Fingers getting caught

[bolophonic]

I think the more you practice, the less you will have the problem. There is just something unfamiliar about the feel of the bass that will go away with time.

 

[StatesideRambler]

However, I notice, in the first pic, a number of players have their right hand at that angle. Jess Berlin, for example, and, I think, John Pattituci. I don't know how they physically play that way.

The Berlin and Patitucci position you mentioned resembles an upright bass plucking position. A good tool to have but not relevant to your problem. Is your hand position with the new bass higher or lower than the plane of the strings than it is with your last bass? As if the top of the body is slightly nearer, farther or angled WRT the strings? (A little hard for me to word that as I’d like.) I have seen this when someone who’s played an archtop instrument for years switches to a slab.

That you’re aware of it makes it solvable. Patience. Practice very slowly to train your fingers with good technique, then gradually speed it up to your normal pace.

 

[wishface]

The Berlin and Patitucci position you mentioned resembles an upright bass plucking position. A good tool to have but not relevant to your problem. Is your hand position with the new bass higher or lower than the plane of the strings than it is with your last bass? As if the top of the body is slightly nearer, farther or angled WRT the strings? (A little hard for me to word that as I’d like.) I have seen this when someone who’s played an archtop instrument for years switches to a slab.

I'm inclined to say no. I don't perceive any difference. I don't feel as if the instrument is forcing me to adopt a different posture

 

[StatesideRambler]

Then it’s likely just the different overall feel of the new bass. As I said above, I think you’ll overcome it quickly by practicing very slowly for awhile to teach your hand the new bass. Make that your daily warmup routine.

 

[Kmonk]

Seems like your trying to pluck under the string rather than on top or slightly to the side. Possibly, playing too aggressively as well. You need to work on your technique. It shouldn't take much effort to get a good sound. Sometimes a lighter touch works much better.

 

[non]

Wouldn't humbuckers serve the same function as a ramp?

yes but ramps let your plucking hand play in other postions, not just over the pickups.

 

[Fender_Bender]

It’s occasionally happened to me but only when my mind wanders or if I forget where the next note is. Also it’s hot and humid at this time of year. You could try dipping your fingertips into isopropyl alcohol to dry out the surface. Get the highest percentage you can find to minimize any sort of temporary grabbiness from the water content. Works for me.

 

[wishface]

Seems like your trying to pluck under the string rather than on top or slightly to the side. Possibly, playing too aggressively as well. You need to work on your technique. It shouldn't take much effort to get a good sound. Sometimes a lighter touch works much better.

That may be the case, but if it is it isn't a conscious choice

 

[Fender_Bender]

Also, new strings tend to be very grabby. I’ve used the alcohol trick on new strings to try and get rid of whatever’s on the surface.

 

[SteveCS]

That may be the case, but if it is it isn't a conscious choice

Then until such time as it is, you have to make it a conscious choice not to...

 

[wishface]

it's weird, i usually do try to have a light touch. That video clip is unclear. But from taking in influences i like to have my fingers almost flat and i use rest strokes. That way I can use my right hand to more effectively mute. This style tends to inhibit speed as its the very opposite of rest strokes so i rake more than use, for example, free strokes which you might think would cause the fingers to go under the strings more. But i find the hand positoin that induces more uncomfortable.

 

[SgtHulka]

Try drinking lots of water to puff your fingers up.

Does that really work or are u just joshin around?

 

[wishface]

Also, new strings tend to be very grabby. I’ve used the alcohol trick on new strings to try and get rid of whatever’s on the surface.

The alcohol trick?

Surely not a question that lead to anything good! :O

 

[Folmeister]

I have this happen on one bass only. My Stingray. For me it is the strings. They are some EM/MM round wound that I have never changed. They seem to really grab my skin in a way that no other string does. It is a really weird feeling

 

[Kmonk]

That may be the case, but if it is it isn't a conscious choice

That's what I was thinking. Be patient and focus on your technique.

 

[bassliner50]

Trim your finger nails. Just practice scales up and down on your bass.

 

[obimark]

You are probably digging in too much or playing too hard.

 

[Thumpin6string]

A ramp may help. I found it helped me play with a lighter touch.

 

[Alexis Duntov]

Do you play heavy or have a heavy touch? I do and occasionally my fingers go between the strings. I am working trying to have a lighter touch. That is hard!

Agree with this. I’ve had this issue in the past and I determined it was because I was gripping the instrument too tightly due to stress about good playing. Try breathing, lightening up your touch.

 

[bassgrackle]

Not sure where else to post this but here.

I'm experiencing a weird phenomena where my fingers occasionally get caught on the string as I pluck. This isn't something I recall being a problem on any other bass I've played. It's not the strings (or I've gotten really unlucky with the two sets i've used thus far, along with an old set i swapped from my previous bass to my new Sire M2).

I don't know what can really be said about this, but I'd be interested hearing from others if they have had similar issues with a new bass. It's quite disconcerting and I'm not sure how to overcome this unless i go full plectrum!

This is why I have a ramp on all my basses. It makes finger playing very fast because it limits the amount of string that you grab.