Position

[Stakkura]

My name is Sandro,
I'm 20 years old, I bought my first bass guitar last month. I was wondering if someone could give me some tips about the position because I've heard that you might suffer tendinitis and muscle problems.Is anybody willing to help me about that issue?

Thank you,
Sandro.

[Bob Clayton]

Welcome to TalkBass.com!

Hope you enjoy it here. There's a bunch of great people on the boards with tons to talk about.

Please take this time to review the rules of the forum, if you haven't already.

Also, remember to view the stickies at the top of each sub-forum to check for other FAQ and poicies in place.

Happy Posting!

(moved to techique)

[Poop-Loops]

It's really best to just find a teacher that can show you how to do it.

[Erick Lam]

The basic rule, which is common to every instrument, is to keep your hand and wrist straight with your forearm. The muscles controling your fingers are in your forearm and by bending your wrist, you put strain on the tendons.

[Poop-Loops]

That really is impossible for me to do. My wrist is constantly at 45º. I'd have to put the bass up by my mouth to make my hand straighter, and then I can't play low on the neck.

[pretaanluxis]

Originally Posted by Poop-Loops

That really is impossible for me to do. My wrist is constantly at 45º. I'd have to put the bass up by my mouth to make my hand straighter, and then I can't play low on the neck.

If you get a bass with a smaller neck you can put your thumb higher on the back of the neck, thereby making your wrist straighter...but you will still have to bend it to play low notes on the E string...but if you wear your strap short and high enough you should be ok.
eg:



Or you could always make your strap longer like these guys: