plucking hand cramp up at start of show

[tallicabassist0]

I notice when I play a show that on the first song my hand cramps up and i cannot play it to my fullest potential, though it is fine 2 or 3 songs in. Also this doesn't happen when we practice so I don't know if it is from the anxiety of going up on stage or what.

But any tips on to avoid this? Would a stress ball or something help? Warming up before hand is never close enough to the actual play time so that wears off.

[Cabazon]

I'd suggest doing a few stretches for your fingers/hands/wrists before playing. That should help you loosen up, and it should help.

[tZer]

You're probably 'overplaying' - due to the energy of a live gig or whatever. But you're pushing your muscles too hard, too fast - so warming up and stretching your fingers, wrists, forearms and arms (yep - just like if you were going to start a workout) is definitely a good thing to do.

Another thing to consider is remembering to use a lighter touch. Volume is your friend if used properly. Get your volume up to a point where you get a strong sound without having to dig in so hard and consciously tell yourself - "Play lighter". Your hand won't cramp and your speed and dexterity will improve.

Also consider bananas. You could be light on potassium which makes cramping that much more common. Eat a banana or two before a gig - but also remember that bananas have another side effect - so make sure you're getting your daily dose of fiber too! ;-)

[Jools4001]

Do you gig often? If my band ever had any more than a two or three week layoff, this used to happen to me for the first few tunes. I put it down to simply not being 'match fit' despite regular solo practise. If the band played it's normal two gigs a week schedule I was fine.

[spindizzy]

tZer's right on I think. You may want to also try running your hands and forearms under fairly warm water before you start to play. I find this helps me to relax them a bit before I play.

[Cameronj]

I knew a dude that had a gripmaster medium or light that he used right before going on stage. He would then slip it in his pocket and pick up the bass.

[tallicabassist0]

i think im gonna go pick up one of those grip masters

i recall a friend of mine used to have one and seemed handy

[wizay]

Follow tZer's tips, very good tips indeed

[xgator4u]

I tend to get those type of cramps "in my feet too", If I get a little dehydrated. If you drink alcohol, remember that along with the rigors of load in and set up will easily dehydrate you. Drink plenty of WATER. Well it works for me, I hope it helps bro.

[hankazoid]

When I started playing out this would happen. It came with me being nervous, which would cause my body to stiffen up and really affect my playing. It just took me enough times of playing in front of people to get over it.

[musicbox]

I get this problem all of the time, and it often lasts for the entire show. I've determined that it's overplaying, as tZer mentioned. I'm just plucking the string way harder than I need too, which also just slows up my playing and makes it more cumbersome. Use volume accordingly, and really focus on lightening up your touch. Doing stretches and a regular warmups before the show certainly won't hurt either.

Also, if you are using heavy string, you might consider a lighter gauge.

[John Wentzien]

WATER!