Sitting v standing whilst learning

[tandc]

Damn, spent too much time sitting down learning basslines. When I stand up and play them, its like learning the whole thing again:

1) My left hand goes into spasms trying to make shapes that were easy when sitting down
2) My eye perspective has changed, I now cant see the fretboard at a slight diagonal.
3) The string action is different, my fingers are now hitting other strings.

What have I done wrong, whats best way to learn?

 

[Farseer]

I play standing 99% of the time. I currently take lessons and I sit when I am in with my instructor and I have a hard time playing sitting down. Throws me off every time.

 

[spanndrew]

Sit while learning, stand while rehearsing, stand while performing.

 

[ninefingerbass]

OP: Sorry to hear about your issues. I know where you're coming from.

Try and play without looking, or perhaps in the dark and use your ears, it may help and you won't have to rely on your eyes to see where your fingers are suppose to be. Another useful tip would be to practice everything while standing. If performing a solo gig, I sit down; band setting, I stand. It depends on your preference really.

 

[TheBassWizard1]

I just did a video addressing this exact issue, hope this helps:

 

[MalcolmAmos]

We've all been there, just something you will have to adjust to. Yes to getting the bass up on your chest same spot standing or sitting.

Good luck.

 

[MD]

I sit when playing, whether home or on a gig. On the occasion I do take a bass where I might stand, it's pretty much at a similar position to that of when sitting.

 

[Al T.]

Practice them the same way you are going to play them is what my teacher told me and it seems to work just fine.

 

[lokikallas]

I just have my bass at the same height when I stand up, and I don't lean over my bass when sitting down. Sometimes I switch which leg I rest my bass on, aka the Flying V lap position.

 

[ZenG]

People play bass standing up because...they're in a band and people in a band are standing up. For the most part.

I saw one all-girl Japanese band where they were all sitting down..

If you never play in a band and you are a session player or studio player....you have no need to stand up.

Carol Kaye did tons of recording sitting down.

 

[Sav'nBass]

Sit down straight ... Get you strap and adjust it so that it is at that height and use it when you practice period. I used to have those issues but now my bass is at the same height sitting or standing give or take maybe an inch or less depending on what I am sitting in and if my right leg is slightly raised.