How many of you do this when playing bass?

[fivestringgecko]

Originally Posted by mjac28

I move my mouth almost like a silent mumbling.

That's called BASS FACE!!! (see definition #2). LOL I don't really do the move the hand thing, but I've been told I get a pretty good bass face going. lol

20 Orgasmic Bass Faces (my fav is Mike Watt #18 ) lol

5sg.

[seanm]

I do it a lot when playing "Start Me Up". No idea why, but it feels right.

[AQUANOVA]

Originally Posted by Thick McRunfast

Relieve muscle tension and reorient to "home"?

+1
It's like cleansing the palate after a tasty run.

[Jhengsman]

Originally Posted by Thick McRunfast

Relieve muscle tension and reorient to "home"?

I don't know about the reorient part but I can feel the muscle tension part. Just holding your arm out for extended periods without bending it like when you stay in the same fret position was used as physical and mental conditioning during my basic training at Fort Knox.

[Bert Slide]

I didn't realize I was doing this until I saw it on video. I came to discover I was also somewhat subconsciously using it as a muting technique. To relieve muscle tension and reorient to "home" seems to also apply now that you mention it.

[SquierJazz72]

Could just be a need to keep a motion going. Maybe for some it's a timing device. I do it often too, both with bass and guitar. Never really gave thought to why. Still not sure, but I'll examine it a little next time I'm playing. Got me curious about it now.

[ewe2]

Similar to Gab124, I do it when I'm in the zone and thinking ahead, particularly when I know I've got space to improvise.

[Darren Low]

Originally Posted by Salamenster

I do it occasionally, but than with the sound included. You know: "WHOOOOooooM". It's cool.

Oh yes, never without that sound.

[Rockin Mike]

It keeps your arm ready for the next position change. You see some tennis players do the same thing.

The only drawback is if you get unwanted string noise.

[Moogerbass]

I do this too to get the tension off the muscles in my hands and arms while keeping track of the groove.

[Munjibunga]

I do it every once in a while for no apparent reason. Ususally it's when I'm in the groove.

[WokenDeer]

Just the body moving with the music.

[RAMUSIC]

I've always done this. Sometimes I slide down the strings when I do it just for the FWOOOooooOOm effect. I don't see a problem with it, and it can only improve your ability to subconsciously find a certain fret or position from a different part of the neck. If anything, this is a skill.

[Pilgrim]

I do it sometimes. it's just a small flourish for me.

[bassinplace]

Yes, I did notice awhile ago that I do that. I thought of it as kinda like taking a breather after an exceptionally busy or challenging part. Kinda like shaking your arms out, but you obviously can't do that in the middle of a song, so it's the next best thing. Just a bit of a refresher.

[dreads311]

Originally Posted by Steve Dallman

Like guitar players that turn up the volume knob between every phrase even though its been up all set?

That's my quirk as well.

[dmusic148]

Originally Posted by mjac28

I move my mouth almost like a silent mumbling.

+1. Never do the OP's thing though.

[AQUANOVA]

Thanks for all the responses.
Since a lot of us do it, we should give the movement an official name.

I'll start.
How about AirJam?

As in, "The bass player was so locked into that disco tune, he was air jamming every five seconds."

Let's hear some more ideas.
(Keep it clean)

[Tony Flow MMMM]

Originally Posted by dreads311

That's my quirk as well.

I check the volume knob about 3-4x a song

[seanm]

Originally Posted by Rockin Mike

It keeps your arm ready for the next position change. You see some tennis players do the same thing.

The only drawback is if you get unwanted string noise.

Flats.... no unwanted string noise