Double Bass left-wrist pain

[eucalyptus]

hi, wasn't sure where to post this. in the last week i have started experiencing pain in my left wrist along the pinky-finger side. it's a dull sort of throbbing pain and i am certain it is from playing/practicing double bass. clearly it must be a technique issue, though i can't figure out exactly what i am doing wrong. my teacher has noted that i tend to grip the bass too tightly and tells me to relax my left hand, though if i exert less pressure i am unable to get a decent sound. i use medium-gauge spirocores and the action is not too high. would switching to a lighter gauge maybe help? what else can i do to avoid making this problem any worse? thanks in advance..

 

[Don Higdon]

hi, wasn't sure where to post this. in the last week i have started experiencing pain in my left wrist along the pinky-finger side. it's a dull sort of throbbing pain and i am certain it is from playing/practicing double bass. clearly it must be a technique issue.

Not so fast. It might also be (and by my experience it is most likely to be) unconscious, habitual tension that you're not aware of, and that is not discernable to someone not trained to see it, and I include music teachers in that group. You are in an area crawling with great teachers of the Alexander Technique, and I recommend you investigate it. They routinely help people in your position. The bay area has some of the best in the world. I can give recommendations in a PM if you're interested.

 

[eucalyptus]

thanks, Don. i haven't the cash to engage in anything beyond my regular bass lessons, but will certainly read-up more on the technique you're advocating.

 

[_em__]

i used to get that pain and i think your teacher might be right about gripping the bass too much... i used to hold on with my thumb when you really need build up the strength in your fingers especially the second and third... you should be able to bash your left fingers down and make a note sound.
alexander technique has helped a lot of bass players i know so its worth saving up for at least one session...
look after yourself!

 

[standupright]

your thumb is a guide, not the other end of a c clamp. try to focus on finger exercises for building strength. the strength of your fingering should have little to do with your thumb.

 

[eucalyptus]

thanks fellas. that was a few months ago and now the pain has entirely disappeared of it's own accord. weird.