What defect in my technique could be causing this pain?

[lastminute]

I've looked through some 'pain' threads and I haven't seen one like mine: my pain is at the back of my hand, in the area just above the wrist. What am I doing that may be causing that?

[PBass101]

Which hand? Fretting or plucking?

[lastminute]

Fretting.

[standupbassman]

if you have your thumb parallel to the neck on a 6 string or an upright that can happen but some more information would help. just try moving your thumb so it is perpindicular to the neck

[fearceol]

+1 on more information. In the mean time you could check out this link on L/H technique, and see if you are doing the same.

http://www.adamnitti.com/bass_player_03.shtml

[unclejane]

Originally Posted by lastminute

Fretting.

I've been fighting this exact problem myself.

What I've found is that it's due to having my wrist bent too much - this horribly weakens the whole hand and is very hard on the tendons and everything else on the back of the hand near the wrist.

I've changed my positioning of my bass to allow keeping my wrist as straight as I can get it.

Poor balance in the bass is one thing that can force you to crane your wrist over especially when playing down in half position.

I'm adopting more of a Bunny Brunel kind of position when standing up, in fact I have a carvin bunny on the way to help me with this.

Try adjusting your technique and form to allow keeping the wrist as straight as possible...

LS