Go Back   TalkBass Forums > Bass Guitar Forums > Bass Guitar Forums > Miscellaneous [BG]
Register Rules/FAQ/CUP Members List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Miscellaneous [BG] Music-related discussion, not specific to the bass or any other forum


Supporting Membership
Thank You

Latest Supporting Member
Donate to Upgrade Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 06-18-2011, 11:56 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
arm pain from bass playing?

Sign in to disble this ad
i posted a similar thread to this a few months ago. for the past maybe 3 or so months i've been having trouble playing with my fingers. i've noticed i am not as fast and not as accurate with my fingers as i used to be (keep in mind i'm only 15 and i've been playing for over 2 years). i've been playing with a pick for a while now but today i decided to try the fingerstyle again, and my arm/wrist started to get tired very quickly and then felt numb and painful. i'm probably going to get an x-ray for it this week but does anyone know what this might be? thanks in advance.
  #2  
Old 06-19-2011, 12:08 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Close enough to San Fran
Possibly carpal tunnel?
__________________
SO %!@# BROKE" BASSISTS CLUB MEMBER #3
  #3  
Old 06-19-2011, 12:19 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Norway
How often do you practice?

I practice consistently and often, whilst never experiencing arm pain. While some of my fellow students that practice less will experience arm or hand pain from time to time.
__________________
"It was when I found out I could make mistakes that I knew I was on to something." - Ornette Coleman
  #4  
Old 06-19-2011, 12:23 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
i practice & play my bass everyday and i havent done anything differently in the past 2 years but just recently starting to get this feeling in my wrist/arm. and it only happens when i play with my fingers.
  #5  
Old 06-19-2011, 12:33 AM
brndn123's Avatar
www.brandonmichael.info
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Northern California
Supporting Member
Its hard to diagnose anything over the internet, however I CAN tell you I've had similar issues throughout my career. I have proper technique, my instruments are well balanced, and I strive to never overwork my my muscles. For me personally, muscle strains and pinched nerves are very common when you consider loading/unloading equipment, hours of playing, and even day to day tasks at home and at work. Focus on stretching your arms and wrists throughout the day especially before rehearsals and gigs. I know that being musicians, we tend to think, "Oh No! My passion...my career...what will I do?" From what you describe, you should be ok. Just take it easy on the fingers for awhile. Don't let yourself get wrapped up in speed because you will probably do more harm to your muscles/tendons then help your technique. Good luck sir!
  #6  
Old 06-19-2011, 12:35 AM
funkybass4ever's Avatar
Supporting Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Supporting Member
you may be pressing your wrist against the bass with a lot of force and not be aware of it. check out any beginning complete bass method book. Bass guitar for Dummies p29 shows a picture with a description for the hand placement for finger style playing. Hope this helps
__________________
Flatwound Club# 456 California Bass Club Number 55
  #7  
Old 06-19-2011, 02:41 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ireland
Quote:
Originally Posted by slipkorn917 View Post
i'm probably going to get an x-ray for it this week
This is a good idea. Dont postpone it. Dont play through the pain, hoping it will go away. When you get the medical all clear, check both your picking and finger style techniques. For pick tips google "Carol Kaye pick method", for finger style search You Tube for "Todd Johnson Floating Thumb".
__________________
Flatwound Club # 53
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Follow TalkBass on Twitter   Visit TalkBass on Facebook  

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:46 PM.




Copyright 2011 Talk Music Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Play guitar? Visit our new sister site TalkGuitar.com [beta]
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.12
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.