thumb hurts when slapping

SteveC · #1 03-10-2011, 01:44 PM

I don't slap much, but there are about 4-5 tunes in my repertoire that require it. Never an issue until recently. A couple weeks ago we played something that required some slap. When I did. my thumb hurt pretty bad, almost to the point where I stopped. I can't feel an obvious bump or anything different from my other thumb there. If I apply pressure it doesn't hurt, but if I slap it on the bass, or even on the table it hurts quite a bit.

Any ideas? I don't think I injured it any other way - car door, whatever.

It's not a huge deal as I don't slap a lot, but I do use the technique occasionally and it would be nice if it didn't hurt.

type C basses · #2 03-11-2011, 03:40 AM

Where exactly on the thumb hurts? In conjecture, I'd say it's a bone bruise. 2 weeks to fully heal. Hopefully you didn't chip it.

Rockmusician · #3 03-11-2011, 04:01 AM

Sounds like a problem with your technique, the fact that you don't slap often or a combination of the two.

Samsound · #4 03-11-2011, 04:29 AM

Were you whacking the string against the fretboard with side of your thumb knuckle? If so, that's incorrect technique. Supposed to strike downward (towards the floor) with the fleshy part of thumb.

foundation · #5 03-11-2011, 05:19 AM

Sorry about your thumb -- best guess.....there are digital nerves that run along the sides of each digit, including your thumb. If you pinged it on something it can be VERY uncomfortable, kinda like striking your "funny bone" in your elbow repeatedly....OUCH. You also might want to take stock of anything you have been doing recently that uses the striking part of your thumb (screw tops on beer bottles?

). Best advice is to not slap for a few weeks, let it rest and avoid further trauma. Nerves get VERY grumpy and take forever to forgive you. Good luck.

SteveC · #6 03-11-2011, 08:01 AM

Pretty sure my technique is OK, might not be perfect. I mean, I've been slaping for years without incident so...

Maybe I'll rest it for a bit and see.

Skitch it! · #7 03-11-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by type C basses

Where exactly on the thumb hurts? In conjecture, I'd say it's a bone bruise. 2 weeks to fully heal. Hopefully you didn't chip it.

+1 This I've experienced before after a number of years playing with the thumb, painful.