Tensing up and subconsciously holding your breathe..

[Jaerid]

I just started playing about a month ago, and the number one problem that I realize I'm having is that I'm not breathing (properly) and I'm getting really tensed up (my right shoulder is rigid). I'm never conscious of this until after I finish a song and I notice my right shoulder hurts, and I'm red in the face or neck and chest from unconsciously holding my breathe.

I've tried "telling" myself to breathe, but I always find it's just one more thing to think about on top of hearing the metronome going, making sure my left hand has good posture, making sure my right hand has good posture, actually hitting the right notes, etc...

 

[Chris K]

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[anonymous02282011]

I've tried "telling" myself to breathe, but I always find it's just one more thing to think

It's the first thing to think about, and it if ain't happenin it should be your focus.

How about this:

Sit, breathing in a relaxed state for like 30 seconds.

Check in. You still relaxed, still breathing?

Pick up your bass. Hold it as if you were about to play. Stay here for a minute or so.

Check in.

Play a scale, or whatever you can play. Something brief.

Check in.

see where I'm going with this? Take it one step at a time.