G string jams right underneath my index fingernail!

[Hisler]

I used to use my middle finger to pluck whenever I would slap but now I use my index finger to pluck and probably 1 or 2 times out of 10 on my way down to pluck underneath my D string my index finger will hit directly on the g string and it goes right underneath my finger nail and sometimes causes it to bleed. Is there any tips I should be aware of or will I just get better at aiming my finger over time?

 

[bolophonic]

I’d maybe switch back to the finger I previously used to successfully slap without ripping my nail off.

 

[Stumbo]

Cut your nail shorter?

 

[Mushroo]

Practice makes perfect. Also, economy of motion (relaxed, gentle, small movements). A final suggestion is that some slap players use their index finger to pop the D string and their middle finger to pop the G string, so they don't have to reposition.

If you are bleeding, then you are playing MUCH too violently! Turn up your amp and use a lighter touch. Playing the electric bass should never hurt.

 

[Hisler]

Cut your nail shorter?

My nail is as short as I can cut it. Here’s a picture to try and show you what I mean. When the string goes underneath my nail like that it’s when I’m in motion of going to pop up the D but I miss the spacing a little bit and it digs right underneath

 

[Hisler]

Practice makes perfect. Also, economy of motion (relaxed, gentle, small movements). A final suggestion is that some slap players use their index finger to pop the D string and their middle finger to pop the G string, so they don't have to reposition.

If you are bleeding, then you are playing MUCH too violently! Turn up your amp and use a lighter touch. Playing the electric bass should never hurt.

Yeah I do play pretty aggressive but the only reason why I start to bleed is because my nail is peeling off because the string digs underneath it

 

[Hisler]

I’d maybe switch back to the finger I previously used to successfully slap without ripping my nail off.

Yeah I’ve been thinking I have to do this but whenever the string doesn’t dig underneath my nail I enjoy popping with my index so much more

 

[Mushroo]

This video is how I learned to slap. Maybe it will help you overcome the "bloody fingernail" problem?

 

[Hisler]

This video is how I learned to slap. Maybe it will help you overcome the "bloody fingernail" problem?

Great! Thank you I will give it a watch!

 

[Hounddog409]

I used to use my middle finger to pluck whenever I would slap but now I use my index finger to pluck and probably 1 or 2 times out of 10 on my way down to pluck underneath my D string my index finger will hit directly on the g string and it goes right underneath my finger nail and sometimes causes it to bleed. Is there any tips I should be aware of or will I just get better at aiming my finger over time?

Trim your freakin fingernail.

Its free

 

[Hisler]

Trim your freakin fingernail.

Its free

If you read my reply to Stumbo then you would have read that my fingernail can’t be cut any shorter.

 

[2tonic]

Torn nails (although not off ) are common.
Go to a female friend or a beauty supply store and get some clear matte nail strengthener. It looks like clear nail polish, goes on the same way. It really reinforces the nail and will let it pull free of the string without tearing or cracking.
Reapply every 4~7 days.
Used it for years.
Good luck!

 

[sotua]

Adjust your technique. Perhaps you need to put your wrist a little lower? Or pop with a more with the side of your finger rather than the front?

 

[Hisler]

Adjust your technique. Perhaps you need to put your wrist a little lower? Or pop with a more with the side of your finger rather than the front?

Yeah I’ve been trying to pop more to the side and it seems to be working a lot better! Before I would pop upright and that’s why when I would miss a little bit and hit the g string my finger would be straight down so then the string would dig underneath my nail. And now if I’m off a little the g string hits the back side of my finger instead Thank you it helped a ton!

 

[Jimtoonz]

A lot of slap players seem to feel that string spacing matters. From the photo you posted above, I'm not sure what make and model you are playing, but it would be an interesting experiment to see if you experience this issue on a bass with different spacing.

Also, I would suggest some experimentation with making your index finger attack at an angle that is not totally perpendicular to the body of the bass. Not a "radical" change, just a slight shift.

 

[Hisler]

A lot of slap players seem to feel that string spacing matters. From the photo you posted above, I'm not sure what make and model you are playing, but it would be an interesting experiment to see if you experience this issue on a bass with different spacing.

Also, I would suggest some experimentation with making your index finger attack at an angle that is not totally perpendicular to the body of the bass. Not a "radical" change, just a slight shift.

I’m playing on a sterling sting ray sub series! And yup I’ve been going at more of an angle now and it seems to working great now!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I used to use my middle finger to pluck whenever I would slap but now I use my index finger to pluck and probably 1 or 2 times out of 10 on my way down to pluck underneath my D string my index finger will hit directly on the g string and it goes right underneath my finger nail and sometimes causes it to bleed. Is there any tips I should be aware of or will I just get better at aiming my finger over time?

Practice. Slow and steady practice.

 

[JZQuantum]

Use the corner of your index finger that is on the thumb-side of your index finger. Don't use the square tip part that will catch your nail.

 

[Ric5]

I used to use my middle finger to pluck whenever I would slap but now I use my index finger to pluck and probably 1 or 2 times out of 10 on my way down to pluck underneath my D string my index finger will hit directly on the g string and it goes right underneath my finger nail and sometimes causes it to bleed. Is there any tips I should be aware of or will I just get better at aiming my finger over time?

string it BEAD and you won't have a G string …. then it can't happen

 

[Killing Floor]

Problem Solved!