Calluses on Plucking Hand

[jd_watt]

Hi All,

So, I played i little to aggressively at a gig the other week, now i've started to form calluses on my plucking hand. Thing is, it's really impacted my playing in a not-so great way. Everything has a sharp attack, rather than the smooth, round sound I had going before.

I guess my question is this: is it ever a benefit or a deliberate move to build up calluses on a plucking hand? If I need more attack, I go for a pick. I just wondered what other's experiences were. Thanks!

 

[Duckwater]

My calluses are as hard as rocks, I can pick up red hot coals for a few seconds and experience little pain. I have no problem getting a smooth and deep sound though.

 

[jd_watt]

Nice clip! Yeah, I'm the first to admit, I have a lot of work to do on my technique. I just noticed that I had more "clang" on my attack because my finger tips weren't as soft.

 

[Duckwater]

Thank you.

That makes sense, especially if you are playing the strings downwards into the frets creating a more percussive sound combined with the harder surface of your fingers. When I want a round sound, I make sure that I'm moving the string from side to side, instead of up and down.

 

[Stickpadawan]

For building up calluses try this:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/ruff-rider-ruff-grip-callus-builder?tandt_rdir=1&nN=true

It's less intensive and builds up calluses in a few days. I also find that it doesn't impact my playing negatively at all

 

[artechoke]

I guess my question is this: is it ever a benefit or a deliberate move to build up calluses on a plucking hand?

Most guys (me included) would suggest that its always a benefit to build up calluses, or your eventually going to be in a lot of pain (and then you get the calluses anyway.)

Question: How did you get to a gigging phase in a band without building up calluses?

 

[phillybass101]

They are a fact of life for bass players. A necessary one if you ask me.

 

[Moe Monsarrat]

I couldn't play without 'em! Use your thumb for big warm notes. In the studio they actually help the bass cut through a little bit. Besides wait till the next time you have your fingerprints taken.....big blank spots in the middle!!!

 

[experimental bassist]

I was in a country/roots band for a few years, where I only used flatwounds on my bass.

That was the only time I didn't have calluses on either hand.

I'm back to rounds in the aggressive electric blues band I'm in now, and have calluses on both hands again of course.

For the record, I have heavier calluses on my plucking hand, but I often hit aggressively when I play so it only makes sense.

Use your technique to soften your attack, for instance, pluck gently further up the neck.

 

[sean_on_bass]

You are SUPPOSED to develop calluses on your plucking hand. This is a good thing, and will allow you to play longer without getting blisters or sensitive finger tips. There's really nothing to be done, just keep playing. If you get a blister or the skin is peeling, give time to let it heal and then start playing even more

 

[bloobass]

I have substantial calluses from using rotosounds 66's for 25+ years. If I need a softer or gentler attack, I either use the ring finger on my plucking hand (which I don't have in regular plucking rotation), or I pluck way up by the neck. my 2 cents.

 

[maxiegrant]

I have a callus in my RH middle finger that goes halfway down the pad to the first knuckle.

After they harden up, they get soft and thick again. I also can pick up hot plates & stuff with my LH (I use all 4 fingers, and I play guitar too, acoustic, which also brings 'em).

I couldn't play without them, honestly. When I take time off & come back, I get stinging, burning little sores on my fingers until the calluses return.

"Maybe get a little blister on your finger / maybe get a blister on your thumb."

 

[jd_watt]

Question: How did you get to a gigging phase in a band without building up calluses?[/QUOTE]

IDK... Calluses on the plucking hand = got them overnight after blistering and bruising (played way too hard).

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm well familiar with fretting hand calluses, but I wasn't sure if it was advantageous to have them on my plucking hand. Like I said, I'm really working on improving my technique. The reply's help in perspective!

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

For building up calluses try this:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/ruff-rider-ruff-grip-callus-builder?tandt_rdir=1&nN=true

It's less intensive and builds up calluses in a few days. I also find that it doesn't impact my playing negatively at all

Seriously? This product has made my day, right up there with finger grips.

You want to build your callouses? Try playing your bass... it worked for me and countless others.

 

[sean_on_bass]

Yeah..no products necessary. Just play and don't worry about it.

 

[Sheffield]

... so here's a semi-related post: I don't have calluses and never really did, and always wonder if I'm alone in that when this topic comes up. Anyone else like this?

 

[RDUB]

I have calluses on both hands, but not nearly as thick as they once were. I've really worked on lightening my touch, and that's resulted in more speed and dexterity. To help with the sound, and drag, I regularly file the calluses I do have with a nail file.

 

[jd_watt]

Yeah, that's what I mean, Sheffield. I always have on my fretting hand, but never on my plucking hand. I literally got them overnight after a gig, and I practice daily for at least an hour or two. That's why I thought maybe I was playing to hard or my technique was off.

 

[jabsys]

... so here's a semi-related post: I don't have calluses and never really did, and always wonder if I'm alone in that when this topic comes up. Anyone else like this?

I'm the same, the skin on the left (fretting hand) fingers is slightly harder but the right fingers look and feel normal despite playing 2+ hours a day, never had any pain or blisters.

 

[akukulich]

... so here's a semi-related post: I don't have calluses and never really did, and always wonder if I'm alone in that when this topic comes up. Anyone else like this?

After a couple of decades of playing the bass, I had hard calluses on the fingertips of my plucking hand. For the last couple of years I've been playing guitar more regularly with an occassional bass gig and I lost the calluses. When I would do a bass gig, my right hand fingertips would develop painful blisters by the end of the second set. I finally figured out that I need to turn the amp up, and use a softer attack (as promoted by Gary Willis). Using a lighter touch has improved my tone, my playing and reduced other problems in my wrist and elbow. For me, it's the way to go.