Bass position...

[stevensivak]

I have found that my plucking hand is more comfortable when my wrist is close to straight which means the bridge side or the entire bass is lower than most bent wrist players. Sitting on a chair forces this bent wrist position. Obviously, standing gives me freedom to place the bass anywhere I want.
The problem is for practicing some form of sitting is easier on the body. I know you guys will say, "get a stool" but as soon as one has a bent leg under the bridge, it does not matter how high the seating is.
Other than leaning against a wall, is there something that I am unaware of?

 

[Nashrakh]

Try classical guitar position (resting the instrument on your left leg). It may take a while to get comfy, but it will definitely relieve your right hand. Now, depending on your bass, it may be quite a reach for the left hand in the lower register. So, whether to adapt it depends on your priorities and play style (it fits me perfectly... I usually only play frets 5 and up on a six string).

 

[stevensivak]

Have you a pic of what you are suggesting?
My gut, which is not always correct, tells me that the bass sitting on
any part of one's body leads to a bent wrist...

 

[Lobster11]

I have found that my plucking hand is more comfortable when my wrist is close to straight which means the bridge side or the entire bass is lower than most bent wrist players. Sitting on a chair forces this bent wrist position. Obviously, standing gives me freedom to place the bass anywhere I want.
The problem is for practicing some form of sitting is easier on the body. I know you guys will say, "get a stool" but as soon as one has a bent leg under the bridge, it does not matter how high the seating is.
Other than leaning against a wall, is there something that I am unaware of?

I hear ya, man. The standard advice has long been to adjust your strap so the bass is in the same position whether you are sitting or standing, but when standing I prefer my plucking hand to be considerably lower than I'm able to get while sitting.

My "solutions" have been (1) to use a pick while doing most of my sitting-down practice, since having the bass body higher actually makes picking easier, and (2) holding my right elbow (awkwardly) up and away from my body to keep my wrist straight when practicing fingerstyle. I can't do that comfortably for long, but in my case it's fine because my pickstyle technique needs more practice than my fingerstyle. Of course, YMMV.

 

[4stringfarley]

Bass not against the body. Kind of locked in behind the knee.

 

[stevensivak]

In that photo I wish I could see both of your legs- it looks like you are missing your right leg!!!
I hope not....

 

[4stringfarley]

In that photo I wish I could see both of your legs- it looks like you are missing your right leg!!!
I hope not....

I hope not too! I’ll check later when I have time and make sure it’s still there.

 

[stevensivak]

So where is your right leg?

 

[4stringfarley]

So where is your right leg?

My shorts match match my bass. It’s right there behind the bridge.

 

[stevensivak]

In the photo above, I see one leg...

 

[4stringfarley]

In the photo above, I see one leg...

The bass is resting on my left. The right is just behind the bridge above the strap button.

 

[RGerhart]

Have you a pic of what you are suggesting?
My gut, which is not always correct, tells me that the bass sitting on
any part of one's body leads to a bent wrist...

+1 on classical position

Here's a pic of Hadrien Feraud in the position.

 

[Kevin Hailey]

I found with the bass on the left leg, using a guitar footstool very helpful. With the left leg slightly raised the bridge tends to drop towards the floor allowing a straighter right wrist. Also, with the neck being pointed up more it effectively shortens the reach for the lower frets and let’s the left arm move freely and naturally.

 

[stevensivak]

That photo says it all!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I have found that my plucking hand is more comfortable when my wrist is close to straight which means the bridge side or the entire bass is lower than most bent wrist players. Sitting on a chair forces this bent wrist position. Obviously, standing gives me freedom to place the bass anywhere I want.
The problem is for practicing some form of sitting is easier on the body. I know you guys will say, "get a stool" but as soon as one has a bent leg under the bridge, it does not matter how high the seating is.
Other than leaning against a wall, is there something that I am unaware of?

Stand up. Better to get used to it now. If you plan on playing out, you're going to be standing for a good few hours.

 

[alex1fly]

Bent wrist for me is fun to dabble with but not a primary playing position. I don't do anything else in my life with a bent wrist.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

I really am missing my right leg. So, playing while seated is my only choice.

All that said, my best advice is to learn to play with the bent wrist, when you're seated (like I did).

The "classical guitar style" sort of works for me, but I found learning the new right wrist position is the best for me.

 

[MrClassicMetal]

Bass not against the body. Kind of locked in behind the knee. View attachment 5022013

Can't you play with a strap while sitting on a chair? I do that sometimes, and it allows me to keep my arm straight plus it's similar to playing while standing up.

That's a cool looking Maruszczyk, by the way.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

This is why I always stand while I practice. I used to be able to go a few hours straight a few years ago, now I can practice for about an hour or so at a time without discomfort. A little less time with a couple of my heavier basses. Get good shoes and a nice, thick padded strap.

 

[stevensivak]

So is that the reason for the scooped bottom?