strain in plucking hand...

BrandonBass · #1 11-23-2006, 04:51 AM

i anchor my thumb usually on the body of the bass when playing the e string and i anchor it on the e string when im playing the a,d or g. i play w 3fingers if it matters and i lean my arm on the edge of the bass when i play and when i reach for the d or g strings i feel strain on my wrst/forearm area...

but the way i see it, many players play in a similar way....btw, i used to do the floatable anchor but now i prefer to just anchor the thumb in one place but then it doesnt feel too good. any ideas?

**Rune Bivrin** · #2 11-23-2006, 05:12 AM

It's rather difficult to predict how your hand will react to your particular playing position, but here are a few pointers:

1. If there's a significant angle between your forearm and hand, you're straining your hand.

2. If you pluck hard, you're straining your hand.

3. If you're stretching your fingers to reach the thinner strings, you're straining your hand.

Personally, I find using floating thumb the best way to play, hands down. I just noticed that's how James Jamerson did it, so how could it be bad

?
That and playing a bit softer on average will definitely be easier on your hand and wrist.

Rune

mvw356 · #3 11-23-2006, 06:14 AM

frankly, don't anchor your thumb on the bassbody, put your thumb on the pickup or e string or that area. floating thumb would be ideal, but it's not necessary. stop playing when your hand (or any part of your body) starts hurting, you will only damage your muscles or ligaments.

Blunt · #4 11-23-2006, 06:35 AM

Be very careful with this as I had some real problems for a while with my plucking hand. I lowered by bass meaning my strap height because my wrist was just at to much of an angle. This can cause a lot of stress on the muscles etc.

BrandonBass · #5 11-23-2006, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blunt

Be very careful with this as I had some real problems for a while with my plucking hand. I lowered by bass meaning my strap height because my wrist was just at to much of an angle. This can cause a lot of stress on the muscles etc.

i have my bass pretty low when i play i figured it would be harder on the frettin hand, turns out its my plucking hand thats having problem...

but i practise sittin down most of the time neways

K2000 · #6 11-25-2006, 03:40 AM

When you sit to play, a lot of times your wrist will be at an angle (on your plucking hand) and that's bad. You want your forearm and hand to be in a straight line. You can play sitting down but pull your elbow up (or back) to keep your wrist/hand in a line. When you drop your elbow, you have to angle your wrist. An angled wrist is hard on your plucking hand.