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Tips for avoiding bloody cuticles?

#21
Ellipsis_Arts said:
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.View attachment 3610638
Click to expand...

Keep practicing. If you catch them is probably because you're not very precise on your motions yet and hit the strings in places you don't need to. It'll get better. I used to struggle with the same issue and then... it went away as I got better at it.
 
#23
slow & deliberate practice, the finger should go between the strings contacting only the tip of the finger on the upstroke. I can't wrap my head around how you would hit that part of your finger popping., maybe on the down stroke. If so, Like I said slow down and do it perfectly & consistently. Perfect practice makes perfect...well sort of LOL :)
 
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#24
Lotion every day will help that.

Ellipsis_Arts said:
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.View attachment 3610638
Click to expand...
 
#27
Is that from catching the cuticle on the next higher string? When you pop the D string is it catching/hitting/bracing/rubbing on the G? That sounds like string spacing could be the issue (as pointed out a few times already). You could also try different strings (with all other considerations from that included) - I would think flats or coated strings would be more forgiving than rounds.
 
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#30
I'm not really sure how you're striking your cuticles against the lower strings. My only thought is that you're a bit overzealous in your movements. Go slow and watch your movements getting you finger under the string you're going to pop and see what your approach is. Really work to minimize the movements -- with slap & pop playing, less is often more. You just need the tip of your finger under the string to make it pop. perhaps you're either getting too far under or pulling down and not away.

Maybe post a short video of how you're doing it and the TB collective could diagnose better...
 
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#32
Some of this problem may be seasonal. Not sure where you live but as it gets colder and (sometimes) drier here in Missouri at this time of year, I get cuticle and fingertip callus cracking (and occasional bottom-of-feet cracking; that’s fun).

I find healing is quicker if I put lotion on my feet and hands at bedtime and wear cotton work gloves (just the cheap, lightweight dark brown ones) and socks when I sleep. I think it helps retain some moisture.
 
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#33
I'm singing with the choir, here: My best guess is that you're using too much force, in general. And regarding pops, in particular. All ya gotta do to get the pop sound is lift the string _a little_ off the fingerboard so it bangs the upper frets when you release it.

Along that line, a nice low setup will facilitate slapping. How's the action on your bass?
 
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#34
I agree with 'work on the technique' responses, but how about some helpful video links or photos...?

When you do have a good injury like that, I've found that O'Keefs Working Hands is like magic in a can. Rub some in to the damaged areas before you go to bed before regular lotion. It might sting a little if the open sore is really bad.

You can get it almost anywhere, sometimes its near the checkout near the lip balm.
20191127_103913.jpg
 
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#35
What you're doing... stop doing it that way.

The worst part is unlearning the habits you've already learned.
Start from square one and play very slow with controlled, precise, fluid movements.
Your cuticles should never touch your strings.

Maybe try a few months of banjo-like fingerpicking.
Let your fingernails grow out a little and pick with those and maybe experiment with a thumbpick.
It will teach you precision and efficiency of movement which translates to speed down the road.
Refrain from slapping completely while you heal.

After a few months trim your nails back and reapproach your popping with a blended technique.
 
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#36
Here is a specific tip for an exercise you can practice:

Slap & pop technique comes from relaxed rotation of the forearm and wrist (not slamming your hand against the strings). It shouldn't feel like dribbling a basketball or hammering a nail; more like writing with a pen or eating with chopsticks. I like to imagine I am eating a bowl of soup. Only the tip of my spoon dips into the soup. I don't want to dunk my knuckles or cuticles into the hot soup! Or holding a pen and going down a checklist, checking each box: check, check, check, check, check. The tip of my pen lightly skims the paper. I don't want to drag my cuticles because that would smudge the ink.

And so I turn up my amp and attack the strings with crisp, precise movements. Not slamming the whole meat of my hand against the strings, but rather, just tight and accurate thumb-slaps and fingertip-pops.

Hope that helps you visualize relaxed slap & pop technique?
 
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#38
Probably has been recommended but if you are popping the d string and using the g string to push off of with the back of your hand, this will happen.

What does your hand position look like? Does your thumb point towards the headstock, or do you slap more like flea with thumb pointing towards the G string? The Flea style would probably make the problem worse. I typically pop with the side of my finger and don't rub up against any string doing it that way.

You might also want to try paying attention to make sure you aren't scraping the fretboard with your finger either.
 
#39
two fingers said:
Use a compressor. Once you set tue compressor, "digging in" will not make as much difference. So you'll lighten up.
Click to expand...

...or, you'll play even harder because it doesn't get louder when you play a little harder.

Alternative perspective: stop using compression and turn up, it'll force you to play softer. Also, lower the action on your bass until it's a little lower than you actually want it. I did this recently in an attempt to stop pulling the strings so hard that it hurts the pads of my fingers, and it's slowly taking effect.
 

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