How do you play your bass when sitting down?

[LeFunk Machine]

 

[spantini]

On my right leg, feet on the ground. When I'm really getting into it, I lift my right heel so my toes are proping it up.

I've tried between the legs and I find myself rotating my upper body towards the neck - very uncomfortable.

 

[BobDeRosa]

Interesting question that piqued my curiosity enough to get me researching.

I found that pros who are identified more as soloists either stand (Jaco, Victor Wooten, Gary Willis) or sit with bass between thighs (Hadrian Faraud, Janek Gwizdala). Gary Willis often stands, but when he sits, it's with bass between thighs, and I think the same is true of Felix Pastorius.

Those who are known primarily as groove players (Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, Anthony Jackson) rest bass on right thigh when sitting.

One major exception is Michael Manning -- definitely a soloist type, but with bass on right knee. I'm sure there are others.

So what's the bottom line? Damned if I know.

 

[Matty Koff]

I pretty much always play with the bass resting on my right thigh when sitting down, even with a strap. That being said.. while it felt awkward to me, putting it between the legs offered better access to the higher frets.

 

[Seashore]

I, uh, I don't. I don't play bass seated. I never really thought about it but I've preferred standing when I play anything except for acoustic guitar, and I can't recall the last time I sat down while playing bass for any reason. If I had to, it would go on my left thigh, "between the legs" as it were.

 

[roller]

Behind my back.

 

[TNCreature]

I'm a leg man

 

[gumbynotpokey]

Never do. Never. Ever.

Decades ago when I first started, I think it was an old Mel Bay book that said, "Practice in your playing position. If you stand to play, practice while standing. If you will play sitting, practice while sitting. Doing that you will learn the proper mechanics for your playing."

Easy. Band = stand. Done.

YMMV. carrots.

Peace.

 

[DanAleks]

Between my legs.
For some unknown reason I cannot play with it resting on my right thigh.
Strap, no strap - it doesn't matter. I just can't get it to work.

 

[OogieWaWa]

I was taught young to wear a strap even when sitting down because neither on the leg or between the legs is optimal ergonomics for most people - and that has remained ingrained in me, right or wrong. That said, now that both my BGs are short scale, between the legs is mostly fine.

Always, but loose, just like always taking the cord up through the strap to prevent jack damage and accidental unplugging, even when sitting. Habits.

I sit with it with the waist on the right leg, because otherwise the plug would go right through my leg on my main bass. Usually on a folding stool with either the right foot or both feet on its footrest I raised and padded. Keys or a Leatherman in my front pocket to keep the bottom from sliding out away from me even if I move around a bit; because it has tried. Avoid using your vehicle fob, because occasionally you set the alarm off or find your hatch open!

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Do you play with the body sitting on your right leg (assuming you play right-handed) or do you play with it between your legs like Hadrien Feraud?

I am wondering what are the advantages and disadvantages are for each.


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I have short arms. Sits on my right thigh (I'm right handed). I rarely sit and play/practice, though.

 

[Manticore]

Both, depending upon what I'm playing.

 

[Wfrance3]

Right handed player. I rest my bass on my right leg and point the neck away from my body at about a 45 deg angle. This gives me better access to the frets higher on the neck. Also, I have a small piece of 4x4 that I rest my right foot on. This is just a lot more comfortable for long practice sessions.

 

[Funky Phantom]

Right handed. Bass sits on right leg.

 

[nalapit13]

I play sitting down with the bass on a strap. If I play on my leg the bass is too low for me and uncomfortable. So standing or sitting always playing with a strap.

 

[Ruknrole]

On the leg, because between feels unnatural to me.

 

[selowitch]

I mostly play with the bass resting on the my right leg (and I play right-handed); however, it might be more ergonomically correct to play with the bass on my left leg, but I don’t do that because it looks ridiculous.

 

[Planespotter]

Between my legs since day one. It’s also very close to where I wear it standing. I’m 6’5” with long arms so resting the body on my right leg makes for a very uncomfortable plucking hand position.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I play sitting down with the bass on a strap. If I play on my leg the bass is too low for me and uncomfortable. So standing or sitting always playing with a strap.

On the leg, because between feels unnatural to me.

Seems both of you only have one leg.

 

[PWRL]

I am right-handed, and I generally rest it with the waist on my right leg, if I play sitting down. I've tried the between method with it pointed sort of up at an upward angle, but I just don't like the whole position I wind up in. If I need that extra upward angle, I can balance it up like that easily enough. However, there are some things that I just have to stand up for.