Is this technique safe for my right hand, long term?

[Silas Martinez]

I'm a classically trained guitarist, who some years ago switched to bass. Of late, I've focused more and more on not using a pick, as it opens for me a lot of different techniques, and just feels more appropriate.

I've found is that when I'm playing, I tend to use the floating thumb technique mentioned in the sticky above (great for keeping the thumb available for plucking and slapping, and as noted it is a lot more natural on a 5 string), but often my fingers have more 'curl' that seems to be strictly recommended. Part of this is to make use of the 'snap' or 'pop' percussive sounds, but I'll also do this in slower more melodic passages, as I am able to get more control over dynamics, and a 'rounder' sound.

My concern is, will the curled fingers ultimately result in right hand damage? I'm not so concerned about speed, as I've found that my fingers naturally straighten to a more traditional position for speedier lines. However, for slower, and for syncopated, funky lines, I do tend to have a lot of right hand finger curl. Is this something that I need to work to correct now, or is it safe to continue to play like this?

[Dr. Feelgood]

If it doesn't hurt, chances are there won't be any damage.

If you are curling your fingers to the point that they feel stiff or numb, than I reckon you probably need to relax a bit.

[Silas Martinez]

Nope, no pain there, and I find (as I mentioned) that it gives me a lot more options.

Thanks!

[spindizzy]

I think I mentioned this at some point in my comments about floating thumb but you have described here is exactly how I choose to utilize FT and thumb as a plectrum in my way.

I have been curling my fingers in the way that you have described for over 25 years and the only trouble I run into now is more directly connected to age and arthritus and not the direct result of my less than proper approach.

If I am any baseline (not claiming to be and no pun intended) I think that you don't risk any sort of long term damage. I do make sure that I do hand stretching exercises and other things to keep my hand limber and avoid settling into just the curl for too long a period of time.