Avoiding injury as a bass player (don't make this mistake)

[@bass4ever727]

Want this doc to analyze Flea position during concert.)

[@Buffon_vitor]

hahaha i dont think the doc has the conditioning to run after flea for almost 2 hours xD

[@ricomajestic]

Well he is a flea after all...not human!

[@MrEizy]

Robert Trujillo: *crab walks in fear*

[@aprilkurtz1589]

crab walks in fear, such fear that it causes him to play a really bad version of "When Doves Cry."

[@asinine7545]

April Kurtz ...stomach

[@aprilkurtz1589]

@@asinine7545 Rofl

[@fredherfst8148]

At 72, I have to be conscious of my posture all the time. I also have essential tremors on my right side, so I have to rest my right arm on my bass to maintain control of my fingers. The third issue is maintaining my fingers. Thinning skin, impacts on my trigger fingers all cause problems for me. Thanks to this channel, I now always use practise glove on my frets..works a charm. I tape the ends of my trigger fingers before every time I play..works a charm. Without it, I end up with sore fingers. I sometimes feel a little carpel on my right side, but relaxing my side helps a lot. I will play my bass until I can't anymore..I love it too much. Sharing for other older players. Thanks Scott.

[@AdrianFarrell]

Have a look into finding an Alexander Technique teacher to help you with this. All the classical music colleges employ Alexander Teachers

[@fredherfst8148]

Adrian Farrell ..thanks. Having taken a quick search and read, I am well on the way myself. Body awareness is key. Age has forced me to take a good look at my habits. My playing is as good or better than it ever was and I'm very happy. Last night we were running through Crossroads and the only thing I had to watch for was letting the excitement take over and the adrenalin increase my tremors...! No teacher anywhere near me btw.

[@sabin97]

you will also wanna carefully stretch before practice and before a gig. apart from playing bass i work with computers all day.....i often slouch, but when i catch myself i try to correct my posture.....and once in a while i take a short break and do all sorts of stretches....closing and opening both hands several times, etc. my inheritance is not money or lands, but diabetes and arthritis. so far i've managed to avoid both....you do well in taking care of yourself!

[@sheponbass]

Don't forget to play left-handed basses on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and every second Sunday

[@Spiceyspiney]

Thanks for this. I've had 5 spinal surgeries plus carpal tunnel surgery in both wrists, so correct posture is so vital for me to be able to keep playing

[@cmousdale]

your face when he said you were leaning on your left leg! haha

[@sarahkorver2439]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@OmniTron1000]

2:57 Doctor: *important posture tips* Scott: ...Hold up, lemme hit this fill right quick.

[@arthurbrown7501]

Having a wider guitar strap at the shoulder position helps to distribute the weight more across that area preventing upper disc problems and compression to the nerves.

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

Yup, a good old wide leather strap with raw bottom.

[@jcmcclain57]

LOL 😂... I just had an appointment with Dr. Kertz yesterday to get myself adjusted after a week long gig in TN. I got a similar posture assessment from Dr. Kertz during my appointment. Perfect timing Scott!

[@eliaspecholapida513]

Love seeing Scott bringing in collabs of such diverse fields of expertise, and absorbing all he can from them. That's a telltale of a true educator

[@danilojelovac7535]

Smart lesson, big like!

[@SteelSkin667]

The leaning thing is excellent advice for any instrument that is played standing.

[@DamnedEyez]

I like the gigbag on one side to and the other from...that seems like it could be easy enough to turn into a routine. One side is part of preparing for the gig, the other helps to mentally wind down.

[@brettmarlar4154]

Being wireless helps me from getting anchored into that same playing stance. Plus when I'm grooving I tend to sway with the tempo, which also assists in keeping my time solid.

[@moevans1058]

I can absolutely confirm that leaning and being static at a gig tightens your back. If I can move at a gig, I’m fine at the end. But if I’m shoved into a cramped space, I can barely move afterwards. Doesn’t help I also carry some extra weight (which I’m working on). Also core exercises help protect your back.

[@AlejandroCaicedoPUJ]

You're saving life's Scott awesome video

[@ehque]

One of the best things I did to reduce back strain is to switch to headless. Less weight resting on the shoulder and less weight pulling down the headstock.

