need technique advice

[jbirdfl]

Haven't played for about 30 years, but just got a new bass (nice gift) and have started practicing... maybe a little too much without rest. Anyhow, I have some pretty intense pain in the outside of my wrist after long practice sessions. It lasts a couple of days and then goes away. I figure I must be doing something wrong. I try to pay attention to position (thumb on back of neck, not wrapped around the top like I used to), stretching exercises and such. Anyhow, any suggestions or comments on the "why" and how to avoid it in the future? The bass is a fairly narrow necked 5-string Ibanez and I have long, thin fingers, so this shouldn't be too much of a strain to play.

[PrimusNut]

It's probably just because you haven't played for so long, and are just starting up again. If the pain lasts for a few days though.... might be something mroe serious. Don't worry about it for now, but if it gets a lot worse, maybe see a doctor? I would say it is just from the strain put on your wrist from playing, and not having played for 30 years.

[AmazingGracePlayer]

It's ok, keep on practicing, it'll eventually go away.

[DocBop]

I stopped playing for a long time like you, but main pain was fingers till they toughened up. I would say if wrist you need to be careful. My guess is you might be bending your wrist too much. You didn't say which wrist it is ,but did mention your thumb on neck is I'll assue left wrist. Try tilting the bass so headstock is higher and dropping elbow. That should straighten out your wrist. Also take a few breaks while practicing, just do some listening or work on reading.