finger issue - need help

[fhm555]

A couple things.

My left pinky started hurting when I played. Since I use four fingers on my left hand it was problematic but I figured it just needed rest. LSS, by the time I went to an MD it was too late and my left pinky is no longer a part of my playing and three years on I’m still unlearning 40 years of muscle memory as I struggle to adapt to a three finger fretting hand.

I once lost the use of my right middle finger while it healed in a brace that made it impossible to use for plucking, but I had obligations to play so i decided to try plucking with my index and ring fingers. It was surprisingly easy to adapt to and even after the brace came off I still occasionally catch myself using my ring finger without consciously deciding to do so.

 

[ElectroVibe]

Sometimes it's frustrating when you can't use you middle finger.

 

[red_rhino]

Give the fingers a rest. Use your thumb or a pick.

I've tried rest.

But perhaps not enough rest. The middle finger of my plucking hand tends to get sore if I play frequently for extended periods. Not a skin surface soreness; more like a bruise of the underlying tissue. I don’t have a lot of meat on my fingertips.

The only thing I’ve found that helps is rest. Sometimes I use it as an opportunity to improve playing with a pick, but I’ve never been happy with fingertip paddings or bandages. (I feel like a cat trying to shake a piece of tape off its paw. )

 

[TomB]

Over the years with damaged finger tips, I’ve used this stuff over a band-aid on top of the tip, and then a wrap around the digit to hold it all in place. Make sure the seams are out of the action. It actually stands up to a whole night of finger-picking, and doesn’t affect the sound too too much.

https://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Abso...t=&hvlocphy=9003003&hvtargid=pla-385046465730

 

[Kingmixer325]

Liquid Bandage

 

[whatever4]

This may be bad technique, but I'm a finger player who falls into the habit of playing with alternating index and ring fingers because they are closer in length than the longer middle finger. I always have to remind myself to use my first two fingers, but playing with index and ring might work as a temporary fix while your middle finger heals.

 

[bobdabilder]

I have found that I subconsciously lead with my middle finger. When i play long set, if I'm not careful to alternate properly, it gets sore. I have to consciously distribute the workload. Moisturing my fingers helps. It sounds counterintuitive to me but it works.
Good luck.

I've been playing for almost 40 years. I generally use the index and middle fingers for plucking, and used to be able to play for hours without issue.

Lately, when I play at all hard, my middle finger gets irritated and sore, to the point where I cannot use it for several days without pain (yes, I do have the requisite calluses)

I've been using a bandaid on that finger, which helps some, but am looking for a better solution. Is there any kind of tip or cover made that I can put on that fingertip to ease the irritation?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Ric5]

I've been playing for almost 40 years. I generally use the index and middle fingers for plucking, and used to be able to play for hours without issue.

Lately, when I play at all hard, my middle finger gets irritated and sore, to the point where I cannot use it for several days without pain (yes, I do have the requisite calluses)

I've been using a bandaid on that finger, which helps some, but am looking for a better solution. Is there any kind of tip or cover made that I can put on that fingertip to ease the irritation?

Thanks for any help.

learn how to use a pick

 

[AceOfBassFace]

Do you use nickel strings by any chance? I somehow acquired a nickel allergy a few years ago (I'm 51) which was causing contact dermatitis only on my plucking fingers (but not on my fretting hand for some reason). Fixed it by thoroughly washing my hands after playing. Tried SS strings too, which worked, but prefer nickel tone.

 

[rtslinger]

work on your technique need to play with a softer touch

 

[buldog5151bass]

I'm working on a softer technique. Just seems weird after all these decades to have an issue.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

What kind of strings are you using? Maybe a change to flats or chromes will help. Several years ago, I tore my fingers up with rounds and switched to chromes and never had a blister or cut again. Maybe worth a try.

 

[buldog5151bass]

@buldog5151bass --- what do you think it is?
- 'too many miles'?
- arthritis and/or neuropathy?
- all?
- other?

i'm asking in order to compare experiences. we're not docs, but sometimes we have a sense (or a reasonable guess) about these things. any idea? TIA

Not arthritis, since it is just in the finger pad, on one finger. Same bass and strings I've been using for decades, and I've done more than my share of 3-4 hour gigs.

 

[Drucifer]

What kind of strings are you using? Maybe a change to flats or chromes will help. Several years ago, I tore my fingers up with rounds and switched to chromes and never had a blister or cut again. Maybe worth a try.

Another vote for Chromes, the first time I played them it was a revelation how smooth they were compared to stainless roundwounds.

 

[JRA]

Not arthritis, since it is just in the finger pad, on one finger. Same bass and strings I've been using for decades, and I've done more than my share of 3-4 hour gigs.

yeah, to manifest all of a sudden is 'interesting'.

man, i hope you get it figured out or at least get some relief from this. it'll be interesting to see/hear how things work out. best of luck with this playing issue!

 

[Andyman001]

if it's just on the surface of the skin, try some vitamin E oil, the pure thick stuff. Works good for dry skin too.

 

[brianrost]

As others have written, if the OP's finger pain is something new, best to see a doctor ASAP.

For some reason, the thumb and fingers on my right hand tend to get real dry and crack open sometimes.

I keep moisturizer in my gig bag at all times. First warning signs of blistering or cracking, I apply it and repeat at every set break. I usually only need it when playing DB, although sometimes when I palm mute and pluck with my thumb I need some. I have a roll of sports tape in the bag as well in case blistering starts. During the winter I use moisturizer even at home as my hands start feeling dry.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I'm going to try playing more often in shorter bursts, and if it doesn't get better, will seek medical help. But if anyone has any more "finger condom" ideas let me know

 

[CFunk62]

I've been playing for almost 40 years. I generally use the index and middle fingers for plucking, and used to be able to play for hours without issue.

Lately, when I play at all hard, my middle finger gets irritated and sore, to the point where I cannot use it for several days without pain (yes, I do have the requisite calluses)

I've been using a bandaid on that finger, which helps some, but am looking for a better solution. Is there any kind of tip or cover made that I can put on that fingertip to ease the irritation?

Thanks for any help.

I actually just got 2 stitches on the tip of my plucking middle finger... While its healing I've been playing with just my index finger and trying to adapt best I can and tapped my injured finger to protect it just incase instincts kicked in (and when they do I immediately just stop)

I know its nowhere near the same but if the index is good enough for Jamerson, its good enough for me So I'm working on my motown chops

Nowhere near the same scenario I know, but if the doctor route doesn't work, maybe explore alternate techniques?

 

[Durham52]

I'm working on a softer technique. Just seems weird after all these decades to have an issue.

Perhaps just one of the fun things associated with aging? At about age 55 I developed a few spots where I get eczema, never had it before in my life and it's just on my ankles where the top of my work boots come to and on my calf muscles, probably where my work trousers and jeans rub. Skin changes as we get older, along with varying amounts of other stuff.... Best of luck finding a solution to, or at least a way of dealing with, your problem.