Wrist bending

Pstewart · #1 06-03-2008, 06:08 AM

I am by all means a newbie upright player, and as such i have a question for those with some wisdom,

Is having your left hand wrist at an angle while playing dangerous (CTS and whatnot)?

Thanks
Pat

Marc Piane · #2 06-03-2008, 06:10 AM

Depends.

We can talk all day around here about what is 'proper' but the TBDB mantra of "Get A Teacher" applies here. Basically somebody's gotta see what you are doing in person and give you some pointers.

mattfong · #3 06-03-2008, 03:47 PM

How extreme of an angle are we talking? Generally you're supposed to keep your wrists pretty straight, but a bit of an angle is okay I think. If you're playing with something like a 90 degree angle in your wrist every day though, bad news...

Marc Piane · #4 06-03-2008, 04:52 PM

But at less than 86.4 degrees you are ok.

Sorry to sound like a sarcastic prick but I don't think this is a question that can be answered on the internet. An experienced teacher is the only one that can evaluate the total picture.

mattfong · #5 06-03-2008, 07:00 PM

Well I was exaggerating a bit, but my point is, I don't think an overly bent wrist is good for you, at all.

I know a teacher is best, but to at least give him some direction until he gets a teacher, if he doesn't have one.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #6 06-03-2008, 08:26 PM

In general, I find it's best to keep the wrist as straight as possible and rotate the shoulder/elbow out to facilitate as straight a playing angle as possible. Have you ever punched a heavy bag in the gym? Having a bend in the wrist while playing the DB is kinda like having one while hitting the heavy bag ... seems okay until it doesn't, and when it doesn't, man, it *really* doesn't seem okay. I'd aim for as little angle as possible. YMMV.

Marc Piane · #7 06-04-2008, 07:19 AM

Matt and Chris are pointing you in the right direction. The reason why I refused to give suggestions is playing the bass incorrectly risks injury. A teacher or more advanced player needs to look at your technique. in person, and evaluate.

Everyone's body is different. I try for as little wrist angle as possible but I'd bet I am at about 25 degrees. I've seen some pretty heavy cats anywhere between totally straight and 45+ degrees. Point is there is no 'right' answer that we can give here without seeing you in person.

damonsmith · #8 06-06-2008, 11:42 AM

I am with Marc (good seeing you at the Bottle, thanks for coming).
Bending the wrist is not a great idea, but it could just be a symptom, the actual problem could be any number of places, which is why you need to get a teacher.
Not getting a teacher is dangerous (CTS and whatnot)!

Pstewart · #9 06-07-2008, 05:04 AM

Thanks guys.

I have a teacher but he does more or less the same thing, which gives me conflicting ideas, of my "common sense" and monkey see monkey do.

Marc Piane · #10 06-07-2008, 05:32 AM

Then I'd go see a technique oriented guru. There are teachers in most cities that have the rep of being great at whipping your technique into shape. I don't mean to drop your current teacher if you like him. Just take a lesson or two with the technique guy to see what's up.

Great job 'toher night Damon. Really cool stuff. I really dig Guilermo. Always have. You sounded great.

Pstewart · #11 06-07-2008, 07:39 AM

Yea that sounds like a good idea, i was considering lookin into that anyway.

I have noticed it's really only on the E where it occurs too.

chris dammann · #12 07-30-2008, 08:50 PM

after having got CTS in both my left/right arms, i have learned if it hurts don't do it. a tight straight right arm/hand, is worse than a relaxed 90 angle between your wrist and arm, take the time to find whats natural for you. i think ever beginning player should start with five minute practice sessions and move up from there. its impossible to play correctly with tired hands or a tired body.