Quote:
Originally Posted by SLivinghouse  Hi Patrick,
About a month ago I switched to using a stool instead of standing. Overall, it has been a positive experience, but I'm still having trouble finding a combination of stool height and endpin height and bass angle that works well. The main problem I have is the bow runs into my right thigh when bowing on the E string. I also have trouble with the bass pivoting when up bowing on the E string as well since the bow tends to take the bass with it. What principles do you follow when deciding on seating position, stool height, etc? Any photos on the web you suggest of players in a correct position?
Also,
I'm about 6 ft tall with relatively short legs for my height and have an adjustable Roc N Soc stool if that helps.
Thanks in advance,
Steve |
Hi Steve,
No doubt that you have found an answer to your question by the time I (late!) answer your inquiry ... sorry. BUT, you will note that with many questions about technique, the answers lie in one's experimenting as much as possible. Especially if you have proportions that your teacher does not, doing "it" the "correct" way can lead to problems. There is no singular way to sit that works for all bass players. You must find what works for you. I suggest, always, that you "listen" to your body. Know what it tells you with regard to tension and pain. Find how to use your natural tempos and weight to play the bass (whether sitting or standing). Check out previous threads in this forum for details on these and other concepts.
I don't sit anymore (after 20 years of using a relatively high stool, sitting with the left leg up on a rung and the right down with a flat foot on the floor). But the standing stance that I use is what I use when sitting too: the bass faces almost "flat" - or full-faced toward the audience, with a slight turn toward the right. This allows me to play on all four strings with ease, though I must "reach" a bit over toward my left for the G string. This allows a great deal of weight to be applied, without a lot of muscle action. So, standing works for me. When I sit, I use the same stance, pretty much... as I can. Both feet, now, are on the floor (like standing) though my legs are bent at the knees. The bass faces the audience in the same relationship to my body.
Hope this helps... and Happy Holidays!
PN
