Is This a Problem with my Playing?

[hbornste]

I find that when I'm playing my bass I tend to brace the neck against the big knuckle of my index finger, should I try not to do this?

[Pilgrim]

Index finger on your right or left hand?

It makes a difference.

[hbornste]

left hand

[Fergie Fulton]

Is the left hand the fretting hand? Please elaborate with more info on braced, such as how and why you think it is a problem.
For me it sounds like you are talking about the first knuckle, so the bass i would assume is in the palm of the hand more and you have your hand turned towards you, hence the reason you ave this feeling? Thats me guessing, as we will all be, so a bit more info or even a photo will always help.

[hbornste]

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/2900/photo6hu.jpg

thanks for the help!

[Mrdak]

That's a bad habit holding it that way.
Try this http://www.dummies.com/how-to/conten...ss-guitar.html

[FromBeyond]

Yeah, thats not something you want to keep doing imo.

[GreggBummer]

While everyone holds their bass a little different, you want to correct any bad habits like that as soon as you can. It will make you a better player... but most importantly it will save your hands. If you play with bad technique, bad posture, hold your hands at awkward angles... it will cause physiological problems later on. Carpal tunnel, pain, swelling, loss of feeling and mobility. Ask John Wetton why it is so important. Carpel Tunnel in his plucking hand forced him to switch to a pick technique (although an interesting one).

Solution: Lessons. You don't have to take lessons for years... but you could take six weeks of lessons and focus on technique and make wonderful gains. A coach/mentor is always, always, always money well spent.