zambizzi
Platinum Member
So, I'm adjusting, re-adjusting, and tweaking the smallest details of my hand technique and am having an issue with the ride, these days.
I had really severe tendonitis for which I'm mostly over now. I take this as an indication that my technique and ability to relax while playing has come a long way, for this I'm very happy (and proud).
However, an issue remains and is a sticking point for me. I've resigned to playing most things on the right side of my kit in French grip. I use it on the ride, when crashing on the right side, and sometimes on the floor tom (but will also use German grip on the floor tom). I can switch between French and German grips to do this, seamlessly and without conscious thought...not a problem.
What *is* a problem is crashing the ride. I've been playing a 21" HHX Groove Ride for about two years. It's thin and wobbly, and is very easy to crash on the edge. I don't have any pain and can do this for long periods of time, if I want. What I DO get, is a strange "shock" sensation in my thumb. I'm not gripping especially hard - I can't, I'd get very sore and would know right away. This "shock" is obviously a nerve issue and I can't help but think that it's the result of absorbing the shock of crashing such a large cymbal, into my hand. I've tried adjusting to German grip, which takes some of the tension off of my thumb, but the same thing happens eventually.
Again, it's not painful, it's just distracting. Does anyone else have this issue? Any tips on how I should be hitting the edge of the ride that might help avoid this? I'm always utilizing the back two fingers in conjunction w/ the fulcrum, which is the thumb and middle finger, for me. I'm always quite relaxed, breathing, etc. I'm at a loss as to what to change to allow me to use the edge of the ride again. When I don't, the "shock" never happens.
Another thing to note - my son whacked me on the upper-arm the other day, right between the tricep and bicep, on the outside - and I felt the same sensation in my hand. I'm wondering if it isn't a shoulder issue? Perhaps I've got some pressure happening in my shoulder that is pinching the nerve that runs down through the arm?
Thanks all!
I had really severe tendonitis for which I'm mostly over now. I take this as an indication that my technique and ability to relax while playing has come a long way, for this I'm very happy (and proud).
However, an issue remains and is a sticking point for me. I've resigned to playing most things on the right side of my kit in French grip. I use it on the ride, when crashing on the right side, and sometimes on the floor tom (but will also use German grip on the floor tom). I can switch between French and German grips to do this, seamlessly and without conscious thought...not a problem.
What *is* a problem is crashing the ride. I've been playing a 21" HHX Groove Ride for about two years. It's thin and wobbly, and is very easy to crash on the edge. I don't have any pain and can do this for long periods of time, if I want. What I DO get, is a strange "shock" sensation in my thumb. I'm not gripping especially hard - I can't, I'd get very sore and would know right away. This "shock" is obviously a nerve issue and I can't help but think that it's the result of absorbing the shock of crashing such a large cymbal, into my hand. I've tried adjusting to German grip, which takes some of the tension off of my thumb, but the same thing happens eventually.
Again, it's not painful, it's just distracting. Does anyone else have this issue? Any tips on how I should be hitting the edge of the ride that might help avoid this? I'm always utilizing the back two fingers in conjunction w/ the fulcrum, which is the thumb and middle finger, for me. I'm always quite relaxed, breathing, etc. I'm at a loss as to what to change to allow me to use the edge of the ride again. When I don't, the "shock" never happens.
Another thing to note - my son whacked me on the upper-arm the other day, right between the tricep and bicep, on the outside - and I felt the same sensation in my hand. I'm wondering if it isn't a shoulder issue? Perhaps I've got some pressure happening in my shoulder that is pinching the nerve that runs down through the arm?
Thanks all!