Holding the bass

[Stew_D]

Hi Todd,

Firstly thanks so much for the floating thumb technique video. I've been playing for a couple of years now (pretty badly I might add), but after 4 days of using this technique my right hand is actually starting to get a groove. I feel that with some serious practice I could actually become the player I always wanted to

So, first question: Anything as revolutionary for the left hand? My wrist position is pretty good but I end up with cramps in my thumb when I play for a while ... I think from pushing too hard into the back of the neck!

More importantly though I have concerns about how the bass sits when I play.

Standing seems to be OK. The top horn of the bass sits at my solar plexus, the head is just below eye level and the instrument sits about 30 degrees or so toward the right. This is quite comfortable.

When I sit however, the position changes: The bass shifts to the right to sit on my leg. The neck drops down almost parallel to the ground & the bass sits more square which means my left elbow & shoulder have to push forward to provide the same hand position. This becomes quite uncomfortable after 5-10 minutes. I found I can lean back in my chair and get the neck up and pivot the bass further around toward the right but this isn't particularly comfortable on my back!

Is it purely the shape of my bass that is causing the problem (it's a cheapy)? I noticed that your bass sits very nicely when sitting Todd? Any suggestions?

After trying the floating thumb I am inspired to start working again at my practice but want to make sure I have a good foundation on which to build and that I'm not perpetuating any bad habits.

Stew

[deckard]

Stew,

My suggestion:

when playing seated, try holding the instrument similar to what a classical guitarist does (aka "Gary Willis-style") - put the lower bout cutout on the inside of your left thigh, using the inside of the right thigh to help support it, with the neck pointing up at approximately 45 degrees or so.

I started doing this several months ago and it took virtually all of the tension and strain away from my left wrist.

It also seems to make the floating-thumb thing easier, too.

Takes a little getting used to, but worth the effort...

JMHO

cheers,

Scott

[Stew_D]

That's great ... thanks Scott!

Just read your post & then immediately did 20mins of practice ... I think this might be the answer! Like you said it will take some getting used to but I'm essentially going back to square one anyway.

You're right about the left hand too ... I guess because the bass is now better supported by my thigh I don't need to push so hard with my thumb.

Thanks so much mate!

Stew

[deckard]

Stew,

Glad to hear it might be workable for you!

We'll see what Todd has to say too, when he gets the time to reply...

I started playing again last fall after laying off completely for quite a few years, and my left wrist had been bugging me more & more - I was convinced I was developing some sort of carpal tunnel or other problem when playing seated.

Then I tried holding bass differently and... voila!

Todd talking about how to hold the bass on his "Technique Builders" DVD is what got me thinking about this... that & seeing a couple of Gary Willis videos on YouTube (appears they're not there anymore) wherein he plays seated...



cheers,

Scott

p.s. - just out of curiosity, where do you hail from, Stew?

[Stew_D]

Originally Posted by deckard

... that & seeing a couple of Gary Willis videos on YouTube (appears they're not there anymore) wherein he plays seated...

Bummer they're not there anymore

Originally Posted by deckard

p.s. - just out of curiosity, where do you hail from, Stew?

Sunny Brisbane, Australia

Thanks again for you advice Scott. Like I said I'm starting over so I guess it's gonna take some time to find what works best ... I just don't want to pick up any NEW bad habits, seeing as I'm working to get rid of the old ones

Stew

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Stew_D

Hi Todd,

Firstly thanks so much for the floating thumb technique video. I've been playing for a couple of years now (pretty badly I might add), but after 4 days of using this technique my right hand is actually starting to get a groove. I feel that with some serious practice I could actually become the player I always wanted to

So, first question: Anything as revolutionary for the left hand? My wrist position is pretty good but I end up with cramps in my thumb when I play for a while ... I think from pushing too hard into the back of the neck!

More importantly though I have concerns about how the bass sits when I play.

Standing seems to be OK. The top horn of the bass sits at my solar plexus, the head is just below eye level and the instrument sits about 30 degrees or so toward the right. This is quite comfortable.

When I sit however, the position changes: The bass shifts to the right to sit on my leg. The neck drops down almost parallel to the ground & the bass sits more square which means my left elbow & shoulder have to push forward to provide the same hand position. This becomes quite uncomfortable after 5-10 minutes. I found I can lean back in my chair and get the neck up and pivot the bass further around toward the right but this isn't particularly comfortable on my back!

