Right (plucking) hand problems

[PLStepp]

I've been playing for many years, but have recently (in the last year) joined my first real band on bass (I've played guitar, with a pick, in other groups in the past.)

I'm having a problem with my right hand technique. When I didn't play bass very often it didn't matter, but now that I'm playing more I'm worried about a repetitive motion injury.

When my right wrist is straight, I can't really reach all the strings. I only have dexterity on the E and A strings. If I arch my wrist enough to have some dexterity on the other strings, my wrist begins to tire quickly and I start worrying about carpal tunnel, etc.

I've tried wearing the bass at different heights, etc. None of it really fixes what's wrong.

Are there some guidelines out there about the best right hand position, a position that allows you to reach all the strings without putting unnatural stress on your wrist?

PLStepp

 

[Erick Lam]

See the "floating thumb" threads on the technique forum.

 

[7flat5]

I also agree that the floating thumb may be worth developing. See also the Todd Johnson AskaPro forum.

You said you get tired. Fatigue and pain are two different things, though. It may be uncomfortable, and if so worth changing, but stamina will also come from playing an hour or two at a time on a regular basis.

 

[Demon]

Yep, stamina is a whole other thing, no worry until it start hurting, but if it does then maybe i agree on the floating thumb, but you have to up your stamina^^