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Do you stand while practicing bass alone?
- Thread starter Tricia
- Start date
Up until this past winter I could not play standing well at all. Very frustrating, especially when I joined a few people to jam with and struggled playing.
I finally adjusted the strap so the bass is about the same whether standing or sitting. Now when I learn a song I'll do 50/50, but once I have it memorized I play it all standing, and I will walk around while playing most of the song. This is when I know I've got the entire song down and can play it in a group setting.
A week ago I did a really good 3 hour stint with a guitar player and we never sat down once. I was able to play that whole time comfortably.
Now the only real problem is the weight of the bass (and my lower back) for that period of time...
I finally adjusted the strap so the bass is about the same whether standing or sitting. Now when I learn a song I'll do 50/50, but once I have it memorized I play it all standing, and I will walk around while playing most of the song. This is when I know I've got the entire song down and can play it in a group setting.
A week ago I did a really good 3 hour stint with a guitar player and we never sat down once. I was able to play that whole time comfortably.
Now the only real problem is the weight of the bass (and my lower back) for that period of time...
I write songs sitting 95% of the time, I learn covers sitting, I'll record either sitting or standing, depending on the situation, and any songs I'll be performing live I'll always stand and practice after I learn them.
IMO you need to be just as comfortable standing with your instrument if you intend to play it that way, unless you do the Robert Fripp sitting on a stool thing. Fripp never stands when he plays, he never liked the feel of it so he's been sitting for decades.
IMO you need to be just as comfortable standing with your instrument if you intend to play it that way, unless you do the Robert Fripp sitting on a stool thing. Fripp never stands when he plays, he never liked the feel of it so he's been sitting for decades.
at my last band rehearsal my sax player commented that he had never seen anyone sleep and play the bass at the same time.
I stand, sit, lie, whatever I need to get comfortable when I play no matter if it is rehearsal or a gig.
I stand, sit, lie, whatever I need to get comfortable when I play no matter if it is rehearsal or a gig.
I always stand, weather practicing alone, rehearsing with the band or gigging.
Practice how you will play.
Practice how you will play.
ok, after reading all your replies, I found a spot and a position to practice at home, just like standing... I can rest my foot on the amp.
Actually the mirror you have in your picture is another good tool to watch yourself play as the audience sees you. I found it confusing at first as I know the notes I'm playing, it just looks like I'm playing them somewhere else on the neck when I see the reflection. Yet another good tool is taking video of you standing, walking, and jamming with others. It will really shed some light on how you're feeling while you play, and what you're projecting outward, how confident you look when you play, or if you're struggling with posture, playing notes, etc.
I'm trying the mirror trick! sometimes it helps.. gotta keep practicing! 
yes, I agree. just that the bass gets heavy and I stand all day at work, so the stool is handy off and on.
ok, after reading all your replies, I found a spot and a position to practice at home, just like standing... I can rest my foot on the amp.
INDEED YOU DID!!!!! Ever need any other help...just whistle!! 
Do you rest the bass on your leg while playing? If so, does it change positions when you stand up completely?
That seems to be my biggest problem.
That seems to be my biggest problem.
I started out sitting whenever I practiced. But now, I stand about 80% of the time. I am starting to get used to it. I adjusted my strap to where it is right where it would be if I was sitting down. This also makes slapping so much easier if your standing up. You know, whenever you just got to let one loose. 
