been making fists instead (like an Ape) and that seems to help. I know, I know....

...but seriously.

Wow! I had the same problem!

**WillPlay4Food** · #19 05-07-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Col200

I've had the same problem. It seemed random though. Some days it was fine while other it hurt. I finally realized what it was...SEX. Yeah, maybe my mattress is too soft or something but if I'm in missionary a long time (I know...too much info), my wrist start to hurt from being bent at a backwards angle for too long. So, I've been making fists instead (like an Ape) and that seems to help. I know, I know....

...but seriously.

I ran into this same problem when I had a waterbed.