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classical guitar posture

bass posture.png

This is how I play, with the waist in between my knees and the tail rested on my calves. It approximates an upright bass' fingerboard position and affords a similar technique. I find that it works really well for jazz gigs and gives the arms much more freedom as they aren't supporting the instrument at all.
 
Yeah this position is probably the best even when standing up, both hands are in the best position that can be. Right hand can switch between pizzicato and slap without changing the hand angle ! You don't put your thumb over the neck either so you obviously have the opportunity to play very difficult music.
 
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This is how I play, with the waist in between my knees and the tail rested on my calves. It approximates an upright bass' fingerboard position and affords a similar technique. I find that it works really well for jazz gigs and gives the arms much more freedom as they aren't supporting the instrument at all.

Zombie Thread!

I just started experimenting with this position and really like it. I dont have to shift the bass from leg to leg depending on whether I am playing high or low on the neck, its easy on my right wrist; and I can keep the same position standing up.
 
While not as extreme as the above example,I have always used this sitting position.

It is very comfortable and the bass has four points of support.
The strap,the right and left leg,and the horn against my chest.
And when I stand the bass is in the same area in front of me.

Sitting 1.jpg
 
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It is very comfortable and the bass has four points of support.
The strap,the right and left leg,and the horn against my chest.
And when I stand the bass is in the same area in front of me.
This.

I have also recently converted to this position. In addition to the points above, the advantage for me is, in short, better wrist angles.

The 'sacrifice' I had to make is that when playing standing, the bass is way higher than I consider to be 'cool'. But at the end of the day, I think that ergonomics are more important than looks.
 
Besides the fretting hand benefits, this'll do wonders for your plucking hand. A straight and low wrist is key to doing CTS-free 200bpm 16ths with only 2 fingers.

On the fretting hand, some folks new to the posture confuse lateral deltoid and upper arm fatigue with wrist/hand pain. The former is natural & safe as your lateral deltoid is getting a real workout to keep that arm up and engaged. It becomes a non-issue after a couple weeks. Similar issue with spinal erectors causing lower back fatigue early on to carry the instrument's weight, esp because you can't easily kick back in your chair and play in weird and unhealthy positions. It'll go away with regular practice (...or deadlifts).