Is this normal?

I don't understand the question. Maybe I'm dense.

 

perhaps use your wrist less and ears more?

 

By horizontal (on eb) I assume you mean up and down the string? My question is why change your technique on EB just because you are transcribing DB? One of the benefits of EB is you can easily play runs across the strings. Play the notes where they are most easily available to you.

 

What about finding the octaves of notes so they're closer to that hand position in so you have less movement?

 

If you're getting pain in your wrist then this sounds more of a technique issue?

Lots of bass guitar players are self-taught and end up with technique that is positively harmful, I would suggest having a lesson with a good teacher and asking that person to look at your left hand technique.

Pain is usually telling you something and you shouldn't ignore it - you can end up with worse problems in future. I have known people who had to give up playing, who were in professional situations, but their poor technique caused lasting damage...

 

If by horizontal, you mean the bass itself, perhaps hold your bass more like Bill; that is, more like an upright. I've considered it.

 

Sit with your bass in classical guitar position, it is better for both wrists.

dont press down so hard. if your action sucks get it lowered.

dont grit your teeth or scrunch your toes. your storing tension someplace and transitioning it to your wrists.

This would be better handled in the Electric Bass Technique forum i suppose.

 

Check this out Gary Willis Progressive Bassics chunk 1 - YouTube

 

I keep thinking about getting a footstool and doing away with my strap.

 

I'd add to this... try to find a big bass, like an acoustic bass guitar, that facilitates seated play. In addition to my DB, I've been using a Washburn AB95 which I always play seated (that's why I bought it). I don't use a footstool, but it's still a comfy position.

Absolutely.

 

I've been playing EB for many years, if I have pain playing or uncomfortable hand positions, it's on upright, but I do notice that at times after playing upright alot, I do tend to pluck and finger notes on electric with more force than is needed for a bit

 

Luckily, youre not ignoring it, which is why you've posted here in the first place!

What Bruce posted here really boils it down. In your OP you ask if this is normal, and the simple answer is "no".

The second half of your question was if we could suggest a better way to transcribe, but it sounds to me like the problem here is not in how you're transcribing, but in how you're holding your bass. You should have free range of motion in your playing position so you can move easily up, down and across the neck without straining anything. Wrist, elbow, shoulder, anything. If you're muscling the bass at any point, you might need to rethink how you're aproaching your technique.

My apologies if I've misinterpreted what you're really asking here.