Hand pains in left hand.

[Exospaciac]

Recently I've been experiencing some minor pains in my left hand after practicing for a period of time.
Usually I can go a good 8 to 10 hours practicing without experiencing anything, but now it takes less than two hours for my arm and hand to start hurting.

I think the source of my pain is coming from one of two places:

1. I can't arch my fretting hand pinky. I just can't do it. I know more pressure is being put on that digit of my finger, but the pain seems to shoot up from that pinky all the way up that little spot of my arm. (A little off topic, but does anyone have any suggestions for this too?)

2. Recently I've been trying to do a lot of walking basslines with chords simultaneously, and some of the lines I do require me to stretch a LOT. It's so much fun, though. :P

Any suggestions as to what I should do, besides stop playing? I'm already doing that and it's making me sad.

And if anyone is wondering why I have so much time to practice, I'm currently enrolled at MI. It's so awesome being able to practice all day and night.

[standupright]

8 to 10 hours a day? that much playing can result in repetitive motion disorder.......i know this because i developed it.....you have to give yourself a break. seriously, before you get to the point where your hand starts cramping up and locking (like it happened to me).....give it a break. it may suck....but it will help prevent you from it getting any worse.

and MI? really? in LA? if so......very jealous. i ran screaming from that campus along time ago due to me being young and the tuition.

[Exospaciac]

Yeah I've been giving it a rest recently.
I actually just recently (about a month ago) started practicing this much; before I was only clocking about 4 - 5 hours a day but I told myself I had to get in gear and practice as much as possible while I still had free time.

And yes MI as in Musicians Institute in LA. Such a cool place.

[Jim Carr]

Sometimes, more is less.

[Earthday]

Make sure you aren't squeezing your thumb against the back of the fretboard. The force holding your fingers down should be coming from your back, and you shouldn't need any pressure on the thumb at all.

[funkymonk77]

could be your playing position, if your bass is to low...it took me awhile to find the sweet spot so i could forget about anything but playing. I attended AIM (the east coast version over in Atlanta, Georgia) about 3 years ago... regardless of if you, or I make it in the music business, I dont think you'll ever experience as much growth as you are now....oh and remember to take it easy, after i graduated i didnt play for a couple of months, and i was on the 6 hour a day binge practice schedule aswell