Hand Cramps

FIrst, quit using the thumb on your fretting hand. it's just there to let you know where the neck is. I can't really point out any other problems with your technique, but I think you should look to get that as good as you can. Good technique will help you a lot. Also, aggressive doesn't mean heavy handed. Use enough force, but not to much. You don't have to fret hard, for example, even if you pluck hard.

 

1. You've already supplied the answers: You're getting older, you're not resting, you're playing hard. Can't do anything about the first, but 3-1/2 hours without stopping? I'd talk to the band about this and ask why. Breaks are as much for the audience as for the band, and they're a good thing.

2. If your avatar is any indication, your right wrist is angled pretty sharply, which will cause fatigue and cramping. The straighter the line from elbow to fingertips, the less stress on your tendons and muscles.

3. If you're unable or unwilling to take the above advice from myself and others, cramping in the hands is not much different from the cramping that happens to athletes. Proper hydration and electrolyte balance are important.

 

I'm real interested in this thread. Being 51 and recently taking up Double Bass, I'm having some trouble with forearm pain on electric. Keep us in the loop if you find any supplements, exercise or streching that's working for you. I've noticed that when switching basses (normally for different sound) it helps the forearm problem. Maybe if your set allows you time to switch to a different bass, it might help. Also, I've started using a "Tennis Elbow" brace when lifting gear, etc.
Good luck
Bill

 

I don't think lowering the bass is a good idea, maybe it'd straighten your plucking hand, but cause your fretting hand to angle too much.

I would try to raise your right elbow, so the angle between your wrist and your arm disappears. Maybe it's fatiguing (sp) at first, but a straight line between your wrist and your arm will make it easier to use considerable strength when plucking.

Just a question; are you pressing down your bass with your righthand thumb? I did so (without realising it) on my previous bass.

just my $0.02

 

Here's an idea to straighten out your wrist, and you may not like ti at first. Put your elbow out. Don't play with it really close to the body. If you must play with it close to the body, lowering could help, but it may adversly affect your fretting hand. Having your bass set up with really low action may also help, but you will need to lighten up on the finger attack, so as not to buzz. I usually turn my amp up a bit more and play like this, but it definitely takes more control.

I had a problem like this when I worked maintenance (I used my hands a lot). It turned out to be tendonitis, which can turn into carpal tunnel syndrome if you are not careful. You may want to get wrist braces, and wear them at night. Sleeping on your hands does unbelievable amounts of strain to your wrists.

 

Okay. I know that when I go to hear a band, I appreciate the breaks. My ears and brain can not maintain interest otherwise.

Again, as your avatar suggests, you are resting your right arm on the bass and bending your wrist sharply. Resting your arm on the bass constricts your blood flow and your tendon channels, which can result in pain and cramping. Sharp bending of the wrist when working is also harmful. As others have said, raise your right elbow and/or lower the bass a little - but don't lower it so much that your left hand suffers! Perhaps playing with the body lower and neck higher will help. When I play, my right forearm does not TOUCH the bass. This not only gives me a comfortable angle but allows my hand to float around the strings for different sounds and dynamics.

Yeah, ease up on the soda pop. Water or some kind of sports drink which provides minerals in good balance. If you play for 3-1/2 hours straight, it's like running a race. [he preaches, ignoring his own predilection for pineapple rum]

 

Just a good multivitamin, and keep hydrated.

 

REALLY?

 

No caffeine?! Caffeine is my friend, but mine always comes from coffee.

Glad to hear things are improving!

 

its not the caffeen, its the suger that you have to be carful of.

lowsound