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

I play Headless exclusively, and I play while seated.

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

Short scale bass is also an option.

[@martinr7728]

scott looks tiny compared to him :D

[@dalegingery]

So the key is to keep your body in some type of motion at all times so you don't build up a subconscious pattern of just standing in one position. I've been told by my doctors and chiropractor that it is always better if you keep moving than stay still.

[@philipschrantz8402]

As an older player with degenerative disc disease in my neck and back, I battle this every time I put on the bass. Neuropathy in both hands, nerve entrapment in my neck and shoulders - all this makes me really sensitive to posture and position. All the little things add up. I wish I’d been more aware of these things when I was a younger man. Thanks, Scott...

[@SaiyanMikey]

I've been dealing with repetitive stress injuries for over ten years now. I still don't know exactly what's wrong, as different doctors tell me different things. Short of surgery, I've tried almost everything. If you're healthy and you play a lot each day like I used to, you owe it to yourself to take care of your health. Watch your posture and take little breaks. It's never worth it to push yourself too hard!

[@AdrianFarrell]

Find yourself an Alexander Technique teacher to help with the RSI. All the classical music colleges employ Alexander teachers to help with this kind of thing.

[@lilmelvin11]

Not much of a '"chops" player myself, but I love and appreciate how you keep it REAL on different levels. Once again, great tips!

[@ManosRK]

You should have this guy regularly!

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

I play my Bass while seated, at all times. Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@thegreatgambeeno]

If I do stand still, I tend to stand leaning on my left side with my right foot slightly tip-toed. I have some neuropathy in my right thigh as a result. I never thought that my stance would do more damage than the headbanging and jumping around like a jackass, but in time it has happened. Be careful people. Be aware of your habits and fix them when you're young. I'm 36, been playing regularly onstage since I was 15, and now it's starting to set in. Be careful people.

[@tdtrecordsmusic]

Another important one I've found is to make sure what you want to do is not the most strenuous activity. Example : if sitting/standing for a certain period of time is the goal. Make sure your practice is for longer. If playing at a certain tempo for a certain length of time is the goal. Make sure to practice at a greater level.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

I was told that you should wear your bass strap closer to the joint on your shoulder, as it makes the bones take the weight of the bass, as opposed to wearing it closer to your neck, where it presses on muscles and nerves, and also, use the widest strap you can get as it distributes the weight over a larger area.

[@AdrianFarrell]

I disagree, the torso is better at weight bearing than the shoulders, but agree a wider strap mitigates against over use of neck and shoulders.

[@joeb876]

Trujillo with the most bad ass stance playing the gnarliest riffs on bass ever for Suicidal !

[@beatrocka5]

Scott’s face at 2:13 had me cracking up!! Great info!

[@Phaser1980]

Also! Check the weight of your bass and keep it light if you jump around on stage a bit!!! 😂

[@bassistovgilberto]

Oh wonderful lesson .Thanks scotts hve been watching your videos but i had never come across this one .Thank u it has been a serious healing on my bass playing manual guide .

[@machoenid44]

Im bassist but my First instrument is the Guitar,but loves bass.Awesome info Scotts.i have Ostheophorosis and back problem .thanks for the Dr advices .

[@mikex4941]

Useful info for bass players whatever their skill level is

[@nerdvananc]

Loving those frames, Scott!

[@fabasso78]

Speaking about arm injury, it would be useful to know somthing about a bass player tendinitis and its prevention and cure.

[@AlejandroCaicedoPUJ]

Yeah it would be great to see another video of this sort but more focused on the hands and bad habits

[@sjpallnighter6973]

It's covered in the full course at the SBL Academy. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome too.

