Fingers on strings

[jazzyvee]

I had a festival gig on Sunday morning at around 00;30 in a large big top tent. We were the headline band so were last on for the night.
About 5 mins into the gig, and I don't know if this is due to my fingers or the strings or ambient temperature, but rather than my fingers sliding off the strings as normal when I was plucking the notes, my fingers were gripping the strings so I ended up missing notes because my fingers were being slowed down by the gripping action between my fingers and strings.  
 
The feeling was like trying to move your fingers across a piece of double sided tape although not as extreme as that would be. But it was enough that I had to try to change the way I was playing the strings to avoid making mistakes.  I tried licking my fingertips when there was a slow moment but once the moisture came off it was even more gripping than before.  So i tried rubbing my fingers on my jeans hoping to get some smoothness back but that only lasted for a few notes.  
My left had for fretting was fine there was no problem there at all just my plucking fingers.  
 
When we were sound checking everything was normal but there was about an hour between soundcheck and playing and the ambient temperature had dropped but it was not cold at all.
Generally when It's been cold at a gig the strings feel harder and there is much less finger and string resistance.
 
Any Idea'? I don't fancy keeping a greasy chicken bone in my pocket to use for lube.  
 
I have two more outdoor festivals in the next month so don't want this getting in the way if there is a practical solution.
 
Maybe Jimmy has experienced this and has some advice?
 
Jazzyvee

[811952]

I totally get that as well.  I think it's a combination of oils or sweat on your skin and condensation on the strings.  I sometimes carry a can of Fingerease (I think that's what it's called) for those situations to lube things a bit and it seems to help.  Also, I make it a point to avoid washing my fingers right before playing, as that cleans the oils off and makes everything more grippy as well as softening the callouses.
 
John

[5a_quilt_top]

Be careful of Fingerease and its clones.
 
Light to moderate use for a specific purpose is OK, but overuse can coat your fretboard and attract dirt and debris that will kill your strings and cause them to feel tacky.
 
We clean a lot of dirty fretboards at the guitar store where I work part time and we can tell immediately when someone is overdoing it.
 
Re: plucking fingers - try buffing them lightly with an emery board or a fingernail buffing pad.

[JimmyJ]

Ah, outdoor gigs, such fun.  I played one in Connecticut on May 25th and it was 47 degrees (8?C) with sideways rain and wind gusts which made it feel like 40 (4?C).  I was wearing a hooded jacket and when the wind would blow rain at us I'd turn my back to the audience.  Nice stage presence, huh?  HA!  
 
Yes Jazzyvee, my guess is that a certain combination of temperature, humidity, and maybe dew point caused your sticky situation.  It may be different for others but for me things feel best when it's dry.  So I think your second idea - wiping the fingers (maybe the strings too) - was probably the right direction.  Sometimes in between tunes you can hold your hand near an amp or stage light fan which is putting out warm dry air.  
 
The only thing to do is ignore these distractions and concentrate on the music.  Don't become obsessed trying to figure out what's happening or the music will suffer.  Also know that the rest of the band is probably fighting the same battle!
 
Three cheers for indoor gigs!
Jimmy J

[811952]

I'll have to second the sandpaper/emory board thing.  I do that regularly and it definitely makes a difference.
 
John

[slawie]

I use nose oil!
slawie

[jazzyvee]

From the inside or outside of the nose Slawie... lol
 
 
Jazzyvee

[tubeperson]

Jazzyvee, could be like a half round, innie and outie.

[slawie]

The skin produces natural oils. For me these oils seem to be concentrated on the OUTSIDE of my nose. If I find that my fingers are suffering a little resistance from dryness because of low humidity a quick pinch of the nose gets my fingers a little slippery. I am serious about this. It can be done discretely on stage because it looks as if you are just touching your face. Since I had my heart attack and I have been prescribed Lipitor to control my cholesterol I found that my skin produces less oil. I will be seeking apologies from those mocking folks that try it and find that it works
slawie

[sonicus]

Jazzy,  
 A  fine British product ;  Penny&Giles P/N D23402 silicone lube for Penny& Giles Audio Faders ( also Dow Corning DC 150/50cs)
     
Slawie  , Take care of your Heart ! I hope that you are doing ok now .

[Dale M Williams]

I also use nose oil. I started this odd trick back in the 70's or 80's after reading that Chet Atkins would do this in the studio to reduce finger/fret squeak.

[hieronymous]

You can use nose grease to get rid of foam in beer too!

[tncaveman]

WOW _ Nose grease info - I've heard it's also great for curing and preventing chapped lips too.   We need to bottle this stuff - LOL  Kind of like mink oil.
 
Stephen

[jazzyvee]

I have another festival gig in this Sunday so will try some of the techniques if the situation arises again.
 
Jazzyvee

[briant]

I've experienced this problem as well.  It's very frustrating.  I actually have this insane recurring dream where I'm playing a bass and the strings are total mush and my plucking hand fingers are sticking to them.  No kidding.
 
Some good advice already here on how to deal.
 
Ah, outdoor gigs, such fun. I played one in Connecticut on May 25th and it was 47 degrees (8?C) with sideways rain and wind gusts which made it feel like 40 (4?C).
 
Been there.  Local outdoor gig for an Octoberfest party.  It was in the low 40's when we started at 7pm and in the low 30's by the time we wrapped up at 11pm.  Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee... so much fun.