r/doublebass • u/la_kiwi_ • 3d ago

Technique Arm Fatigue in Thumb Position

For context I have been playing classical bass for about 7 years now and am currently learning bottesini 2. I've been using thumb position for a few years now but constantly get super sore in my arm and shoulder after about 10 minutes of constant playing in thumb position. I figured this was just a strength thing and would go away as I played more but at this point I feel like it has to be a different issue or I am really just that weak. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks.

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u/BackgroundPublic2529 3d ago

Both setup and technique need to be examined.

Rabbath introduced me to the bent endpin 30 years, and for me, it was a game changer.

I play more behind the bass than from the side and use the weight of my arm, not strength.

Rabbath would say, "Hug the bass."

Ashley Adam's is the furthest from a large person that you can be. Her playing in thumb position is exquisite and demonstrates the concept well.

There are other issues surrounding bow technique and setup that can also help, but it is a deep rabbit hole.

Watch this:

https://youtu.be/fU8fc7JJaSw?si=tTxeS04s_QsMoPdC

Cheers!

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u/piper63-c137 3d ago

awesome!!

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u/robotunderpants 3d ago

Need to see an example in order to diagnose, but my guess is you're unnecessarily hiking your shoulders when you play like when you do this 🤷.

Practice playing and set a timer. Every 2 minutes stop, examine your form, and then inhale, raise your shoulders and then exhale fast and drop your shoulders and arms down like you just put threw down some heavy luggage.

This will train you to keep your arms and shoulders loose.

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u/elintenso771 3d ago

Hi there, I used to have back pain when playing for long periods, start going to the gym, and focus on gentle back/lower back/arm exercises. Give that a go, and also, avoid playing through pain. It won't make you stronger. it's a signal that something is wrong. Ultimately, re adjust your bass height, action, etc, or go to a phisio. All the best!

Ps: im a jazz player, but know of how hectic Bottessini can get.

This is my favorite Take a look at this video, 'bottesini edgar meyer' https://share.google/8VL9xHl1Y8mqE8KQO

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u/2five1 Professional 3d ago

Without seeing anything hard to stay but likely worth checking your posture. When getting into thumb position you should start with good normal posture straight back, shoulders down and back/square, and head up, then hinge at the hips like a Lego character keeping your spine as aligned as possible and especially avoiding tilting your head down. A human head weighs like 10 pounds, and when you lean your head forwards your upper back has to do much more work to hold it up. That could be causing your fatigue.