Practicing standing up

[bassman2020]

It dawned on me that for the past few months I've always practiced sitting down. When I stood up to play I freaked out because I didn't have a downward view of the fretboard and found it hard to play the simplest exercise. The view of the neck is totally different for me standing up then when sitting down. As a new player, Im looking for any suggestions to go along with not looking at the neck. Thanks

 

[snyderz]

You answered your own question. Practice standing up, and it will soon become natural.

 

[Billnc]

Set the strap so sitting and standing, the bass is in the same position. Also, I'll get flamed for saying this, it's ok to look at the neck. I look at the neck when I'm working out difficult patterns. I've always done this. I can play with my eyes closed, while watching the audience, reading etc. As you get familiar with a piece the need to look down diminishes.

 

[toberoo]

Also adjust your strap appropriately. If your playing some hard rock or metal or punk, its okay to let it be lower than normal if you practice. Also, practice stage presence in front of mirror. See what is possible and what is not. See what looks good and what looks too show off-ish. Do all your band practices standing up.

 

[jlerner]

It it hard for somebody my age to stand up for hours while practicing. A stool can be a nice compromise.

 

[Gaius46]

For alot of people standing moves the bass towards the center of body and angles the neck up compared to when seated. Try to emulate the standing bass position when sitting.

 

[schecter5string]

my band is getting ready to do shows soon so i told the guy if you see me sitting down yell at me.(I always sat down) at first it was hard to play the songs, but it is like everything else practice it. after 2 weeks i have no problems I can move around, I feel the music more because I can "dance" to it. I sat down yesterday and found it hard to play, I now prefer to stand up.

 

[Epitaph04]

For some reason I play much better standing up, but I do most of my playing and practicing sitting down.

 

[Waterpilot]

Good advise in here. The best way I've found is simply practicing standing up.

 

[anonymous122511]

I'm probably in the minority but I don't notice much difference. That said I most often play sitting down with the strap at the same height as standing. With the exception of some large ABGs sitting with the bass in my lap puts it way too low for efficient playing mechanics.

 

[rzpooch]

Psst...it's ok to look at your neck every once in awhile.