Double Bass physiology of playing in thumb position

[LukeS]

I am currently working on Bach's 2nd suite at pitch. For me, after a lot of playing in thumb position I have two physical problems. First, my back is very sore, because it is simply not possible to reach the higher notes without hunching over quite far. Secondly, my left shoulder often gets fatigued after long passages in the high register, this fatigue often builds up over the course of a performance leaving me exhausted by the end.

I'm wondering if anybody knows of any exercises that might help, or has any other suggestions in this matter. I'm also concerned about long-term physical problems that could occur from this, if anybody could comment on that. Thanks.

 

[engedi1]

These issues are almost impossible for anyone but a well qualified teacher to deal with, as no one here can watch you play and see what the issues are. Yes, serious, and lifelong back, neck, and arm problems await bass players with bad technique and you should be careful. I highly recommend getting a lesson or two with a local bass prof or orchestra principle and advise you if you are heading towards tendonitus or worse. Also, I am working on Suite 3, and inspired by Rinat, I have transposed it down a 4th to G major. It is much easier to play, and sounds much better IMHO, as it is in the bass register and sounds more like a bass. I dislike 100% of bass solo much that has us in the highest positions the whole time, as that just has us trying to imitate a cello. This might not be a popular opinion, but I say sound like a bass and be proud! And be careful of your back, you only get one spine!

 

[chicagodoubler]

Luke-

Sit down. Living up in thumb position while standing produces a very unnatural posture in many cases. Play in front of a mirror, looking for minimal distortion in your shoulder and back. Sitting down, this involves much less contortion than standing.

+1 for getting some lessons, but also consider videotaping yourself, imagining using your body without the bass, and how weird it would be to stand or sit that way for an hour. Alexander technique is helpful here.

10 minutes and counting til Don chimes in...

 

[SVT4001]

Luke-

Sit down. Living up in thumb position while standing produces a very unnatural posture in many cases. Play in front of a mirror, looking for minimal distortion in your shoulder and back. Sitting down, this involves much less contortion than standing.

+1 for getting some lessons, but also consider videotaping yourself, imagining using your body without the bass, and how weird it would be to stand or sit that way for an hour. Alexander technique is helpful here.

10 minutes and counting til Don chimes in...

A very enthusiastic "+1"!!!

Joe

 

[Jeff Bonny]

Sit down.
(snip)
Play in front of a mirror...

Those are the two things that emmediately came to mind reading what the problem was.

Sitting offers a more mechanically functional position (better balance, more efficient use of the weight of your arm) and using a mirror will prove that to you.

 

[mtto]

First, get a teacher or at least one lesson so your particular situation is addressed.

If you stand, the way to access thumb position is to bring the fingerboard to you instead of going to it. Bend at your knees and. step away from the bass a little. Your back isn't involved.