[@AlejandroCaicedoPUJ]

Damn it guess I'll keep saving for a subscription

[@sansocie]

Wow! Broke my fourth finger right hand a few weeks ago. Still in cast. Rehab here I come. Great timing Scott

[@richard.5268]

The "stand in the same position all the time" part, don't know why, but made me think about jaco playing river people (live version), when he does that kind of moon walk, amazing ahahah

[@nigelfrydman381]

Here's my halfpenny's worth... maintain a balanced posture, breathe, move, groove. I think it was George Clinton (correct me if I'm wrong someone) who would get the band to march in time, great for getting everyone locked in as well as the bass player's and guitarist's posture. Yoga and Alexander Technique are also useful for musicians. Yehudi Menuhin was a great proponent of using yoga as an important part of his approach to the violin. I think that it is important to have your strap length optimised to keep both of your wrists as relaxed and straight as possible and using a wide stap helps keep things comfortable. Warm up before you play. Not just your fingers, stretch your arms, loosen your shoulders and neck - breathe!

[@aucuarium25]

wow you came in at the right moment 😂 i was just rambling about my *very red* index finger 😂

[@charliecramp]

Wow. Awesomeness thank you. I do notice my back hurts when done.

[@sbedfordbass]

No mention of the Gruv Gear Duo strap? Gigging full time and that thing has improved my quality of life in a big way. My bass feels better to play too. Even a nice chunky single strap feels horrible after adjusting to the duo. Now zero discomfort. I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone :)

[@sheponbass]

I hadn't heard of it, but looking it up, I see it's endorsed by one Dr Randall Kertz... so even more weird he didn't mention it! [ * adds to Amazon wish list * ]

[@Annodomini1993]

Useful! Thank you. Will you upload a video about "how to sit" if you are practicing for a long time? I'm looking forward to it!

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

Stand up, you'll gig that way anyway! l,,l,

[@porkchop2471]

Holy synchronicity Batman! I have been having issues with my left fretting forearm for about 2 1/2 months. “Tennis elbow“ slight compartment syndrome of the left wrist extensors; pain sucks! Have an appointment with a physical therapist in the coming week. Probable combination of impinged nerve in the neck (I tend to kink my neck to the left while playing) and improper mechanical technique. Great information in this video! Cheers!

[@jezMki]

2:53 Scott realizing the source of his back pain LOL!

[@ernestcircus6101]

Good lesson. What is the bass at beginning of the video. Don't know if it sounds good but it looks great !

[@rustywp]

Excellent video- thank you!

[@VM0451]

Scott's breathing is highly calming.

[@melissaerliech9148]

So how do you avoid tendinitis in your fretting arm? I especially notice issues the more I play a song where the majority of notes are from frets 1 to 3.

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

You'll thank me later: try a short scale bass like the Ibanez MiKro.

[@Zayskibop]

Thanks DOC!

[@leegibbs5317]

Great video!

[@EisGlockner]

Remember to fry a small portion of your ramen with garlic and salt to give your noodle soup a flavoursome crispy texture that compliments the softer ramen texture.

[@kyont]

No no, DRUMMER videos are over THERE...

[@EisGlockner]

@@kyont But i'm a Bassist :[

[@sabin97]

also you can add half a boiled egg, and remember that your ramen is only as good as the broth.....chicken and pork is an excellent combination.

[@EisGlockner]

@@sabin97 The half boiled egg tastes and looks the best, when you put it in the soy/mirin sauce. it gets a nice brown surface and tastes very good!

[@oneloveSURFISTA]

Wait, if I shouldn't rest my forearm on the body of the instrument, how am I supposed do hold it in place? If I don't rest my forearm on the top the body the weight of the bass falls on the left hand.

[@vyshawnforeman8384]

I play both guitar as well bass but good advice doc

[@sonsauvage]

This is SO important.

[@morphine0000]

Can we have another video going over shoulder/hand/wrist/elbow positioning, please, please, pretty please, pretty please with a cherry on top?

[@a_j130]

Good topic man, thanks, I'm not a bassist or even player just rasper

[@Mortagus]

Always a good message to hear some time to time: think about your posture. But what about the stuff to keep in mind when playing seated ? Are they the same ?

