Weakness in right forearm

I just started learning myself some bass licks so I can fill in with a band, and after just a couple of days I've noticed some weakness and a little dull pain in my right forearm. I don't know what the muscles are called, but if I were to reach out to shake a hand, it's the muscles that are nearest the floor.

Is this just normal fatigue from working muscles I haven't worked much before? Or am I hurting myself here? My dad was an industrial safety guy, so fears of repetitive motion injuries loom big in my family.

Other than that, bass is turning out to be more fun than I thought! I spent most of last night working on some james Brown tunes cuz I just happened to have a book that breaks down the rhythm section parts. After about 5 minutes I was so far into the funk grooves that I'd completely forgotten about being bummed because I didn't have a date :-)

it might just be unfamiliar usage, especially as you got caught in the groove and went for it big time!

Fun, isn't it?

Try holding your bass with the neck up a bit and maybe the body a little lower than you've had it, so you'll be playing with your wrist a little straighter. That'll actually make it a little easier on both hands!

Tim

Tim, I actually did try doing that and it helped the right arm a little (and yes, I'm playing finger-style), but this thing is pretty heavy at the neck end so it's more work on my left hand.

Oh well, this isn't a permanent gig, I'll learn to deal. :-)

Tim, I actually did try doing that and it helped the right arm a little (and yes, I'm playing finger-style), but this thing is pretty heavy at the neck end so it's more work on my left hand.

Oh well, this isn't a permanent gig, I'll learn to deal. :-)

It does sound like something your muscles are getting used to. I usually rest/anchor my thumb on the edge of the pickup and it seems to automatically hold my wrist straight.
Cheers, feojack