DId I Hurt Myself Playing Bass

StyleOverShow · #1 10-28-2008, 02:46 PM

Have developed a strange pain in my left elbow. It is behind the bony prominence on the rib side of the elbow. I thought that it was a muscle strain from lifting my amp out of the car this weekend but came to realize that that was with my right hand.

So, I have been practicing on my new EUB, a cheapie Dean Pace, and I think that I may have injured myself with improper posture.

It feels like the tendon is inflamed rather than the muscle.

Can someone give me a few pointers on posture when playing. Have read the stickies but apparently it wasn't enough. I play sitting on a stool with the nut about eye level. This model has the thick UB neck style so maybe it has something to do with hand positioning. Thanks in advance for any help.

hdiddy · #2 10-28-2008, 03:59 PM

Stop playing. Ice. Look at traditional bass stances.

Your initial sentences are confusing. Is it the right hand or left elbow?

Jake deVilliers · #3 10-28-2008, 04:16 PM

Left hand hdid.

Ice is good for starters, then get yourself a teacher.

It sounds like you're gripping the strings with your fingers which will only bring you pain. You need to lean on the strings with your body weight instead. Easy to show, hard to describe.

StyleOverShow · #4 10-28-2008, 05:48 PM

Yes it is the left elbow. Lean on the strings with your body weight? You're right, I'll have to have someone show me this.

Have to say that I'm hooked on the sound. I drive a small (sports) car and can't think of a way of transporting a DB around, that why the EUB sounded like a good transition. Barely a month into it I am already looking to sell some of my EB's off and go for broke, get the big boy (or girl). I've never 'felt' the bass experience like this (quasi) upright has offered. It is amazing.

brake · #5 10-28-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StyleOverShow

Yes it is the left elbow. Lean on the strings with your body weight? You're right, I'll have to have someone show me this.

Have to say that I'm hooked on the sound. I drive a small (sports) car and can't think of a way of transporting a DB around, that why the EUB sounded like a good transition. Barely a month into it I am already looking to sell some of my EB's off and go for broke, get the big boy (or girl). I've never 'felt' the bass experience like this (quasi) upright has offered. It is amazing.

It's a really strange addiction, isn't it? Welcome to the club.

Geddy Claypool · #6 10-28-2008, 06:50 PM

My mother, a nurse, thinks it could be tendonitis. Stop playing for a few days, take the prescribed dosage of Anti-Inflammatory, such as Ibuprofen or Naprosin, and relax.