I'm beginning to develop arthritis in my fretting hand and was curious if a lighter gauge string would help. I currently use D'addario's balanced tension set - EXL170BT, regular light. I was thinking of going to their EXL220 BT super lights. The bass I'm using is a Peavey Cirrus, 35" scale. Thanks for any and all info. I appreciate it.
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Can't hurt to try. I would also think a shorter scale neck size might help even more.
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One way to reduce tension on strings is to go down in gauges, as you propose.
Another way is to go from hex-core (D'A XL Nickels) to round core (eg DR Sunbeams), as the round core would make it more flexible/supple compared to the hex-core counterparts of similar gauges.
I once tried the DR Sunbeams (round core, 45-105) and the DR Nickel Lo-Riders (hex core, 40-100) back-to-back and found the SBs to be easier on my left hand despite larger gauges.
Just a suggestion...
Another way is to go from hex-core (D'A XL Nickels) to round core (eg DR Sunbeams), as the round core would make it more flexible/supple compared to the hex-core counterparts of similar gauges.
I once tried the DR Sunbeams (round core, 45-105) and the DR Nickel Lo-Riders (hex core, 40-100) back-to-back and found the SBs to be easier on my left hand despite larger gauges.
Just a suggestion...
Yes it will help. To avoid raising the action to avoid fret buzz you will also need to be more gentle with the plucking hand. This will therefore help that hand too.
A problem with traditional sets is due to tradition and their naming people think of 45-105 as 'medium tension', it isn't, it's actually a very high tension, unnecessarily so, bass guitar only needs 30 pounds of tension.
Problem is bass guitar still thinks it's an electric contrabass, with a corresponding high tension. Hopefully things will change for more playability and to not put off people from playing bass, you should not need a vice-like grip.
I've noticed that bassists seem to often have injury, and it's not surprising considering the string tension and poor instrument ergonomics of almost all basses.
Looking at the tensions [This invalid link has been removed] the top 2 strings are tighter, when in fact higher strings don't need as much tension as the lower. There is a more balanced feel and playability with tension falling slightly from low to high, so i recommend 95 70 50 35 in singles.
Also, keep your wrists fairly straight, play sitting down to bring the nut closer, basses are very unergonomic when strapped-on, they are shifted too far to the left.
A problem with traditional sets is due to tradition and their naming people think of 45-105 as 'medium tension', it isn't, it's actually a very high tension, unnecessarily so, bass guitar only needs 30 pounds of tension.
Problem is bass guitar still thinks it's an electric contrabass, with a corresponding high tension. Hopefully things will change for more playability and to not put off people from playing bass, you should not need a vice-like grip.
I've noticed that bassists seem to often have injury, and it's not surprising considering the string tension and poor instrument ergonomics of almost all basses.
Looking at the tensions [This invalid link has been removed] the top 2 strings are tighter, when in fact higher strings don't need as much tension as the lower. There is a more balanced feel and playability with tension falling slightly from low to high, so i recommend 95 70 50 35 in singles.
Also, keep your wrists fairly straight, play sitting down to bring the nut closer, basses are very unergonomic when strapped-on, they are shifted too far to the left.
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Also, I'd be mindful of your technique, both plucking and fretting hand.
A lighter touch definitely helps.
I saw a you tube video explaining 'economy of motion' (forget who it was by..) and it was explaining that you don't need as much pressure as you think to produce a nice clean note.
So maybe work on that, as well.
A lighter touch definitely helps.
I saw a you tube video explaining 'economy of motion' (forget who it was by..) and it was explaining that you don't need as much pressure as you think to produce a nice clean note.
So maybe work on that, as well.
With my technique I find heavier strings help more.
When I try to go light my action goes higher than I like.
With heavier it's nice and low and takes no effort to play them.
But that's just me.
When I try to go light my action goes higher than I like.
With heavier it's nice and low and takes no effort to play them.
But that's just me.
Lighter strings and a short scale bass will definitely help. But not as much as proper technique. When was your last lesson? Are there any older teachers in your city/town, who have had decades-long careers? Maybe someone who "doubles" on bass guitar and upright? A teacher like that might have a lot to offer you. Good luck, and sorry you're hurting. 
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Maybe instead of switching to extra lights try tuning down to D standard (DGCF) or C standard (CFA#D#) you'll get the same lighter tension, a couple lower notes, and all the first position notes, EADG, are shifted down a few frets, if you add a capo to it you'll have a standard tuned short scale bass if the weight doesn't bother you. No sense spending extra money if there's an easier way, also if you're not already using a 124 fingering system in the lower positions that reduces alot of unneeded tension in the hands.
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Hi there,
I'm sorry to hear about your hand.I just recently picked up a Cirrus 4 and I love it but it is a stretch for me down low in the first position due to the 35" scale. I wonder if in addition to a lighter gauge string a switch to a 34" scale neck might help you out? Or at least not aggravate your condition?
Best wishes and take care,
Brent
Been dealing with the same thing for a few years now after 20 years of no issues. Basically, from my experience, some combo of all the above has worked for me. I have an old mustang bass that is a breeze to play. I sold my five strings and any bass with the 35 inch scale. Strings also help on my regular scale basses... Sunbeams are great, even in the 45 diameter. I found the 45 set of Dunlop super brights to be similar in feel but even brighter than sunbeams, if that's your thing. For flats I like the light gauge (43) labella set. Still searching for a modern sounding flat that has the tension feel I'm looking for. Part of my issue is I hate a 40 G string or smaller. Tension is nice but I just hate how small the string feels. Technique is super important so try getting a nice neutral position with straight wrist, as mentioned above.
Yep, been getting some pain in my fretting hand index finger right around the joint. I'm moving to lower gauge, lower tension rounds.
