bassbiscuits Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Here's an odd one. I've noticed that after playing a gig (especially on acoustic guitar with their heavy, thin strings) my fretting fingertips are absolutely killing me. They aren't really sore on the surface, but go tingly, numb and almost feel like they've been electrocuted, even tho the skins is thick and callused from 30 years as a bassist. I've always suffered from it (been playing guitar over 20 years) but with my recent switch towards doing more acoustic playing, its started to bother me again. Does anyone else suffer from this - more importantly, does anyone know how to cure it? I spent a few mins squeezing and massaging my finger tips after last nights gig which seems to have helped a bit. Maybe its just that my fingers are used to bass strings, but less happy about guitar strings, with their thinner point of contact etc. I dunno. Maybe soaking them in vinegar and baking them before a gig is the answer... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Browning Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Dunk your fingertips in the hottest water you can stand. Works a treat. Apparently, the blood vessels get crushed when you play and the hot water opens them out again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Use lighter and/or low tension acoustic strings. I recommend Newtone Heritage strings, been using them for a few years now & they are great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Amputation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osiris Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 If the finger tips are tingling and numb it could possibly be a nerve issue. I get a similar thing in the pinky and ring fingers on my left hand and it's down to a damaged ulnar nerve caused by years of cycling. As I understand it, you also get similar issues with the thumb and first (and possibly middle?) fingers with a damaged median nerve, aka Carpal tunnel syndrome. As for a cure, if it is nerve damage, there are things that can be done, up to and including surgery. I'm currently waiting to find out if I will need any surgery to rectify my issue. It might be worth checking out the symptoms for radial and median nerve damage online to see if that sounds like a it's the culprit, and then speaking to your GP if it sounds like this is what you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coilte Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 [quote name='Osiris' timestamp='1494252880' post='3294345'] It might be worth checking out the symptoms for radial and median nerve damage online to see if that sounds like a it's the culprit, and then speaking to your GP if it sounds like this is what you have. [/quote] +1. While some discomfort is to be expected when changing from bass strings to acoustic guitar ones, what the OP describes sounds a bit severe. A visit to the GP and perhaps a referral to a hand specialist might be prudent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted May 8, 2017 Share Posted May 8, 2017 Surgical spirit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
project_c Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 It's a symptom of cubital tunnel syndrome. I get it in my little finger sometimes during repetitive songs, especially if i'm a bit tense during a gig. Relaxing my neck and shoulders and playing the repetitive part in a different position on the neck usually helps, but it's a weird feeling, i didn't like it at all when it first happened. Pressing down less hard with fretting hand also helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miles'tone Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 (edited) ^ maybe you are pressing down on the strings much harder than you need to. Also, check your nut height on both the bass and acoustic guitar. Too high and with heavy strings makes those first few positions killer. I realise you have years of experience but it's still worth checking that out.. Edited May 9, 2017 by miles'tone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Starr Posted May 9, 2017 Share Posted May 9, 2017 Numbness and tingling does sound like something is pressing on a nerve, possibly a bony spur or just caused by swelling, which results from holding an unnatural position for an extended time. You need to talk to a doctor, not the internet. Hope it gets sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassbiscuits Posted May 9, 2017 Author Share Posted May 9, 2017 [quote name='Steve Browning' timestamp='1494250299' post='3294311'] Dunk your fingertips in the hottest water you can stand. Works a treat. Apparently, the blood vessels get crushed when you play and the hot water opens them out again. [/quote] Happy to report that this has helped a lot - been doing it yesterday and this morning, and its very helpful. Good shout! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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