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Pain in my left arm, from bad technique?

Discussion in 'Technique [BG]' started by RedCoatMonster, Jul 29, 2009.

  1. Jul 29, 2009 #1
    RedCoatMonster

    RedCoatMonster

    Aug 14, 2007
    Thomas, OK
    The last couple days Ive been practicing This Love by Pantera and it is played primarily between the first 5 frets of all 4 strings. After holding my arm in this position for the majority of the song my left shoulder, elbow, and wrist begin to get quite achy and soar.

    My question is, could this be do to bad technique? Is there a special way to hold your arm when playing in this area?

    I have small hands and I play a Spector NS2A that has a Pish shaped neck, could that be my problem possibly? Do I need a J shaped neck for more comfort due to my small hands?

    Any advice is appreciated, thanks you.:help:
     
  2. Jul 29, 2009 #2
    John Wentzien

    John Wentzien

    Jun 25, 2007
    Elberta, AL
    Artist:TC Electronic RH450 bass system (original test-pilot)
    Keep your left elbow pointing down at the floor. Wrist straight.
     
  3. Jul 29, 2009 #3
    mambo4

    mambo4

    Jun 9, 2006
    Dallas
    can't address technique unless you describe it.

    how high/ low is your bass strapped on?
    low riders can suffer left hands issues

    is your left wrist bent?
    shouldn't be.

    how do you angle your neck?
    point it up and your left hand has less distance to reach

    how lightly are you gripping with your left hand?
    most beginners use a death grip, when only a little bit of pressure is usually needed.

    also, has your bass been properly set up?
    a bad set up can make playing more difficult
     
  4. Jul 29, 2009 #4
    Mr. Mig

    Mr. Mig

    Sep 7, 2008
    Also remember thumb on the back of the neck. But as to your pain? Is it joint pain or muscle pain? If it muscle then it may be from alot of practice, but if it is joint then it may be bad technique.
     
  5. Jul 29, 2009 #5
    RedCoatMonster

    RedCoatMonster

    Aug 14, 2007
    Thomas, OK
    My bass at a kind of medium ride, it keeps my right shoulder from tiring too quickly.

    My wrist is bent at times in an effort to reach the E string due to my small hands.

    The pitch of the neck changes, my spector NS2A suffers from neck dive so sometimes it rides down and I pull it up. I have started pulling the neck up towards me today and it takes alot of stress off of my wrist.

    My grip is that tight usually unless I push myself beyond my limits, the songs Im learning now however are far from being too difficult at this point.

    The bass is set up pretty well to my feeling.
    __________________________________________________

    Ive spent some time pondering this and I think I may have figured some things out. Im not a stellar pick player, I play about 85% with my fingers with my bass strapped up pretty high, so Ive never had to pull my neck up or anything to keep it in my comfort zone.

    Also I didnt get to play most of the summer so my shoulders are a little out of playing shape I think, I just got worried because Ive never taken a long break and felt the ache from working ym arms out again.

    Thanks for the tips everyone, Ill keep them in mind!