Double Bass Thumb position problems

[MattMinteer]

I had a lesson with Joel Reist (Principal Bass, Nashville Symphony) where he suggested having the thumb rest on 2 strings. That is, if you're playing on the G string the thumb rests on the G and D, etc. It may help to think of the entire LH as one unit for a bit (T-1-2-3). Are you keeping your arm off the top of the bass? I find that the power to press down comes from the weight of the arm and that's not possible if you're resting your forearm on the bass.
Finally, look at your bass's set up and strings, etc. It may be a symptom of a needlessly high action or older strings that have started to stiffen due to metal fatigue. It may be a time for a trip to your luthier to check things out.

You should try the thumbnail on the string(it's half thumbnail and half skin). Check out what Edgar Meyer is doing, I think putting the nail on the string puts the hand in a very strong position.

 

[Les Fret]

That is what I have been trying as an experiment for the last few days. I can get a good tone without any pain when I play more in between the nail and knuckle. But the top of the thumb slightly touches the D string. Mostly this is no problem but when you do string crossings and use an open D string then it is not possible.

It is harder to get a good tone playing with the side of the nail though.

 

[Roy Vogt]

You should try the thumbnail on the string(it's half thumbnail and half skin). Check out what Edgar Meyer is doing, I think putting the nail on the string puts the hand in a very strong position.

Thanks, I'll do that. It would seem that using half nail and half skin would put the fingers in the best curve to transmit the arm weight in the most efficient manner.

 

[bassics1975]

Is your thumb perpendicular to the string? I have found that having the tip of your thumb pointing down can contribute to finger collapse.

Playing with collapsed fingers is not a good idea for a bass give the tension of the strings. Cellists do not encounter the same heavy string tension that bassists do so it may be viable for them to play this way. My bass coach in university (assistant principal of the Toronto Symphony) was very critical of this (lots of Petracchi).

Look at the height of the action and the types of strings. If you find yourself playing in this position a lot, it may be worthwhile to visit your luthier to have the instrument set up properly. I did the same years ago. The luthier resurfaced the fingerboard to remove some of the scoop and it was a whole new (and enjoyable) experience playing solos.