Touring bassists.

[MCBTunes]

What do you do when your fingers on the right hand get really sensitive.... I'f I play hardcore for acouple days my fingers just kill whe nthey even touch the string... Soooo sensitive. Pick has been my choice, even though I'm not that great with it. Anyone glue their fingers? or use special creams?

[Steve]

I tend to get the best results by not beating myself to death to begin with but.....I'm old.

[Rockgurl]

We did two shows in Vermont on one weekend that were 5 sets long...I was playing about 5 hours a night and I was in pain! I had been practising for up to 8 hours a day too, so I had definitely worn my fingers away! I used Nu Skin...not really recommended for doing nice things to your strings, but when you're in that much pain I'd rather use it and then buy new strings. It lasts for about 1 set and then you have to paint it on again. It really did help.

[snapple]

try a softer touch. or maybe you need to build up your callouses a bit more... i know that when i play infrequently, my fingers will get sore after a long practice or jam.

[MCBTunes]

Originally Posted by bikertrash82

I tend to get the best results by not beating myself to death to begin with but.....I'm old.

haha. well we play fast rock with a little punk flavour...so its hard not too

Rockgirl, thast cool never heard of that stuff I'll check it out.

[invader3k]

Use a pick, at least on some songs...that will save your fingers quite a bit.

[Rockgurl]

It was my left hand (fingering hand) that hurt the most...a pick doesn't help that! Nu Skin protected my fingertips just enough to get through the 5 hour show.

[buzzbass]

Originally Posted by Rockgurl

It was my left hand (fingering hand) that hurt the most...a pick doesn't help that! Nu Skin protected my fingertips just enough to get through the 5 hour show.

I work on Hot Rods as a hobby and have my hands in solvents and cleaners a lot. It has a tendency to dry out and crack the tips of your fingers around the nail/pad area. Very sensitive, to say the least. Nu Skin application usually begins the afternoon of a gig. 4-5 coats over each crack. Then one more coat after soundcheck. This usually will last me the whole night without re-application. I play with a very heavy hand and it holds up fine. Nu Skin is the bomb.

[Brendan]

We talking Nu Skin that "liquid bandage" stuff, or Nu Skin, a product from the Nu Skin company?

Because if it's the liquid bandage stuff, that's just rebranded Krazy Glue, and you can save a bundle by just getting the non-medicine-isle stuff.

[johnvice]

Originally Posted by Rockgurl

I was playing about 5 hours a night and I was in pain! I had been practising for up to 8 hours a day

I find I can practice for hours with no pain yet the day after a gig my fingers are "sensitive".

Inevitably I strike teh strings with more force when I play live. I admit it's easier to say "don't pluck the strings so hard" than to actually do it.

Have you ever wanted to use three fingers on your right hand ?
When your two main fingers are sore, it's a great time to explore other methods. Like using your ring finger or using your thumb for a downstroke (a la Fred Thomas).

This is a great way to explore new techniques and give your pain pluckign fingers a break.

[MCBTunes]

Originally Posted by SMASH

With proper technique that won't matter.

You can also consider switching to flats. Much easier on your fingers. If you still want brightness, ask which ones are brightest in the Strings forum (or a search might show it's been done, I'm not sure). I once had a set of Rotosound flats that were brighter than any round I'd use. Or there's "compression wound" or "groundwound" strings that are halfway between rounds and flats, retaining the round vibe but still much easier on the fingers.

You ever play out West?

Proper technique.... hmmmm i am self taught .....

flats are an idea, I'll check them out..... I've always just used ernie ball rounds.

We actually havn't played outside of sask at all. And not even any "real" shows(paid) togeather, I actually just joined them recently.

[Mr.Phil]

Just play through the pain... Unless you start bliterin' and bleedin' it won't matter if the fingers are a little "sensitive"

[xshawnxearthx]

elixir strings for the elft hand, picks for the right hand