How to stop shoulder pain

[radioface]

The GruvGear Duo Strap is great for keeping shoulder pain at bay. I can wear my Stingray Classic at 10.5 lbs all night with no discomfort at all.

I was going to suggest the same strap!

 

[Jeff Bonny]

Is your bass even a little neck heavy? Any dive at all even a small amount will create leverage and increase the actual force on your shoulder. Only practical solution is going to lightweight tuners like Hipshot Ultralites or Gotoh RES-O-LITEs but those few ounces can really make a difference.

As far as strap height goes playing the bass guitar is a complex bio-mechanical problem and there are always going to be compromises. I've settled on what Billy Sheehan was saying years ago and keep the strap more or less at the same height as the bass is in my lap when sitting. That's a little lower than I typically played for years but I compensate by tipping the neck up which lessens any tendency to neck dive and puts the hands and wrists in a reasonably stress free position. I also use easily adjustable straps now and will change the height if it's not comfortable at that moment.

I'll also give the standard advice to practice with a mirror. Sometimes you're doing something stressful you weren't aware of but when you see it it's obvious.

 

[fearceol]

Am I extra weak or something?

After reading your responces so far, my guess is that the problem is one of posture and how you are holding the bass. You never mentioned how much time you spend at one go, playing. Perhaps you need to build up the time gradually ? For example, if your shoulder feels sore after an hour of playing, then sit down just before the hour is up, and continue this way. Or just play for under an hour at one time. Do this a few times, then gradually increase (maybe by ten to fifteen minutes) the standing time.

 

[RattleSnack]

Is your bass even a little neck heavy? Any dive at all even a small amount will create leverage and increase the actual force on your shoulder. Only practical solution is going to lightweight tuners like Hipshot Ultralites or Gotoh RES-O-LITEs but those few ounces can really make a difference.

As far as strap height goes playing the bass guitar is a complex bio-mechanical problem and there are always going to be compromises. I've settled on what Billy Sheehan was saying years ago and keep the strap more or less at the same height as the bass is in my lap when sitting. That's a little lower than I typically played for years but I compensate by tipping the neck up which lessens any tendency to neck dive and puts the hands and wrists in a reasonably stress free position. I also use easily adjustable straps now and will change the height if it's not comfortable at that moment.

I'll also give the standard advice to practice with a mirror. Sometimes you're doing something stressful you weren't aware of but when you see it it's obvious.

Agreed. After a struggle when playing over 3 hours with my medium weight Precision, I changed vintage tuners for Ultralites and shaved off at least 250 grams of the headstock. The difference is amazing, neck stays exactly where I put it, pressure on my shoulder and neck is reduced and point of pressure has moved away from a painfull inflamated muscules. Even my posture improved.

 

[gully_jones]

Get yourself an exercise band (less than $10 on evil bay) and do this several times a day. It has worked wonders for me. Only time I get shoulder pain now is after waking up and I do this routine and that pain is gone in minutes. Good luck.

Article is at this link
Tip: Do This 3-Minute Shoulder Warm-Up | T Nation

 

[adbass]

That's interesting. Why do so many sites and teachers recommend it be so High?

By the way, this is my current wrist angle with the lower height. Does this look good? If so, I've solved half of my problem, the bass isn't getting that much lighter but I can play standing a bit longer now.

Oh, so you're saying your LEFT shoulder is hurting?

I assumed it was your RIGHT shoulder, and thus lowering the bass would help bring your RIGHT arm into a more relaxed position.

 

[Mechayoshi]

Thank you for all the responses so far. My posture is actually pretty terrible and Im starting to think that I do have a touch of neck dive as well.

 

[fearceol]

Thank you for all the responses so far. My posture is actually pretty terrible and Im starting to think that I do have a touch of neck dive as well.

It is a process of trial and illimination. Come back in a while and let us know how you got on.

 

[Mechayoshi]

It is a process of trial and illimination. Come back in a while and let us know how you got on.

I'm in the market for another bass anyway. I think looking for one a little under eight pounds along with actually being well balanced will help. I'm also going to take breaks around 45 minutes (that's usually when I notice discomfort but I have a very bad habit of continuing to play anyway which results in more hurting later ) lastly I'm going to try to do stretches and exercises (which I never do. Once again, a bad habit of mine)

 

[Later_Peter]

I have seen & heard one of these... fascinating design. beautifully built. beautiful sound. AND it'll fix any shoulder issues... (some wrist issues, too)
Barker Vertical Bass - incredible tone from an easy to play upright electric bass
a guitar.
NOT a modified electrified Stand Up

 

[Mechayoshi]

Update:
I played standing for about thirty minutes and was getting sore. I played another ten minutes then sat while I practiced for another hour or more. Looks like alternating standing and sitting is my solution for now.

I just ordered some licensed ultralite tuners. I took off the gotoh ones I currently have and they seemed a little on the heavy side. Hopefully this will make a difference. Aside from that I MIGHT experiment more with neoprene straps. Aside from that I will not be putting more money in my current bass.

As far as GAS goes, I might look into some Peavey Milliniums. They are said to be light and well balanced!