• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Touring bassists.

M

MCBTunes

Dec 17, 2004
797
1
Martensville, Sask
#1
What do you do when your fingers on the right hand get really sensitive.... I'f I play hardcore for acouple days my fingers just kill whe nthey even touch the string... Soooo sensitive. Pick has been my choice, even though I'm not that great with it. Anyone glue their fingers? or use special creams?
 
#3
We did two shows in Vermont on one weekend that were 5 sets long...I was playing about 5 hours a night and I was in pain! I had been practising for up to 8 hours a day too, so I had definitely worn my fingers away! I used Nu Skin...not really recommended for doing nice things to your strings, but when you're in that much pain I'd rather use it and then buy new strings. It lasts for about 1 set and then you have to paint it on again. It really did help.
 
#8
Rockgurl said:
It was my left hand (fingering hand) that hurt the most...a pick doesn't help that! Nu Skin protected my fingertips just enough to get through the 5 hour show.
Click to expand...

I work on Hot Rods as a hobby and have my hands in solvents and cleaners a lot. It has a tendency to dry out and crack the tips of your fingers around the nail/pad area. Very sensitive, to say the least. Nu Skin application usually begins the afternoon of a gig. 4-5 coats over each crack. Then one more coat after soundcheck. This usually will last me the whole night without re-application. I play with a very heavy hand and it holds up fine. Nu Skin is the bomb.
 
#9
We talking Nu Skin that "liquid bandage" stuff, or Nu Skin, a product from the Nu Skin company?

Because if it's the liquid bandage stuff, that's just rebranded Krazy Glue, and you can save a bundle by just getting the non-medicine-isle stuff.
 
#10
Rockgurl said:
I was playing about 5 hours a night and I was in pain! I had been practising for up to 8 hours a day
Click to expand...

I find I can practice for hours with no pain yet the day after a gig my fingers are "sensitive".

Inevitably I strike teh strings with more force when I play live. I admit it's easier to say "don't pluck the strings so hard" than to actually do it.

Have you ever wanted to use three fingers on your right hand ?
When your two main fingers are sore, it's a great time to explore other methods. Like using your ring finger or using your thumb for a downstroke (a la Fred Thomas).

This is a great way to explore new techniques and give your pain pluckign fingers a break.
 
#11
SMASH said:
With proper technique that won't matter.

You can also consider switching to flats. Much easier on your fingers. If you still want brightness, ask which ones are brightest in the Strings forum (or a search might show it's been done, I'm not sure). I once had a set of Rotosound flats that were brighter than any round I'd use. Or there's "compression wound" or "groundwound" strings that are halfway between rounds and flats, retaining the round vibe but still much easier on the fingers.

You ever play out West?
Click to expand...

Proper technique.... hmmmm i am self taught :smug: .....

flats are an idea, I'll check them out..... I've always just used ernie ball rounds.

We actually havn't played outside of sask at all. And not even any "real" shows(paid) togeather, I actually just joined them recently.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back