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Double Bass RH thumb fatigue

Andy Mopley

Andy Mopley

Sep 24, 2011
1,335
318
#1
HI there

I have been practicing a little longer than usual lately but I do notice the next day, that the thumb on my right hand (I play French bow) hurts...I don't know if this is due to pure muscle fatigue or poor technique (or both!) - I play standing up, if it's any help knowing...Is a straight thumd (when holding bow!) one of the sure signs of hand muscle fatigue?

Thanks for reading!
 
#2
Well, a straight thumb is a great way to cause pain and injury. I don't know if it's a sign of fatigue, but it really is something to avoid.

I actually switched bows because my thumbs are short enough that I can't avoid this problem. But I think most people's hand geometry will let them play French with proper form.
 
#4
I used to have the same problem, I put my thumb in the u part of the frog and needed a lot of pressure to get a solid sound at the tip. Then I switched techniques and bent my thumb and put it on the pointy lip of the frog, don't have the problem at all any more and it's easier to get a consistent sound, I don't know if you have tried this or already do this, it's very awkward at first, almost like you have no solid control over the bow but in the long run it improved my technique substansially.
 
#11
Cupped hand, bent thumb opposite second finger and bent pinkie all combine and contribute to keeping the wrist and fingers flexible, sensitive and relaxed, especially if you only use enough strength to control the bow hold.

Trawl back to see previous threads too, the last I remember coming from Enzo, 07 - 16 - 2011. In this I give more details about my approach.

DP
 

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