Quote:
Originally Posted by ekspain  Dear Patrick
wrote you a while back on "Sitting position"- that was mainly in orchestra. Now I generally stand when I'm working..
BUT. the question I had was thus:
I've been searching (forever, on how to really have the bass completely stable). While it more or less is. It can be even more so, specifically when going into 4th position. I notice that from some of my pictures and videos of Francois, that he slightly leans or leaves his weight, as if resting against the instrument. Is this a figment of my imagination or does this somehow enable him to secure the bass in the crook of the shoulder.
That brings me to the 2nd part of my question: The neck of the bass- when I'm in thumb position- doesn't stay as stationary as I'd like- in the crook of my shoulder. Precisely where should the neck be?
I like when its higher up on the collar bone, but then it generally slides down towards the end of my shoulder- and I feel less in control of the bass .
So in a nutshell: Where should the neck of the bass be when, for example you're playing the opening of the Bach suit 1?
Does the weight of the left hand enforce the position of the neck of the bass into the shoulder? (when, for example, playing the opening 4 measures of Bach 1st suite)
Also would you keep the elbow of the left arm down, when playing the opening 4 measure of the Bach 1st suite?
Lots of questions! Thanks for your time in answering these questions Patrick. Really appreciate it!!!! |
Generally, you want to BE SURE that you never lose contact of the bass' back rib (not the side of the bass) to you waist or stomach area. When you are standing straight up and down, with your back lightly arched (normal), your belly or waist should be contacting the bass and controlling its position. When you lower your left hand toward the bridge (higher pitch), you must not lose the waist/belly contact with the bass. To do this, bend at the waist, NOT at the shoulders. In other words, if you slouch with your shoulders, you will quickly lose contact with the bass at your waist/belly.
No, your shoulder and armpit do NOT control the bass. The bass comes to you by the movement of your hips backward, and conversely the bass goes away from you when you move your hips forward. Always keep contact with the waist area and you will have no trouble playing on any string and in any register.
See previous threads on this subject, where "bending at the waist" is discussed.
Best to you!!
PN
