Wrist Postioning

[pt3407]

Hello everyone,

I have a question to ask. Is it mandatory to have my wrist at an exactly 90 degree angle (or straight)? My bass teacher told me that you could end up getting tendonitis but I see so many pro bass players having their wrist bent. I saw this video with Or Lubianiker and when he plays the bass fingerstyle, you can see that his wrist is bent. So to recap, Is it bad to have my wrist bent?



Thanks.

 

[fearceol]

IMO your teacher is spot on.

While nothing is written in stone, it is generally accepted that it is safer in the long term to have both wrists as straight as possible. Having bent wrists collapses the carpel tunnel, through which the tendons which move the fingers pass. This causes the tendons to constantly rub off of the tunnel walls, and this, over time is what causes the injury problems.

Granted, you see lots of players with bent wrists, especially on the plucking hand. Fretting hand problems can occur by implementing the often stated "rule" of keeping the thumb behind the middle finger when fretting. Again, this narrows the carpel tunnel, resulting in the same problem.

While people who use a bent wrist may not appear to have problems now, they are greatly increasing their chances by continuing to play this way.

 

[Mushroo]

You'll drive yourself nuts if you try to learn "good technique" by watching Youtube videos. Some of the best players have terrible technique, and some of the worst players have flawless technique. Better to follow your teacher's advice in a 1 on 1 setting.

 

[Fergie Fulton]

In answer to your question, "is it bad to have my wrist bent?" the answer is yes.
Is Or Lubianiker's wrist position bad? the answer is yes it is, but he plays with a much straighter pluching hand style these days and is using his thumb and fingers so his wrist is nice and straight when plucking.

As has been said, try not to look around at what others do, trust your teacher...that 'what you pay them for.
Any new technique feel s funny to being with, but it will become more natural as you develop your playing skills.
The rule on wrist positions for either hand is keep them in line with the forearm as often as you can.
There will be times where you will bend your wrist, like bending your back, but like your back you are allowed to straighten up when you are finished.
Being aware of wrist position is the first step to making it better, but do not over think it, just remember the more in line with the forearm, so straighter, is always better for the wrist.

 

[Scott Waldy]

OK... any suggestions to... While I'm playing, the straighter my wrist is, the more it seems to hurt. IF I reposition it to close to a 90 deg. it feels better. I'm confused as to what's going on there.

 

[TyBo]

OK... any suggestions to... While I'm playing, the straighter my wrist is, the more it seems to hurt. IF I reposition it to close to a 90 deg. it feels better. I'm confused as to what's going on there.

If it feels good do it. Or, alternatively, "Doctor, it hurts when I do this." "Don't do that." I'd call the straight wrist thing generally good advice, but these things are also somewhat individual.