[@AdrianFarrell]

Standing and sitting are essentially the same activity for the torso (although less mobile which can encourage rigidity) so finding some movement even more important than when standing. It's possible to gently sway with the tempo to keep a dynamic posture/poise. Suggest playing with bass on left knee like classical guitar. More info on sitting here: www.alexander-technique.london/2015/01/08/stand-on-your-bottom-what-the-truth-about-sitting/

[@Mortagus]

@@AdrianFarrell Thanks for the info and the tip 🙂

[@AdrianFarrell]

@@Mortagus my pleasure. For further consideration, how do you get to the chair in the first place? Most people collapse their torso on the way to the chair and so arrive pre-collapsed! www.alexander-technique.london/2017/03/23/don-t-sit-down-squat/

[@onsesejoo2605]

This does not say a thing about neck injury for bassists of certain style of music. ;) Would it be an impossible idea to have a guitar / bass strap that is over both shoulders ? It would require a belt where to attach the straps over the shoulders, the guitar or bass connecting the upper part together. Of course the straps should both be adjustable.

[@sarahkorver2439]

Bloody hell now I know why I've been suffering with a bad back makes sence now, playing bass and never occurs to me that o spend most my weight on my right leg Haha, nice tutorial thank you x

[@fabasso78]

Very useful!

[@superkamiguru6258]

3:06 Doctor says stuff about injury something something.... Bass player:

[@bazzfromthebackground3696]

Scott's right wrist looks super tense the whole time. His tendons are all flexed. How is this relaxed?

[@RodrickLodowica]

This was a good one!

[@MrLiqid]

THATS GRAET! MORE PLEASE :)

[@macpaul]

Take a look at Alexander Technique. Will not cure anything, but helps to avoid bad habits.

[@AdrianFarrell]

It might if the habits are the cause of the injury!

[@macpaul]

@@AdrianFarrell Protective posture. But sure it's not always that simple. First and foremost contact your local orthopaedist.

[@felipesazo9970]

Great tips

[@McDoinky]

With the bass playing it's like a weird Seinfeld Standup intro

[@lariojoubert3877]

Hi scott where can i get info about V.I.G bass guitars i bought one recently but cant seem to find any info about the brand

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

Having played sousaphone in high school and college, I never even considered something as light as an electric bass being a problem, lol Have a tendency to always carry my gym bag, gig bag & etc on the very same shoulder my sousa used to sit, though, so I probably should start switching it up.

[@thijs199]

I think stopping with playing and doing some motoric practices with your body and stretches etc every hour of playing is far more important than posture. It doesn't really matter how you are playing, you just can't be doing it for hours on end. Taking breaks and doing some body exercises is a way bigger deal. I did the weirdest things in terms of posture but I haven't had any issues so far, because I'll just stop. Like for instance, master of puppets, doing that song hours on end will totally ruin your strumming arm shoulder area, so I relieve stress even during playing the song. Afterward, I'm rotating my shoulders and everything. Not saying that you should have bad posture but it isn't that big of a deal as people tend to make it.

[@AdrianFarrell]

I agree that posture is over rated. Poise is the real deal 🙂

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

I *always* rest my arm on the instrument with guitar and bass too. I let others float however they want but oh boy, not me. Also I am always moving, swinging, walking around, enjoying what I do. NEVER SITTING, not even when practicing. Am I the only one?!

[@ken46120]

Nice, how about neck and shoulder blade stress. It hurts to wear a bass with a strap.

[@aleksgodson5125]

Great video! Scott, did you ever have tendinitis?

[@thijs199]

Lol, check my position at my black hole sun cover. I had no other choice, I had my instrument way to low for that high note progession haha, but I'm too lazy to switch up the length everytime, I'm keeping it like this now because for Master of Puppets it has to be just right.

[@gaspargonzalez7307]

You should talk about abraham laboriel one of the greatest of all times!!!

[@dominicadler-biddle9199]

Yo Scott, my fretting hand is swollen and kinda numb from practicing for 2 days since i got my ibanez, is this normal?

[@AdamSchofield-c6q]

What kind of jazz is that? Looks smaller?

[@Pureevilhotsauce]

Fortunately I've never been able to stand still if I tried so hopefully this still won't be a problem for me for a while...

[@GreatDestructo]

I don't know if basses have the same weight in general, but I find Ibanez SR750 to be reasonably heavy for a bass/guitar. After getting guitar thigh from sitting with it I decided to do my sessions standing, I like having the strap set to the same height as Scott's guitar in this video, but it gives me back ache due to the weight I'm carrying and the strap also feels like it's dragging me forward as a result. Is this a concerning factor for my back/spine? Anyone know how I can fix it?

