Numb plucking fingers

[PhillipHolbrook]

I've been having a problem and it seems to get worse by the day. Once I have played for more than an hour or so, my two plucking fingers on my right hand go numb, making it very difficult to continue playing, at least without a pick.

By the way, I've been playing since the age of 10 and I also teach bass students. I am a conventional player and my technique is good. This has only started happening recently and I am now 56 years old.

I don't known if it is CTS because I have neuropathy and mild MS.

If you've ever experienced this or have a suggestion I would truly appreciate it.

 

[Lobster11]

You say that your technique is good, but.... Do you rest your plucking wrist on top of the bass body and bend it so your fingers can reach down to the strings? Lots of people play that way and think their technique is fine, but that is the perfect recipe for numb fingers as the nerves running to your fingers can get pinched in the bent wrist -- not to mention damage to tendons, etc.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Are you doing this?

 

[PhillipHolbrook]

You say that your technique is good, but.... Do you rest your plucking wrist on top of the bass body and bend it so your fingers can reach down to the strings? Lots of people play that way and think their technique is fine, but that is the perfect recipe for numb fingers as the nerves running to your fingers can get pinched in the bent wrist -- not to mention damage to tendons, etc.

No, I've never done that.

 

[PhillipHolbrook]

Are you doing this?
View attachment 5274738

No, not at all. I don't angle my rest at all. I've seen players with a background in upright do this, but I try to correct when I see one of my students do. Some upright players do this when moving to electric bass because they're only accustomed to play where the side of their finger catches the string. That is natural when playing upright but it hurts me to watch someone do this on electric.

 

[PhillipHolbrook]

I anchor my thumb on the lowest string, so it only floats when I play the low B on my 5 string and low E on a four string.