Double Bass Tiredness around trapezius

[Andy Mopley]

Hi all

I appreciate it is hard to give advice without seeing the technique, but having said that, lately I seem to be getting some slight muscle sore around the trapezius area - I use German bow. I don't think it is tension because even if I play a simple tune, a few times over, within 10-15 m practice I can feel the onset of discomfort. I am wondering if a) I may have the end pin too high or b) my left elbow is not quite where is should be and c) maybe both. This I have notice has only been happening in the last few months. My practice regime (about 1 hour/day) hasn't really changed all that much..I play standing.

Thanks!

 

[TonyD]

Indeed difficult to give advise. I just checked where the trapezius located. It's the left neck / shoulder upper back part.

I can only give you some trivial feedback:

- do you do any yoga / stretching?
- do you drink enough water?
- do you swim or sports?
- sauna?

From my personal experience I had some trouble with my left shoulder in the past (I play righthanded). I think the left shoulder is the most challenged part of your body when playing the double bass righthanded. The following vid helped me a great deal: