Posture while sitting down

[Nightwolf55]

As a hobbyist, I usually play my bass sitting down. What's the proper posture as to not have your back hurt? My back usually hurts after 1 or 2 hours of playing sitting down.

The backpain discourages me from playing. I enjoy practicing, but I just hate the pain. I actually stopped playing for about 1-2 weeks because of this.

I do try to keep my back straight. I'm wondering if back-pain is normal when sitting down for 2-3 hrs straight (and whether or not I should do 1 hr practice sessions scattered throughout the day).

[brentonkim]

I like to keep my back straight while playing, and then sitting in a nice cushioned chair, and i generally have no problem.
I used to sit in a hard wooden chair, and I noticed my back tended to hurt, so try a different chair. It might help, haha
Maybe someone more knowledgeable can help.

[Nightwolf55]

Originally Posted by brentonkim

I like to keep my back straight while playing, and then sitting in a nice cushioned chair, and i generally have no problem.
I used to sit in a hard wooden chair, and I noticed my back tended to hurt, so try a different chair. It might help, haha
Maybe someone more knowledgeable can help.

that might work! thanks for the suggestion

[Nurb]

Here's a video on back pain avoidance by a bodybuilder, you may find some of the exercices he proposes useful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2Evug73DoM

[JimmyM]

i don't think you should remain in any one position for too long. i would probably go an hour and at least take a short break, long enough to get the blood flowing.

[gdthomas]

I was actually thinking about posting a thread like this today, a little more background in my case: I work in IT so I am used to the 1 hour move around rule. What has worked for anyone else. Streches, changing chairs etc...

[pasta4lnch]

yeah - definitely move around. I catch myself slouching and straighten up - my bass is really heavy . . . taking a break is also good for your ears - I mix a lot and find myself taking little breaks often (like right now ) and it clears the mind, body and ears

[christle]

Originally Posted by gdthomas

I was actually thinking about posting a thread like this today, a little more background in my case: I work in IT so I am used to the 1 hour move around rule. What has worked for anyone else. Streches, changing chairs etc...

I also work in IT and I tend to add stretches to the move around rule. I have talked to a couple of health professionals and they always strongly recommend the 1 hour rule coupled with some light isometric stretches and a brief stroll. For myself I have found the choice of chair to be critical if I am practising sitting down. I use my very ergonomic home office chair and I also wear my bass on a strap in the same position I would use if I were standing. When I didn't do that I would unconsciously wrap myself around the bass (bending over it) to play and found I was working extra hard to maintain its balance on my lap. I was essentially working against myself. Best to use a good strap position and a great chair and move around. Sitting more than an hour is very unhealthy.

[Atomic Cow]

I had the same problem until I got a drum throne. Got one of those thick Pork Pie round thrones like this. It allows for a lot of different ways of sitting so you don't get stuck sitting the same way all through the set.

Having your strap adjusted correctly helps a lot too.

[longfinger]

Do you use a strap when sitting down?
The details of the instrument position will change depending on the details of the shape of the bass.

But the principles of good body ergonomics won't change, nor will the details of your body alignment.

[PCR]

Here are two suggestions to add to the ones above:

1) get a small foot rest raise your foot of the leg that you rest your bass on. This will give you a little more support, and will help you keep your back straight.

2) try putting your bass on your left leg rather than right. This actually gets your bass and posture closer to how you would play if you were standing up.