Is it purely the shape of my bass that is causing the problem (it's a cheapy)? I noticed that your bass sits very nicely when sitting Todd? Any suggestions?

After trying the floating thumb I am inspired to start working again at my practice but want to make sure I have a good foundation on which to build and that I'm not perpetuating any bad habits.

Stew

Hi Stew,

To get straight to the point....it sounds like you're wearing your bass too low.

This is just my opinion.....but...since most of us play sitting and standing, it makes sense to wear the bass in a position that will work for both. Otherwise you have to learn 2 different sets of muscle memory. Make sense??

Like Deckard says.... I cover all of this in my "Technique Builders" DVD.... it goes into great detail. It's pretty logical.

But, overall....going by your description....I would say the bass is too low. (If I could see you play in person, I could fix this in 5 seconds.)

Try adjusting your strap, so it's the right height while you're sitting down. You should be comfortable etc.

Now trying standing up.... it'll be a little higher than you're used too, but I'll bet the farm that this is the right height.

If all else fails....I would recommend picking up my "Techniqe Builders" DVD.... it'll REALLY help you clear up all these fundamentals.

Cool???

Cool...

[steveb98]

My personal way may or may not work for you. First like Todd says I adjust my strap sitting down, so when I stand the bass is still at the same height. I still keep my bass resting on my right leg when seated. That keeps the low end of the neck close enough that not a stretch. But over years I have subconsciously developed the habit of moving my bass to the left as I start playing up the neck. This not only shift my bass so my left arm/hand doesn't have cross my body, but as my bass moves over my leg it elevates it a bit so have good view and reach to upper frets. That is mainly used for going up the neck for short periods. If I am going to be playing up the neck for extended period I will shift the bass to the classical guitar like Deckard is talking about. So I have subconsciously become used to moving my bass around to what is comfortable for what I'm playing at the moment.

Remember this is what works for me, it might not work for anyone else.

[Stew_D]

Thanks Todd & Steve.

I took some pictures to show how I currently wear the bass ...





Looking at these the it does look kinda low ... it feels really high though

Wow ... my left wrist is quite bent too

Lucky my wife succumbed to my pestering and ordered your DVD Todd ... it's a Xmas present

Is all this stuff covered on the DVD?
If not can you give me any pointers?

Stew

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Stew_D

Thanks Todd & Steve.

I took some pictures to show how I currently wear the bass ...





Looking at these the it does look kinda low ... it feels really high though

Wow ... my left wrist is quite bent too

Lucky my wife succumbed to my pestering and ordered your DVD Todd ... it's a Xmas present

Is all this stuff covered on the DVD?
If not can you give me any pointers?

Stew

Hi Stew,

All this stuff is covered in the DVD..... If you have further questions, then let me know. It's basic, common sense stuff. I'm confident you'll take to it quickly.

Thanks for ordering the DVD.....

Merry Christmas to you and yours....

[Stew_D]

Hi Todd,

Thanks ... looking forward to the arrival of the DVD
Merry Christmas to you & your loved ones too.

Stew

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by Stew_D

Hi Todd,

Thanks ... looking forward to the arrival of the DVD
Merry Christmas to you & your loved ones too.

Stew

Hi Stew,

Just checking in with you..... How's the DVD working for you.

I'm here to help.

[iamlowsound]

Originally Posted by Todd Johnson

Hi Stew,

Just checking in with you..... How's the DVD working for you.

I'm here to help.

It is not christmas yet.

lowsound

[deckard]

If you're still out there,

looks like some of the Gary Willis videos I mentioned in December are back on YouTube... so you can see how he holds his instrument.

Cheers to you, and of course Todd as well!!!

Scott

p.s. how do you like Todd's DVD?

Enquiring minds (what's left of 'em, anyway) want to know!

[DocBop]

Originally Posted by deckard

If you're still out there,

looks like some of the Gary Willis videos I mentioned in December are back on YouTube... so you can see how he holds his instrument.

FYI Gary Willis has two new CD's out. They can be ordered from his website.

[Todd Johnson]

Originally Posted by DocBop

FYI Gary Willis has two new CD's out. They can be ordered from his website.

Willis is the best....SOLD!!!!!!!!