Double Bass Left hand/arm/wrist help

[Gobias]

Hello everyone! I'm a 23 year old soon to be jazz student from Norway. I've been playing the electric bass since I was 11, but am currently focusing on upright bass.

For the last year or so, I have been developing my right hand (jazz pizzicato) technique with good results time and sound wise. My left hand/wrist/arm technique, however, Is a disaster. My main problem is using my wrist/ the weight of my arm properly. I've trying to read some about this issue, but I find it hard to understand what I'm supposed to be doing without any video demonstration. Does anyone on this fine forum have a link to a video containing such?

I need a better idea of how to supply my fingers with the weight of my arm.

I would love to hear from you!

Sincerly,

Gobias

 

[MartinBorgen]

I hardly use my arm weight - that just locks me up with big muscles that are a bother to move around. Granted, when trying to compete with a jazz group accoustically, I'd probably use my arm weight because you're pulling the strings much harder compared to bowing (I mostly bow).

 

[jallenbass]

Try sitting. You can get a better sense of arm weight that way.

 

[fergus currie]

Try sitting. You can get a better sense of arm weight that way.

+1000
Sit down, man!

 

[Mike Goodbar]

I stand when I play, and I often exploit the weight of the bass as opposed to the weight of my arm. That is, the bass leans slightly forward, or I use leverage of my body to push the bass/string into my fingers, rather than try to pull the string down with my arm/fingers.