right hand difficulties.

[staf Wouters]

Hello community

I have been playing bass for almost 2 years now. And I have a huge problem.
When I play, my right hand feels very heavy. It gets purple, my veins swell and my hand becomes kinda cold. My left hand instead, doesn't do that. So I have a normal hand, and a purple one.

I don't bother about the color, it's just the effect this has on my playing that bothers me: my right hand grows tired very fast, gets less accurate, etc.
I've tried everything, I've looked everywhere on the web, and went to a doctor. He stated that I have Raynauds syndrome. Also, my teacher noticed that he saw more people who's hands got purpish, but he had never heard of it being a problem while playing.

Playing the bass is my life, because there is almost nothing else I'm good at. It means a lot to me. I really thought playing the bass was something I would do good. So I practiced, very hard, but I just can't get better, due to this problem. It really broke me, words can't describe it. It feels like you lost something very valuable. I know this thing is permanent, and I'll probably always will have dificulties with it. I think it's just very unfair for me to have this kind of problem, especially because music is my last resort.

You might think that I'm a whiner, but believe me when I say that I suffer a lot from this. It makes me feel like I'm no real bass player, like I don't belong here.

I had it how other bass players say they never got my problem, that they don't know what I'm talking about. They can just play like normal people. I practice so much, and I need a lot of effort to play well.

I just wrote it, so others with similar problems could respond, and eventually give me some advise. I don't want to be the only one. I posted it under technique because I'd like to know some tips on how to minimalise effort with your right hand and how to optimize blood circulation, if that's possible.

Forgive me, I'm not that good at writing English either.

Cheers,
me

[BEKyle]

That seems like it could be a serious problem. Have you tried different strings? I would start by getting a light gauge, round core string (such as DR Sunbeams) and setting your action low. This in turn will force your right hand to play softer. Secondly, try positioning your forearm differently. You may have too sharp of an angle on your wrist, which may lead to a long list of problems in the future.

[1jstrong]

The Dr. didn't indicate anything about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Since most likely your hand is in a cocked position, you may be cutting off nerves and blood vessels? My hand goes numb from my CTS, but not purple. I'm thinking something is cutting off blood supply.
I would agree with the previous poster and try and reposition your hand in a way that you aren't cutting any blood flow off. Also, split your playing up. Only go for a solid extended time if you have to. Otherwise, play for a bit and take a break. Rinse & Repeat....

[staf Wouters]

Thank you very much for the quick replies, I will certainly try those things too. Also, I think it is worse when I play sitting.

[EscapeNote]

Originally Posted by staf Wouters

Also, my teacher noticed that he saw more people who's hands got purpish, but he had never heard of it being a problem while playing.

My first instinct is to recommend a different teacher. Spend a few extra dollars (if you can) and go to someone really, really good for a 'second opinion'.

[Russell L]

Also, try a different doctor. There should be one who can help you figure out what's best to do with your playing. Ask the doc to determine if you have primary or secondary Raynauds. If secondary, there could be an underlying condition triggering attacks (carpa tunnel syndrome being a possibility). Many different things can cause it.

Wash your hands in warm water before playing, and make sure your practice area is warm (do you live in a cold climate?). Anything cold can cause an attack, even cold water or taking something out of the freezor, etc. Stress can, too, so try to be calm and not worry too much. I know that's hard to do for any of us when something bothers us, but just try, ok?

A good specialist should be able to tell you what type of Raynauds you have, as well as direct you as to how to live with it, and particularly how to be able to play your bass. I feel for you, pal, and understand how it can hurt to not be able to do something you love to do. But, do not despair. Rather, give in to hope, because there is a lot more to be known. It just may be that there is a way for you to play as normally as anyone else. Go and seek what can be done for you in the medical community. I guarantee you will feel better for doing so. If you can smile just once, you'll be in the door and on your way to coping with it. Think positive and feel good, no matter what. Positive thinking in itself can cure a lot of things.

And know that you have friends right here to fall back on. That's a fact.

[BROKEN OHMS]

Maybe try playing with a pick? Maybe your thumb? Different bass? Even if you had a stump there's ways to make it work if you're passionate about playing bass.

[Longhair]

Place your hand under warm running water to help improve the circulation when it gets cold and purple.

Take care of your body first and foremost.

[steve_rolfeca]

Raise the neck of your bass, get your elbows out, and work on getting your wrist as straight and as relaxed as possible.

Here's a picture of Norm Stockton, a very talented bassist, working on giving himself RSI's on both wrists:

Norm Stockton; Lincoln Brewster Band 2009 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

And here's a picture of Bunny Brunel, another talented guy, hopefully avoiding injury by adopting a more open and effective playing position:

Bunny Brunel Bassist Bass Guitarist Music Musician Stock Photo 8284261 : Shutterstock

They both make great music, but it's obvious from the pictures who is going to need more rest and ice packs in the coming years...

[dmusic148]

I know exactly how you feel. I've had to have two surgeries, for carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve entrapment, both right arm. It's very depressing and stressful, I know. As already stated, do whatever you can to keep your wrists as straight as possible- you said that it's worse when seated, which probably indicates your wrist is bent too much.
And do concentrate on limiting the amount of effort used when plucking(and fretting, too). Stay loose and relaxed, without tension. Sometimes we add tension to try to make our fingers be more accurate, or speedier, but it's a losing game- the stress makes things worse. You must work, slowly, to gain dexterity and accuracy while reducing tension.

