Shoulder Pain When Playing with Pick

[thunesBARROW]

Try a variety of picks. I eventually settled on extra heavy triangle picks (Golden Gate, for now lol), but tried probably every gauge and shape before I got there. I used to use a yellow Tortex pick for a long time too.

I find it less fatiguing to use a heavy pick because you can hold it very lightly. I tend to squeeze the pick harder when it’s lighter.

 

[Geogio]

Relax, it might be grip tension. If you have to play hard with a death grip on the plec for volume then your volume is not turned up enough. Let the amplifier do the work.

 

[Kubicki Fan]

I'm sure that I could benefit from strength training however, I suspect that is not the cause since I have a long history of it and still maintain reasonable abilities.

But in regards to mobility that has been an issue in the past and I hadn't considered it to be a contributor here. I used to stand flush against a wall and raise my hands from rest to above my head while maintaining wrist contact with the wall. That was a ***** but was really effective at targeting shoulder mobility.

In light of your reply, I would resume the "wall slide" exercise, in addition to my original recommendation.

 

[Bushrod Johnson]

Don't play with pick.

 

[logdrum]

I assume from your screen name you are a guitar player. Does it hurt with guitar? The only thing I can think of ist hat the bridge of a guitar is pushed towards your left. Are you resting your hand somewhere or are you keeping it in the air. Pictures could help.

NVM -- you said on guitar too. No idea. I am not an ergonomist or OT so don't mind me

 

[bigdaddybass12]

Using a pick causes you to tense up your shoulder. You lose your rest: thumb, floating thumb etc.

 

[TyBo]

"Doc, it hurts when I do this."
"So don't do that."


... Anyway, for me, holding the bass up relatively high, short strap, works considerably better for playing with a pick. Ymmv.

 

[SharpCat]

Also, choose grippy picks. My current favorite is the Dunlop primetone thick triangle with bumps on the surface. I find bumps to grip better than holes through the pick.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hello,

I've been playing fingerstyle for a decade with some instruction and that's completely comfortable and fluid.

However, when I use a plectrum (on bass or guitar), my shoulder tends to tighten and get sore. I've tried lengthening the strap and angling the instrument but it doesn't go away. I also practice an alternating strum but that doesn't seem to help either.

I play 5 string jazz bass.

Any advice on what's going on?

Humm, Me too, but I have a couple of torn rotator cuffs and I refuse to have shoulder replacement surgery.

Quick question. Does it get sore playing the guitar?

I’m not orthopedic doctor or physical therapist, so I’m not comfortable giving medical advice. I would recommend a consult with a MD for an evaluation. All I know is pain is an indication something is not right and the sooner you find out what causing that pain, the better. JMO and best wishes.

 

[flaps]

Have you tried a different bass?
I was experiencing the same thing this past summer. Lengthening the strap helped a lot but switching my bass seemed to totally fix it. (Both were p basses so not sure exactly what about that bass wasn’t helping the scenario)

 

[YourGuitarist]

I assume from your screen name you are a guitar player. Does it hurt with guitar? The only thing I can think of ist hat the bridge of a guitar is pushed towards your left. Are you resting your hand somewhere or are you keeping it in the air. Pictures could help.

NVM -- you said on guitar too. No idea. I am not an ergonomist or OT so don't mind me

Actually no...lol. It's my weird sense of humor. I do play guitar but I am primarily a bassist.

 

[YourGuitarist]

Have you tried a different bass?
I was experiencing the same thing this past summer. Lengthening the strap helped a lot but switching my bass seemed to totally fix it. (Both were p basses so not sure exactly what about that bass wasn’t helping the scenario)

I'm a little broke for that atm but next time I window shop, I should keep it in mind.

 

[Lobster11]

I'm a little broke for that atm but next time I window shop, I should keep it in mind.

Fortunately, you really don't need a new bass to learn to play comfortably with a pick. Just follow the advice you've gotten here and work on it very slowly and deliberately. It will take a good amount of time but not cost you anything beyond the price of a pick. Good luck!

 

[YourGuitarist]

I appreciate all the feedback provided here. I didn't realize there were so many different potential pitfalls and solutions. As recommended, trial and error between the solutions is probably ideal.

 

[YourGuitarist]

Just following up with chat here, the relaxation is really helping. Taking it slow is actually encouraging tasteful not choice too. That's an added benefit, can't zoom around the neck so I'm more thoughtful. Ty for all the advice here.