Playing with 'wet' or 'dry' hands.

[DBFIU]

I just played after eating some fried chicken, boy was it easier.

 

[flameworker]

I like pool cue talc, and I have a tiny hair dryer too if I accidentally wash my hands.

 

[JustForSport]

nose/forehead 'grease'

Sort-a like with 2-piece fly rods, and behind-the-ear works if there's not enough alongside the nose.
I prefer dry fingers, if poss, myself, but don't always have a choice.

 

[HolmeBass]

I like having clean hands when i play. Washing with warm/hot water helps warm them up, too. I try to get them as dry as possible. If they are still a little wet, or too clammy, I run my plucking fingers through my hair for some natural oil. If that's not enough, just touching my forehead or the sides of my nice will provide plenty of natural oils, then I wipe the extra off on my pants and good to go.

Having anything sticky on my hands like dried soda or some sauce or bud residue or something completely drives me nuts. Have to wash them before I play. The only times this can be challenging are in super cheap dive clubs that have only cold water, maybe no soap, and no paper towels to dry my hands with, or at festivals where running water is at a premium. The Purell hand disinfectant is terrible- way too sticky!

 

[BruceWane]

I like pool cue talc, and I have a tiny hair dryer too if I accidentally wash my hands.

I don't like having any moisture in my fingertips when I play, so I always take a hair dryer in the gig bag. Often gets a chuckle from onlookers, as my hair is generally about 3 millimeters long.

Aside from making sure my fingertips are completely dry, it's also good on those mid-January gigs to warm up my hands before the set starts.

 

[strictlybass_ic]

Yes, oh lord yes. Depending on humidity, dry/wet hands, etc getting the right attack/release from finger style can be challenging. As a flats player I've also learned that if it's humid my smooth strings can become really sticky and sliding can generate a lot of friction and heat. I've learned to give my bass time to acclimate to the room (less chance of sticky strings), always wash my hands thoroughly before a set and dry just as thoroughly, at times being a grease-ball can actually be your best friend.