I play Bass guitar every other week or so, and after about two hours my fingers kill. Any quick-fix remedies?

Question

I usually play acoustic or electric guitar, and I have calluses from that. However, about every other week I fill in playing Bass guitar in a band, and about two hours into playing (out of about 4 hours) my fingers begin to kill. Obviously, I could play the Bass more often, and build up calluses in the areas where the strings touch, but I don't really have the ambition to do that. So I was wondering if anyone had any temporary remedies, such as tape or whatever?

Answer 1

As you pointed out, the obvious best way to cure this is to play bass more often and build up callouses on your finger tips, however, there are a few things that might help you out.
I play bass, and I used to have a problem with my fingertips blistering during practises or at gigs. An old friend and long time pro bass player told me this tip.
I will take a bottle of super glue with me to practises and on each finger, I put a couple of drops on the tip and rub it against my thumb in a circular motion, trying to completely cover the finger tip. Make sure you don't stay in contact too long because if they stick they're a pain in the back side to get apart. The super glue gives your fingers a rough finish and hardens them up. You can even put multiple layers on for more protection. Once you've finished, the glue will wear off, or you can just hold them under hot water and use soap.
Sounds strange, but that's my tip. Works for me!

Answer 2

These days you can learn how to play guitar over the internet. Check out Mark McKenzie's guitar video lessons here: http://www.jamoramaguitar.com The videos are very easy to follow and to my surprise extremely helpful even for advanced guitar players. For beginners I would have to say this is a gold mine.

I was able to improve my skills in just under 4 weeks and I am an intermediate-to-advanced guitar player; I've been playing guitar for the past 6 years and I was on stage with my band a lot of times.

I live in New York City, I wanted to go to a pro guitar teacher but that would have cost me over $1400 per month. Good thing with this internet, $1400 it's a lot of money for me. Good luck!

Answer 3

Much like a sport, instruments require endurance. You're exposing your body to unnatural positions and motions, so if you practice daily, you can build that up.
However, you say you only play every so often and up to 4 hour sessions. That is hard on your hands, which is why you have pain--you aren't used to it.
I suggest you practice at least 20 minutes per day, and during your play-times with other bands, ask for quick five minute breaks to rest your hands.

Remember--you have to take care of your hands just like the rest of your body! It's strange to think of your fingers having endurance, but it's true.
Outside of practicing, you could try ice to reduce swelling. Just hold the ice in your hands for a few minutes. You can also stretch out your fingers before and after playing.

If you don't have the ambition to practice, I suggest you stop playing. You'll only damage your hands further, be it through carpal tunnel or bursitis in your wrists. Secondly, without regular practice, you drag the rest of the band down because you are not up to the same skill and cognition level.

So....PRACTICE!

Answer 4

I play guitar and I use what are called Boomers from GHS. They are what's called roundwood strings. I don't know if they make bass strings, but my strings are a lot smoother (and better sounding) than normal strings. They are still metal strings, though. I think the name comes from how they feel. Happy playing! And I just checked- They make bass boomers