Double Bass Weight balance question

[Mgmarcus2]

Hi. I've been working at double bass for about the past month. I've noticed that I seem to be placing disproportionate weight on my right leg, as evidenced by the my right foot slowly going numb. I'm guessing that I"m unconsciously overcompensating for the extra effort from my left side. Wondering if there are exercises for keeping my weight balanced while playing. Many thanks in advance.

 

[BobDeRosa]

It's important not to do anything unnatural to play an instrument, but of course that's easier said than done, especially with an instrument that big. The time you spend getting comfortable with it is time well spent. If your right foot is getting numb, you must be really contorting yourself. I recently saw a video (don't remember where) by a player (maybe Dave Holland?) who suggested that rather than adapting yourself to the bass, you bring the bass to you. That is, stand as you naturally would, balanced, and bring the bass into the space before you in as natural a way as possible. Then stay that way.

 

[MikeDavis]

I know there are a few different schools of thought, but I was taught and continue to stand balanced between both feet with no lean one way or the other. The bass leans into me with the endpin placed about left arms length out. I found the physical aspect of bass playing to be difficult to learn without a teacher and struggled for years with various aches and pains. It was not until studying with an instructor in the room able to see what I’m doing and physical move me when necessary to get me in the right position to play tension free.

Your profile says you are near NYC, if you have any interest in a teacher and learning jazz improvisation, in addition to the physical aspects of bass, I highly recommend Joe Solomon, 212-741-2839.

Here’s a link to his article Doing it the Slow Way which addresses his approach to practicing and briefly addresses his philosophy regarding physical approach.

 

[damonsmith]

I would relax, try to be comfortable and not worry about it for now. Things like this are just a distraction this early on and a symptom of getting ahead of the task at hand.

 

[Who da Ville]

It's OK to move a little while playing double bass. I shift my body quite a bit, especially when shifting the left hand. I find it very useful to bend my knees, especially in the higher positions. Move your body until playing in that position feels comfortable...

 

[Bruce Calin]

Bringing the bass to you is a good idea. I recommend having the back corner curve hit in the belly button area when you are standing normally. This can also help to determine a good height for you. The main thing is to have the instrument balanced comfortably and feel that your body is not contorted excessively. You don't want to have to hold up the bass with your left hand. Feeling that balance point can take some time to get used to but is worth it in the long run.

 

[Co.]

Leaning on the right foot is often a bad idea. While playing pizz or bowing at the frog, your body can be easily centered. When bowing at the tip, your right arm extends to the right, so it also shifts your weight to the right. You shouldn't go along with it, but shift your body to the left, so you remain centered.
In bass playing it is often a good idea, to have a countermotion to every motion. For example, a shift to a higher register might be smoother, if you don't follow the shift with your body, but instead straighten your back. This keeps you more balanced and also helps relaxing your shoulders.

 

[SAlcott]

Don't lock your knee.

 

[crd]

I would relax, try to be comfortable and not worry about it for now. Things like this are just a distraction this early on and a symptom of getting ahead of the task at hand.

This is such good advice.

 

[TroyK]

a) Get a teacher.

We say this all the time, but it's not just a trope. In addition to speeding up your development, you are finding that this instrument can injure you...or more accurately, you can injure yourself playing this instrument, if you aren't careful.

A book or a YouTube video can show you how to play, but they can't watch you playing and make adjustments based on what they see.

b) Practice with a mirror. It helps.

 

[Who da Ville]

FWIW, this excellent instruction video helped my out a lot when I first started wrestling with the instrument: how not to hold the bass michael klinghoffer

 

[Paps]

You could try sitting. But again, get a teacher to aid with both techniques.

 

[Mgmarcus2]

Thanks all for the tips. Turns out I was holding the durn thing wrong. Once I got that straightened out, lots of other things start to fall into place. If there's a lesson here, I've certainly learned it.

 

[TroyK]

Neck down?

 

[Mgmarcus2]

Neck down?

Haha. No, not that bad. Was just holding it too close to the body. Typical rookie mistake.

 

[Ed S]

Was at a camp last fall, and in one session, Missy Raines discussed how she likes to "embrace" the bass. So I was trying to do that in a later session and Todd Phillips said, "I'd recommend you stand up straighter!"

But, from both of them, I got the idea that I should strive for a "natural" posture, and to avoid overweighting one leg or another. Periodically when standing during a long jam session I'll realize I've been placing more weight on one leg or another. I think some of that is just a natural tendency to shift one's weight when standing for long periods.

 

[Co.]

Haha. No, not that bad. Was just holding it too close to the body. Typical rookie mistake.

How can one hold the bass too close to the body? Maybe it is a language thing, but I don't get it.