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Fretting Hand Frustration

B

bassplayer7768521

Jun 30, 2009
138
1
#1
Hey guys :bassist:

Lately I've been getting aggravated with my left hand (in my case, my fretting hand) and the way I hold the neck.

I noticed that when I stand up, my bass's neck tilt's downward. To compensate I find my right index finger hugging the bottom of my neck, holding it up.

Is there anything wrong with your upper palm / low finger joints touching the bottom of the neck? If so, what can I do I correct it? At times it feels unnatural, but I have to keep my bass held up.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.
 
#4
I've had this problem with our church's bass. The reason is a slippery canvas-like strap. I've solved it by playing my guitar instead (it has a solid, wide leather strap). If I'm too lazy to carry my guitar to church I take the strap with me and use it for the duration of the service.

And yes - don't let the neck rest on any part of your fretting hand. It's going to mess up your technique, speed and shoulder muscle.
 
#11
It could be unbalanced, but unless you're willing to attack the thing with a router, there's not a lot you can do about it. I guess you could start taping strips of lead to the base of the instrument. ;)

Get a strap with more friction and you'll probably be fine.
 
#12
xzzy said:
It could be unbalanced, but unless you're willing to attack the thing with a router, there's not a lot you can do about it. I guess you could start taping strips of lead to the base of the instrument. ;)

Get a strap with more friction and you'll probably be fine.
Click to expand...

Alright, bought 3 pounds of lead at the Home Depot, and Super-glue! I'm about to do some work on this thing. Haha. Yeah that looks like my best option.
 
#13
fearceol said:
Your bass has "neck dive". As tobie says, your strap could be the problem. Try getting one that has some grip.

Ideally the palm of your hand should not touch the neck.
Click to expand...

I agree. I hate basses and guitars with neck dive. I wind up wrestling with them everytime I play. If it can be fixed with a strap change, great, otherwise out the door. Not worth it to me.
 
#16
don't let the neck rest on any part of your fretting hand. It's going to mess up your technique, speed and shoulder muscle.
Click to expand...

The above statement is false to a point(shoulder muscle is in no danger) and has no bearing if you play rock or metal. As for the hand on the fretboard it actualy it becomes important to blend it in to your technique for rock and metal.

Yes a wider strap will help your problem and if it does not, then change your bass for a better balanced one.
 

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