Right Wrist Position?

cire113 · #1 10-21-2008, 08:26 PM

Can somebody please help me i am really confused and want to fix bad habits before they start to hurt..

My right wrist that i use for plucking... It seems when i bend my wrist downward i have way more mobility but i think its bad for my wrist..

So i have re adjusted and tried keeping my right wrist straight but it doesnt feel natural or mobile..

I dont know if there is a right of wrong... but to avoid any type of injuries should my right wrist be straight ?

XylemBassGuitar · #2 10-22-2008, 08:53 AM

Generally, you don't want either of your wrists to bend more than about 30 degrees past straight in either direction. Stay within those 30 degrees and you shouldn't develop any long-term issues like tendonitis.

unclejane · #3 10-22-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cire113

Can somebody please help me i am really confused and want to fix bad habits before they start to hurt..

My right wrist that i use for plucking... It seems when i bend my wrist downward i have way more mobility but i think its bad for my wrist..

So i have re adjusted and tried keeping my right wrist straight but it doesnt feel natural or mobile..

I dont know if there is a right of wrong... but to avoid any type of injuries should my right wrist be straight ?

One suggestion I have is to use the "floating thumb" technique. Todd Johnson has a superb description of it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPVMBPmrblU

This not only allows you to do good muting but it also has the benifit of keeping your wrist in good alignment. fixes about 10 other problems at once all by itself.

I started with this a few weeks ago and it's among plucking over a pickup and the switch to fretless in terms of quantum leaps in my otherwise muddy technique. I'm down to less mud now from total mud having adopted this so I'm a strong advocate now to say the least.....

But this is a good idea to try for reducing wear and tear in the plucking hand for sure....

LS

deckard · #4 10-22-2008, 10:08 AM

Ditto Todd Johnson & floating thumb.

I started working on/integrating floating thumb, per Todd's excellent "Technique Builders" DVD, over a year ago and no longer have issues in/with my right wrist.

Additionally, muting with my right thumb is now automatic & integral to my playing.

JMHO

cire113 · #5 10-22-2008, 12:36 PM

thanks so much that was exactly what i was looking for!

it is really hard to get used to it; I feel like i have to relearn how to play

but it will probalby be worth it in the long run

deckard · #6 10-22-2008, 01:19 PM

Yep - there's definitely a period of adjustment when adopting floating thumb.

But I neither could nor would go back now.

Stick with it - your efforts will pay off in time.

If you've got questions, you can also mosey on over to Todd's forum on "Ask A Pro" here on TB & ask him... he's very supportive, patient kind of guy.