Tips for avoiding bloody cuticles?

[Ellipsis_Arts]

I've recently REALLY gotten into playing funky slap/pop lines, but painful, bloody cuticles on my popping index/middle fingers have all but prevented me from continuing. I guess I tend to catch them on the strings below when I'm really going at it. I've tried using band aids, but the never-healing peeled backness (?) still hurts like a mother******, and the bandage partially covers my fingertips also, preventing me from plucking. My next step is putting some Krazy Glue on them before playing. I guess I'm wondering a) if this is a common problem, b) if its caused by improper technique, and c) if this is similar to calluses that need to be built up and will stop over time. Thanks in advance.

 

[two fingers]

Use a compressor. Once you set tue compressor, "digging in" will not make as much difference. So you'll lighten up.

 

[Stumbo]

Use a compressor. Once you set tue compressor, "digging in" will not make as much difference. So you'll lighten up.

How do other players do it w/o busting up their cuticles?

 

[lz4005]

How do other players do it w/o busting up their cuticles?

They aim better.

 

[James Collins]

Try not to hit that part of your fingers into the strings. I normally hit the strings with the pad part of my thumb.

 

[DeepFriedBass]

We a got a Bryan Adam's over here.

 

[Ellipsis_Arts]

Use a compressor. Once you set tue compressor, "digging in" will not make as much difference. So you'll lighten up.

Sure, in theory, but it happens even when I'm playing lighter and more controlled. Just so happens Amazon should be delivering the comp pedal I just ordered tomorrow, so I'll update when my fingers heal. Thanks.

 

[Ellipsis_Arts]

They aim better.

Ooh, that's helpful.

 

[lokikallas]

That part of my finger never hits the strings, body or otherwise when I'm popping, slapping, or anything else. Maybe I could see if I was trying some heavy palm mute pick technique, but I'm pretty sure you're not doing it right.

 

[Ellipsis_Arts]

Try not to hit that part of your fingers into the strings. I normally hit the strings with the pad part of my thumb.

I'm referring to when I pop the strings, and not so much the slap part.

 

[lokikallas]

I'm referring to when I pop the strings, and not so much the slap part.

You need better aim then.

 

[James Collins]

When I pop, I put my finger around the G or D string and pluck the strings, but I pull the strings with the pads of my index or middle finger. The cuticle should be safely on the other side of the string that way.

Probably start off by practicing slowly where you don't hit your cuticle. I assume you are hitting it on the G string when you pop the D string. That is my best guess anyway. If you can fit your finger in the space slowly without rubbing, then you can fit in the space quickly without rubbing.

 

[InhumanResource]

I'm referring to when I pop the strings, and not so much the slap part.

How are you doing it? Where is your hand positioned relative to the bass/neck? Popping should be minimal on the violence (unless that's just your thing) as you really only need to kind of snag the string a bit and let it go snap against the frets.

 

[jonlimo]

I get them sometimes when popping alot on basses with narrow string spacing. I also don't have a solution to this problem except to pop with my middle finger while my index heals.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Cuticle: What Is It, Care, Removal, Signs of Infection, and More

 

[JimmyM]

Ooh, that's helpful.

He's not wrong, though.

 

[Ekulati]

The cuticle should be safely on the other side of the string that way.

This. No idea how you're ripping up your cuticles.

 

[Element Zero]

Drink more water, and a good hand lotion when you’re not playing can be quite beneficial.

 

[two fingers]

Sure, in theory, but it happens even when I'm playing lighter and more controlled. Just so happens Amazon should be delivering the comp pedal I just ordered tomorrow, so I'll update when my fingers heal. Thanks.

Then the short versions are two things.

1) Change your technique.

2) A bass with wider string spacing.

Not seeing you play in person, that's about all I can think of.

By the way. I just realized you just joined. Where are my manners? Welcome to TalkBass!!!!

Is there any way you could post a close-up video of your plucking hand?

 

[Jazz Ad]

Beginners tend to play with too much amplitude and strength. You need a very focused Attack but not much strengh.
Here's a suggestion that may or not be useful to you :
Practice your favorite slap line very slowly, resting your knuckle on the string next to the one you play before popping.
It will force a position in which cuticles don't get in contact with the strings. You can then work from there to the most comfy position.