How do you play your bass when sitting down?

[dbsfgyd1]

I play right-handed. If I sit, bass rest on the left thigh. For me, this just positions the bass in a position that is similiar to my standing position and it keeps the neck raised. Also, for me, it just allows for better access to the upper register on the instrument. If I rest the bass on my left thigh it is a bigger transition when I stand and the neck is in a more horizontal position. Different strokes for different folks . . .

Same as above.

 

[40Hz]

My preference is to use a stool high enough that I can perch on the edge, hitch my left foot on a rung, and keep my right foot on the floor. That way I can let the bass hang on it’s strap very similarly to how it would hang when I’m standing. It’s a thing I picked up after watching a couple of crackerjack studio bass players back in the 70s. Those cats all showed up for a session with their trusty stool in hand.

If I have to “sit” sit it can wind up on my right thigh or on my lap depending on which bass I’m playing. Some basses feel better when played one way or the other. It also depends on where I’m playing. If I can lean or move around a little in my chair it’s fine on my leg most times. If it’s crowded or I’m expected to remain fairly still and “sit up straight” it has to be in my lap.

 

[2saddleslab]

Right leg so we can photo bomb at a moments notice.

 

[revd]

Don't really play sitting down but if I do I wear the strap anyways.

 

[Bassic Needs]

Thanks for all of the replies; I'll keep trying both.
I agree that most players, that I see with the bass between their legs, either come from some classical guitar training or they tend to be soloists..sometimes using 5 or 6 string basses and use the upper register more. Since that is usually how I played guitar when sitting, I guess that's why is find it a little more comfortable.

 

[nalapit13]

Seems both of you only have one leg.

it’s always fun to assume, isn’t it?

 

[Watchootognbout]

it’s always fun to assume, isn’t it?

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You both never mentioned which leg you play off of.

 

[Aceman]

Instrument on the right leg is a myth.

Almost everyone I know puts it in the center/left unless logistically important.

 

[nalapit13]

You both never mentioned which leg you play off of.

I’d say neither of my legs, but that might imply I have no legs.

 

[Rilence]

I have to play sitting down for physical reasons, and play like #2 - headstock up at that ~45° angle.

 

[BaltBass5]

I don’t. Ever.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

Between for me.

 

[Orangeclawhammr]

I apologize if this has already been said, but I play just as badly sitting down as I do standing up. However, I pefer to play bass standing up/

 

[micguy]

I've done a fair amount of recording in the last few months - virtual church services, where sometimes I stand (upbeat tunes), and sometimes sit (for tunes where I son't want to be moving around in the shot too much). I'm tall, so I sit on a cabinet I made - it's taller than a normal chair, so my knees aren't sticking up above the chair. The bass is on my right leg - that way, the reach is not longer than normal.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Depends on which bass for me.

 

[darwin-bass]

Right leg. I should probably switch since the bass position sitting doesn't match standing. Which is why I try to avoid playing while sitting.

 

[Hummergeist]

I've tried centre/left with other basses but it never worked for me. Now I'm on a Steinberger I just pop out that leg rest and put it on the right leg. I play almost exclusively sitting down in my little studio space, and this bass fits great, tho I still use a strap and try to keep some continuity between standing/sitting. The Steinberger has a habit of pushing the neck out to the left if you stand (unless you add an extension gizmo), so sitting and using right leg helps me to avoid that as well.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

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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unconsciously, I just grab & play probably on my left leg, after about 10 minutes ill shift to the other leg, It really depends on where or what chair I'm sitting, couch, between. chair , leg. bed between. Im lazy & usually wind up leaning back & laying down if on a bed or couch.

 

[Ed G]

Bass on the left leg. That centers my left hand around frets 5 thru 8, giving easy access up and down as well as reducing stress on both of my rotator cuffs and wrists.

 

[Rabidhamster]

Both. I’m too cheap to buy a foot stand but I’ve got an old toolbox