String Tension in Thumb Position

[Hemispheres85]

I started playing (classical) Double bass a few months ago, and I have a few questions about the string tension in thumb position.

On the bass I have I find it very difficult to play in thumb position to the point where my hand begins to tense up quite a bit and any even slight hammer-ons are extreme difficult.

Is this because my hands are not strong enough yet to play comfortable (though I've played electric bass for almost 2 years) or is it due to the bass having too much tension or the action is too high?

I measured the G at the end of the fingerboard and the action is about 8 or 9 mm.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[JoeyNaeger]

8 or 9 mm is quite high imo. The highest I ever have my bass is at 6mm(on the G string that is), and I often go as low as 4 mm depending on what I'm playing. That being said, developing hand strength is still going to be something you have to do. If you aren't already studying privately, a teacher could show you proper posture and technique which will save you a lot of trouble.

[Hemispheres85]

Originally Posted by JoeyNaeger

8 or 9 mm is quite high imo. The highest I ever have my bass is at 6mm(on the G string that is), and I often go as low as 4 mm depending on what I'm playing. That being said, developing hand strength is still going to be something you have to do. If you aren't already studying privately, a teacher could show you proper posture and technique which will save you a lot of trouble.

I think my technique is good, considering I do take lessons with my string ensemble instructor (he's a bass player), but I haven't had time ask him about the string height problem, and I play his bass in class which has very low action, so I always forget to ask

Would pushing the action lower to around 6mm effect my tone or volume a considerable amount, especially if I'm playing classical?