Hi Guys, any of you string-ticklers got any patent methods for avoiding cramp? I practice on average an hour a day, sometime I'll practice (or rehearse with the band) for three hours or more with no twinges. However when I get to the gig sometimes I'll get cramp in the finger and thumb that I hold the plectrum with , sometimes I get it in both hands, and in severe cases my lower fore-arms. I usually push on through it, but it can be painful and it's a damn nuisance having to drop down to single notes whilst it eases off. I'm 52and I'm wondering whether it's age related or just due to playing with more intensity due to gig nerves. Anyone else have similar problems?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Bloody cramp
- Thread starter bonelgesgory
- Start date
I'm 55, and play either guitar or bass every day. I get the same thing sometimes and it's no joke. It's much more likely to happen during a gig ... when playing alone or rehearsing there's more "down time", while at a gig it's go, go, go. Fortunately, like for you, it doesn't persist for very long. No solution for you, just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.
My 'playing' cramp usually is in my left neck/trapoziod area. I have noticed more cramps and joint stiffness in both hands. I'm 55.
Never really cramp when playing individual songs, or recording. I've been playing at a lot of parties with random drummers and guitarists, just jamming, and sometimes I'll cramp up during intense 20+ minute jams. I play finger style by the bridge, but when that happens I usually move closer to the neck for less string tension, and if that doesn't work I just crunch my face and keep going (watch John Frusciante solo to ge the picture).
When I was doing more "rock" gigs that I had to use a pick for I would have the same problem after 30-45 minutes. Darn near impossible to hold the pick. I saw several doctors about it, most of which wanted to operate (CTS), which I was not really up for doing...especially in the middle of extensive touring.
What did I do ? For rock gigs I switched to a thumb pick. It takes far less pressure to hold on to them and they're easy to make the transition to. I still hold them in a similar fashion to a regular pick, but due to needing very little pressure to grip them, I can play for hours with no problems. I use the National ones typically, though Dunlops are good for a different tone. (IIRC, Nick Lowe used a thumb pick in the 70's)
I rarely use picks these days, as my gigs don't call for them as often, but when I need one, the thumb pick is what saves me from excruciating pain.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Do you get free beer when you play gigs? I noticed the same thing too, no cramps during 5 hour practice, but 1.5 hours into a gig im cramping up.
Then it dawned on me....we get free beer so we drink...a lot of it haha. I think I was just getting a little dehydrated, so I made a point to drinks lots of water the day before, and a decent amount before the gig and it seems to do the trick.
- Aug 5, 2005
- 7,243
- 92
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
Drink more water before and during a gig. (i've seen people have problems with muscles and of course their voice when they gig due to drinking booze rather than water)
And if that doesn't help look into supplements mentioned above.
.
And if that doesn't help look into supplements mentioned above.
.
All good advise for us over 50 players... I'll add: yoga and weight lifting. Keeping tendons flexible and muscle mass at more youthful levels (we begin losing muscle mass at around age 45) is very important. I play about an hour a day and three hour gigs without cramping.
- Aug 5, 2005
- 7,243
- 92
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: J.C. Basses
Omega 3 is also fantastic for your joints, specifically in your hands. Fish Oil supplements or eating fish with a lot of Omega 3 in it will help as well.
You know, this is completetly true although strange. I get this same issue between my pick holding fingers and I notice, it only happens at clubs Im most nervous playing. The clubs that Im more at ease in, no problems. I think you (and I) are certainly just too tense and need to relax and that doesnt come naturally. THe last couple of shows Ive really had to make an effort to relax. I play in a thrash metal band and do the vocals as well so, Im really ramped up throughout the show. I do stretch amd massage my right forearm before the show as well and this seems to help. I dont think any of the above answers are bad at all and Im going to try the thumb pick idea. Thought about it before, just never done it. Anyway, good luck....and relax. Im gonna try as well.
When I get cramps I take 2 Midol. Pain is gone....................oh, not those kind of cramps??
