Left hand cramping up

[Pbassred]

It also aches dueing the day.

I've never really had this during 25 years of playing. Until the last 18 months. True, I'm playing more disco soul and rapid funk lines these days. Also true that I'm doing it on a 35" scale five string and trying to stick to one-finger-per-fret.

Am I practicing too hard lately? Its not like 2 hours per session. Barely one. It went away before. Maybe its a strength thing?

[PrimusNut]

1 finger per fret, even on the first 5 frets? That could be you're problem right there, especially on the low B and E strings. Wrist pain is far from uncommon in playing bass. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless it really bothers you.

[Slax]

Originally Posted by PrimusNut

1 finger per fret, even on the first 5 frets? That could be you're problem right there, especially on the low B and E strings. Wrist pain is far from uncommon in playing bass. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless it really bothers you.

I'm going to have to agree. That's a pretty large neck you got (But who am I to say, I play a 4 string Rickenbacker 4003. ) and if you're playing more intense lines than you're used to, your body might just be getting tired.

I'd say give it some time, if it doesn't go away after a while, you could always see a doctor to find out what else might be causing it.

[locolobo85]

Have you tried some simple stretching exercises for your hands lately? It most definitely helps eliminate some the aches and pains.

[K2000]

We're all getting older. Take your time warming up.

[Pbassred]

The bass line to "Green Onions" is a great stretching excercise. Played in F, right down on the 1st fret, there's a lot of 1st to 4th finger action.

It might be just excercise pain. I tried a heat pad right after playing last night and its better today. Very important after any excercise to clean out the muscles and warm down. The damage usually doesn't appear until the 2nd day.

I'll track it and report back.