[steve_rolfeca]

Another thought- do you pluck hard?

I have a very light touch, have never broken a string in 45 years of playing bass, and get a lot of compliments on my tone. There's a double benefit in this, because with a lighter attack, you can lower your action. Less stress all around...

On the other hand, I see a lot of guys who wail the tar out of their basses to get a sound, instead of letting their amp do the work. I can't really say I've ever heard them getting a tone that I couldn't match with a lighter touch/lower action.

I don't know if overplaying necessarily causes RSI, but I imagine it would certainly worsen an existing condition.

[staf Wouters]

I think I pluck very hard :s. I don't know why, but when I start playing, after a while I pluck harder because I don't hear my amp as loud as when I started. I also never realy turn up the volume too much.

To anybody who replied: thank you very, very much for your support. I'll keep looking for a "cure" and I'll promise you that I'll never give up. Reading all those comments made me feel better, thank you alot.

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by staf Wouters

I think I pluck very hard :s. I don't know why, but when I start playing, after a while I pluck harder because I don't hear my amp as loud as when I started. I also never realy turn up the volume too much.

To anybody who replied: thank you very, very much for your support. I'll keep looking for a "cure" and I'll promise you that I'll never give up. Reading all those comments made me feel better, thank you alot.

We are all glad to help, pal.

Do lighten your touch some. I think that might help. And do go back to the doc. I believe there may be some more help there, too. Let us know how you get along.

My best wishes for you.

[masterFlash]

Are you playing right handed or left handed?
If you're right handed, try slinging the bass lower so your playing arm is straighter.

If you're left handed then you prolly have to change your grip.

Maybe switch to double bass.
Or keys.

[BullHorn]

Heavy plucking is a base for many problems. Turn the volume up and practice playing lightly.

Another thing I noticed that caused me ergonomic problems was poorly balanced basses: YouTube - ‪Fender Neckdive‬‏
If you have a bass like my Fender, you would either need to hold up the neck with your fretting hand's palm, limiting your fretting technique or alternatively push the bass' body down with your right hand to keep the neck up (Either by bending your wrist really bad or locking your thumb really tight onto the pickup. I have a gut feeling that you're doing that for some reason.. Am I right? :x

[fearceol]

Originally Posted by BullHorn

If you have a bass like my Fender, you would either need to hold up the neck with your fretting hand's palm, limiting your fretting technique or alternatively push the bass' body down with your right hand to keep the neck up (Either by bending your wrist really bad or locking your thumb really tight onto the pickup. I have a gut feeling that you're doing that for some reason.. Am I right? :x

OP, if BullHorn is right and this is a problem you are experiencing, then there are straps that have a compartment built into them for weights, which counter balance that of the neck.

[henry2513]

Originally Posted by staf Wouters

I think I pluck very hard :s. I don't know why, but when I start playing, after a while I pluck harder because I don't hear my amp as loud as when I started. I also never realy turn up the volume too much.

To anybody who replied: thank you very, very much for your support. I'll keep looking for a "cure" and I'll promise you that I'll never give up. Reading all those comments made me feel better, thank you alot.

I recommend taking a look at the right hand technique and positioning of Gary Willis. In fact here's a great video:
YouTube - ‪Gary Willis - Progressive Bassics Pt. 2‬‏

I'm slowly transitioning over to playing this way and in fact when I'm just holding down a groove or walking a line I play in this manner. When I solo, I switch over to traditional hand position for now.

Take a look at that video, it will change the way you play.

[JimmyM]

Also, be careful to avoid any pressure from resting your arm on the bass or any odd angles with your wrists. Sounds like you're actually losing circulation. If I were you, I'd get a good bass teacher schooled in jazz who knows good ergonomic technique, and keep looking into your problem medically, and between the two, maybe you can keep playing for a while longer, I hope.

[monkeyking]

I'll chime in with most everyone else. Your problem sounds like a positioning issue.

I get some numbness and discoloration in my hands from time to time, briefly. Not when I play, but when I work. Sometimes things I do require awkward positions and odd angles.

I think JimmyM hit it on the head by saying you are restricting blood flow to your hand because of your positioning. I play a lot of gigs and am very lucky that my hand position has been naturally good all these years. My technique is crappy, but it doesn't hurt or cause abnormalities.

I will however go a step further regarding your teacher. If he's seeing people with discolored hands, it is flat out time to switch teachers. Seriously, I've been playing at least two gigs, usually five, per week for thirty years and I don't have that problem. What you're seeing is not normal and needs to be addressed at the fundamental level to avoid serious and permanent damage.

Keep us posted. Sounds like you truly love to play and it would be a shame to limit your ability to do so when a simple change of position could set you right.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by monkeyking

I will however go a step further regarding your teacher. If he's seeing people with discolored hands, it is flat out time to switch teachers. Seriously, I've been playing at least two gigs, usually five, per week for thirty years and I don't have that problem. What you're seeing is not normal and needs to be addressed at the fundamental level to avoid serious and permanent damage.

This is a good point too, now that you mention it. Teachers shouldn't be telling students they see people's hands turn purple. Plus he should be straightening out his technique if they are. I'm with you...I'm not feeling this teacher, either.