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Arii Tahamena

Arii Tahamena

Jan 3, 2018
9
5
22
AZ
#1
So uh, whenever I play my bass for a long time or at a show my fingers get red and usually have a small patch of skin just hanging out. On my finger. I always have a small bump on my finger and I can't tell if this is happening because of my girly fingers or because of my girly fingers. I hope I made sense?..
 
#4
Arii Tahamena said:
So uh, whenever I play my bass for a long time or at a show my fingers get red and usually have a small patch of skin just hanging out. On my finger. I always have a small bump on my finger and I can't tell if this is happening because of my girly fingers or because of my girly fingers. I hope I made sense?..
Click to expand...
Keep playing, get your action lowered, you'll be fine.
 
#12
Arii Tahamena said:
fretting hand
Click to expand...

It could be a number of things, but be assured that it's not due to "girly fingers." No bass should be causing pain or injury.

Are you getting blisters, is skin peeling, or is it just a general redness? Are you pressing too hard (it can be informative to see how much or little pressure is required to fret a note compared to how much pressure you're actually applying), or is the action too high? (I had my first bass for years before I knew the nut was not cut properly, causing the action at the first frets to be too high, and too high an action due to that or due to improperly adjusted truss rod and bridge just makes everything more difficult.) Is your hand cramping? Are your strings particularly rough and abrading your skin?

The cause can be any number of things, but without more information, I'm going to guess that it's either due to you gripping/fretting too hard, or a badly adjusted instrument. What kind of bass is it?
 
#14
When I started, my fingertips would turn all sorts of weird bruisey colors. It was alarming, but kind of pretty too. Didn’t hurt much save at first, and I took it as a sign that I was putting in the hours. These days they don’t bruise anymore, but when my fingertips are peeling and stained black after a session, I feel extra proud of myself.

Part of it’s finding a comfortable setup and part of it’s learning to use a lighter touch, but part of it’s also that your fingertips are just going to have to go through some changes while they adjust to this thing you’re making them do. All three are important.

--^@
 
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#17
Oh my..... That would sure put a damper on a new players excitement level..... You probably have roundwound strings. Run your nail down the string. If there are ridges, you have roundwound strings. Flatwound strings are smooth and may Be Kinder to your fingertips. I do not believe it has a thing to do with ladies fingers at all. I am more inclined to think you are over gripping. Not unusual for a beginner. And you may be over gripping because your bass may not be set up well. A small shop (in my areas anyway) will do you a set up for 25 bucks. A worthwhile investment for your fingertips! Don’t give up!
 
#18
Good luck on your fingers. The bass set up has a lot to do with it. And flatwound strings might be good. Id recommend Rotosound Steve Harris flats. Lot of peops like em and I like the cool colors of the silk on the tips where you wind it on the tuning keys. Lol also, id recommend you have a clean fretboard. The gunk can be giving you a small infection. Also, id recommend that a tech look at your frets to see if you have any sharp edges. I've cut myself before on a messed up fret. They should all be smooth and no rough spots. Take care and good luck!
 

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