[@-l_gavin_l-]

Balance is key.

[@Zayskibop]

i love how yall color coordinated too haha

[@Francois15031967]

1) If you bring your amp on gigs buy a trolley or use an amp that you can stuff in a cajon gig bag with two shoulder straps (GK MB110 works great for me); combos are the real "back and arms breakers" 2) Always remember to use something under your wrist when using a mouse. A paper handkerchiefs pocket works great 3) Gaultheria Procumbens essential oil in topical application is a good pain killer if pain is already there.

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

"Always remember to use something under your wrist when using a mouse. " I never in my life used a mouse pad and definitely never used those stupid wrist "supports". 32 years having IT as a hobby, 15 of working in it too. No issues.

[@Francois15031967]

@@yeoldefoxeh254 you don't need something specific. When I want to have a relaxed wrist (in the end it all depends on desk height) I just put a pack of paper handkerchiefs under it. If you don't need it, well, good for you... if someone feels some wrist pain... well here's the cheap fix ;)

[@josepharmenta7889]

How long were you standing with the base before he evaluated you I think it would have been best if he started his evaluation after you been standing And playing for about 30 minutes

[@Darrkness]

At practice: *remembers what doc said. At a show: *throws caution to the wind and pays for it the next day.

[@flash001USA]

Damn Scott either you're short like me or the doc is a tall dude.

[@paulybassman7311]

Flash!! That dude is super tall!! 😂😂😂✌

[@flash001USA]

@@paulybassman7311 I had to laugh while I was watching the video because I thought the doc was standing way in front of Scott then I realized he wasn't...

[@Syncop8rNZ]

I often catch myself letting my gut out which steadies the body of the bass. Probably not very good for me.

[@lgbtdestruction.9858]

I get a really painful shoulder while playing sitting down. It prevents you form playing for days b

[@benacker8525]

nice breathing Scott :)

[@YRTEverything]

Teacher goes to Physician Physician: don't play bass... ...like that.

[@benh7297]

Anyone else notice straight away how good the doctors posture was?

[@SJM2]

A review of Ukele basses as a follow up?...:)

[@jared338]

Scott > fashion

[@MOMOMOMOMOMOMOMOM]

This is the most healthy bass video on utube

[@mrtee2973]

Youve unlocked an old memory by calling youtube utube

[@Cinestudi0]

I'm a 8 months guitar player, I want to play bass for timing and groove improvement but when i try to play I get bisters on my fingers after about 10 min of practice. Any advice?

[@quillmorningstar8713]

As someone who plays bass unfortunately there is no way around this, you're just going to have to deal with it. Eventually you'll form calluses on your fingers and you won't get blisters as often. 10 mins of practice is good for someone who's just starting out. As your fingertips get tougher you can start to increase the amount of time you practice. You can also use a guitar pick to play the bass instead. It does take a while to get used to though.

[@henryfreeman7748]

I wonder about proper sitting position as well? So the good Dr. Randall has a book, what the name again?

[@AdrianFarrell]

Standing and sitting are essentially the same activity for the torso (although less mobile which can encourage rigidity) so finding some movement even more important than when standing. It's possible to gently sway with the tempo to keep a dynamic posture/poise. Suggest playing with bass on left knee like classical guitar. More info on sitting here: www.alexander-technique.london/2015/01/08/stand-on-your-bottom-what-the-truth-about-sitting/

[@LoLa-ck2uz]

"As we talked about"

[@bobblack5955]

Is that a vintage bass you're playing during the demo? Custom shop?

[@bassbymichele]

looks like an american vintage 62 reissue Jazz Bass

[@fredrikstadwhite]

Is he 8 feet tall?

[@AdamSchofield-c6q]

What kind of Jazz is that? looks smaller?

[@devinebass]

It's a Fender CS stack knob Jazz, regular 34" scale!

[@MJDardas]

My neck tends to hurt after shows, from looking down a lot at what im playing

[@moevans1058]

Michael Dardas I had the same issue. I started to stop looking at my fretting hand. Of course I was hitting wrong notes at first, but steadily that reduced. The habit creeps back on me every once in a while.

[@etiennes9051]

How tall are you????