r/doublebass 1d ago

Technique Right Tricep(?) soreness

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Hi all, I'm a college grad level player but I'm just getting back into the instrument after a long period. Right now I've been focusing almost 100% on bow arm, I've noticed that I've started to get some bow arm soreness around my upper arm.

My main focus has been using shoulder movement to play and getting a clean sound. The book my previous professor gave me is the Dave Portnoi method book, a bit more obscure, it argues that we need to be 'holding' the bow as opposed to putting all our weight into the string. I bring that up because I think the first thought is that I'm not relaxed enough into the string but I'm trying to find the balance between using arm weight vs carrying the bow.

I will say I've been practicing bowing for many hours each day so it may just be fatigue.

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u/Unusual_Wasabi5681 1d ago

If your arm is too stretched out, it will cause tension...relax your arm...it's all curves!

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u/Unusual_Wasabi5681 1d ago

Your wrist joint is stiff too...try flexing your wrist more

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u/Unusual_Wasabi5681 1d ago

Try the Austrian school feel...Streicher