Comments on: Blistering Bass Chops

By: Curt

Curt — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 22:29:07 +0000

I have been battling blisters since picking up the bass - and while I have not found a perfect solution - I use a liquid band aid product called “New Skin” on the fingers on both hands when I gig. It apply a thin coat between sets - and it definitely helps to prevent blisters. I also try to use a pick every few songs (I am careful about what songs I use a pick on).

I do not use it for my daily practice - to try to build up callouses - but do use it sometimes when the whole band is there.

By: Joe Lewis

Joe Lewis — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:42:41 +0000

I have to say that the main reason I dropped playing jazz bass is due to blisters after gigs. As a classical player, I play too little jazz to develop the proper endurance for my lily-livered nerve endings.

Great post!

By: Elijah Abrams

Elijah Abrams — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:22:33 +0000

thanks for the advice i just played a bluegrass festival in Nebraska, and im off to israel in the morning. if you have ever played bluegrass bass the thump is always in high demand by the band members. my fingers are aching and i have huge blisters.i can already feel the relief from from follwing your suggestions.

By: M.e.

M.e. — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:23:45 +0000

Nasty! There really is no option but to keep playing. When it comes to critical mass, I opt for using different fingers, and tape up during a break. There’s usually someone around with band-aids if you don’t have any.

Remember, I’m not a doctor and not qualified to give actual medical advice, but keep it clean and bandaged at all times. Change your bandage at least once a day. Try not to play too much while it’s healing, but if you must, use a band-aid with a relatively large area of gauss, and wrap your entire finger up to the first knuckle–the one half way down your finger–in water proof medical tape.

I find there is much less string catching on the tape if you wrap the whole thing. You loose mobility, but you can still play relatively pain free. I would do this sort of wrap on either my left or right hands.

You’re first priority is to keep the show going, your second is to heal as fast as possible.

By: Afsoneh

Afsoneh — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 22:29:29 +0000

My war story:
I went to a jazz festival thing with an uncared for blister. I usually pop ‘em and do the band aid thing, but i didn’t have time. Anyway, during the show, the blister exploded and sent juices everywhere. I didn’t know what to do but keep playing. Then after a little more torture, the blister ripped off completely (taking good skin with it) and started to bleed.
What should i do about it now? and what should i have done during the show?

By: M.e.

M.e. — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 00:22:24 +0000

Chapstick? Awesome! That’s a totally new one on me. Taping up blisters on the left hand is certainly not an option, and I get my share on my left index and pinky after a few days of 4 hour sets. I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for contributing.

By: Jack

Jack — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 23:56:01 +0000

Something I was told by my father-in-law has proven
very useful… keep a tube of Chapstick in your pocket,
and whenever convenient use it on your fingertips.

I’ve had this on-going battle, not with my right, but
with my left ring finger ever since I started working
seriously on classical double bass. Thumb position
is really hard on that finger, but I’ve gotten it much
more under control this way.

By: M.e.

M.e. — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:16:16 +0000

If this article only saves one finger, it was entirely worth my time. I’m glad you found it helpful, and you are entirely welcome. - Rock

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 21:00:42 +0000

What’s up,

Thanks for this article - I was trying to find info on blisters and how to treat them (without NOT playing bass for a month) and found this the most informative out of everything I was looking for. Thanks!! Rock on.

- Jordan