how do you keep the bass steady while approaching thumb position

[chadspivey]

My techer has me playing an A major scale starting on the second fret of the g string. I'm not going into full thumb position, so Im using my second finger for the F# (11th fret), and my 3rd finger for the G (12th fret). Now, he pointed out that I should keep my left palm off the bass when playing these notes ( and any notes above them) because it keeps my hand anchored there restricts movement, but if I do that then I can't keep the bass balanced and it wants to fall. So, I've realized that I can use either my left forearm to kind of steady it, or hunch over and use my underarm. What do you do?

[charlespf]

Approaching thumb position can be tricky; many players use different techniques to do it smoothly.

My method involves finding how to make the bass balance on its own, so my arms don't need to support it. I like a high endpin, and i let the bass lean a little bit, it's weight all being supported by my hip. Your hip should do most of the holding. Don't grab the neck. Often times, I will even take my thumb out of the heel, bringing it almost around to the front.
Make sure you're using your arm weight effectively here, be able to feel your arm weight drop into the string, and into your hip. Don't hunch over!

Oh, and basses don't have frets, remember?

[chadspivey]

Alright, thanks, I'll try that. I know double basses don't have frets, so how do I communicate which "A" on the G string I'm talking about?

[Ed Fuqua]

How about "A above the octave G on the G string" ?

[damonsmith]

I use the Rabbath neck on the shoulder. So my hands are free. Don't lean your arm on the bass.
This is one of those situations where the bass is like ballet or modern dance - where you have to make an awkward movement seem effortless.
I think it takes some time for each of us to find our personal stance with the bass and getting the bass to balance is crucial, but it can be a fairly long process.

[christ andronis]

Practice octave leaps on the same string starting with the lowest fingered note up to the TP fingered note. This is a good way to feel how your balance effects your playing. It also gives you the feel of getting into TP quickly (and accurately) BTW...is this the vomit exercise I always hear people refer to?

[ricobasso]

Originally Posted by chadspivey

My techer has me playing an A major scale starting on the second fret of the g string. I'm not going into full thumb position, so Im using my second finger for the F# (11th fret), and my 3rd finger for the G (12th fret).

Shouldn't that be G# in the scale of A maj Maybe that's why he's a techer?