wrist pain...

[mdrummer5]

As you can likely tell by the name I'm a drummer learning to play bass...

I've been practicing daily for about a week and for the last couple of days I've been practicing a scales and when practicing the pentatonic scale starting on the 5th fret of the E string the muscles in my wrist tighten up. Am I doing something horribly wrong, or is it just a matter of getting used to it?

[John Wentzien]

Quit hitting the drums so hard!
(just kidding)
Make sure that your wrist is straight . Your hand in alignment with your forearm.

[mdrummer5]

Thanks, I'm trying to be mindful of that but going from my index finger down three frets it feels like I have to bend my wrist or I can't get my pinky in a position to get a clean sound. I've tried adjusting the strap to a shorter postion but it doesn't seem to solve this.

[jmceachern36]

You can try using a different fingering. Start with your pinky finger on the 5th fret of the E. The next note is a C which you can play on the A string 3rd fret. Then slide your hand up 2 frets for the next note (5th fret A string).

[5stringFanatic]

Hi,

when i started playing i had the same problem.. as mentioned make sure you keep your wrist straight, bending it is not good, however.. i think that as you keep playing and develop your finger muscles, youll see that it will become easier. The pinky is a finger you dont normally use to apply that kind of pressure, so let it develop, it will get better. Keep playing.

Regards,
Hilel