Right hand wrist angle

[Lobster11]

Hi guys!

So I have a bit of a dilemma. I just started with my first real bass teacher who happens to be great. He writes music for tv and film, been in successful bands, has degrees in music, plays bass, fretless, guitar, piano, sings, etc. He's also one of the most expensive tutors in Sydney....

One more thought: The things you mention here that make him appear "great" might make him a particularly good teacher of music theory, or composition, or any number of things. But none of this means that he is necessarily a good bass teacher.

Just sayin'....

 

[CMYKdream]

Please tell your teacher you have used TB and got advice contrary to his, but this advice is based in medical facts.
Please ask him to read any of the posts in the medical sticky on this techniques form ( it is at the top of the page ) and if he wishes to ask any questions about why wrists should be " straight as possible " then I am always happy to share any information or advice and can be contacted here on TB or via E-mail.
F.

Thankyou Fergie, I will take your advice and explain the issue with my teacher and show him the medical facts on TB. Hopefully he will come around and let me use the moveable anchor technique, if not I have just found another bass teacher in my area who seems to have lots of experience and uses the moveable anchor technique too.

One more thought: The things you mention here that make him appear "great" might make him a particularly good teacher of music theory, or composition, or any number of things. But none of this means that he is necessarily a good bass teacher.

Just sayin'....

I see what you mean Lobster. While those other things are great, at this point having someone who can teach me bass well is of most importance.

I really appreciate all the responses guys, I was anxious about this before you all helped

 

[enricogaletta]

Well, the position of the hand on the bass is one of the most personal thing playing an instrument.
Do you see all players have the exactly position of the hand when they play? I don't think so, off course most of them are similar, but the thing that you really don't have to forget is:
- you need first of all be comfortable when you play, you don't need to feel any pain,
- if your touch have a nice sound don't change it,
off course if with your natural position something doesn't work than you have to fix it and listen some good suggestion.
Anyway if you still need some help pm me, I will be glad to help you!
Cheers

 

[MostlyBass]

I would combine the techniques. The straight wrist in the right pictures are definitely better for you arm. The very bent wrist can put strain on the carpal tunnel and cause injuries. (that's the way I was taught too)....

I'm not a fan of the floating thumb so... try this:

Lightly anchor your thumb on the pickup or other contact point.
Move your fingers about an inch or so to the right so your fingers are NOT lined up with your thumb.
Lean your arm / hand slightly to the right.

This should flatten the wrist a bit and also give you an anchor point.

As a side note - we want our technique to be as close to neutral alignment as possible.
For example - stand up straight and let your arms hang naturally down. Observe your arms, wrist, and hands - this is proper technique.
The farther you deviate, the more prone to injury.

So try to keep the natural alignment and curved fingers.