Comments on: Standing versus sitting for the double bassist http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html double bass news, stories, downloads, podcasts, and more! Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: steve gilmore http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-15888 steve gilmore Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:09:07 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-15888 in the sixtys I worked with a well known multi-instrumentalist[who shall remain nameless]who always yelled at his bassists when they sat because he thought they were not digging in enough and kind of slacking on the job. that having been said generally speaking there is a certain energy from the angle of attack when you stand[jazz playing],and also it free's up your body more so you can be more fluid and move with the music. however I'm 66 now and with a few ailments one might expect of a man my age that make it tiring to stand for 2 hours. also I've been playing in a regional symphony and for me sitting stabilizes my body much more securely than standing. symphony stan pecpect h in the sixtys I worked with a well known multi-instrumentalist[who shall remain nameless]who always yelled at his bassists when they sat because he thought they were not digging in enough and kind of slacking on the job. that having been said generally speaking there is a certain energy from the angle of attack when you stand[jazz playing],and also it free’s up your body more so you can be more fluid and move with the music.
however I’m 66 now and with a few ailments one might expect of a man my age that make it tiring to stand for 2 hours. also I’ve been playing in a regional symphony and for me sitting stabilizes my
body much more securely than standing.

symphony
stan
pecpect
h

]]> By: Shawn http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-14220 Shawn Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:57:18 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-14220 A technique for standing that works well for me is to have the bass at such an angle that, if at all, it falls forward. This relieves pressure on the left thumb and makes bowing the G string easy. Of course, the weight of the bow cannot be used then. I play french bow. A technique for standing that works well for me is to have the bass at such an angle that, if at all, it falls forward. This relieves pressure on the left thumb and makes bowing the G string easy. Of course, the weight of the bow cannot be used then. I play french bow.

]]> By: Gary Lynch http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-10830 Gary Lynch Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:52:23 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-10830 Check this youtube of Stanley Clark sitting. No problem with sitting! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py3jT0uaZw0 Check this youtube of Stanley Clark sitting. No problem with sitting!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py3jT0uaZw0

]]> By: Sophie http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-10321 Sophie Sat, 07 Feb 2009 02:20:48 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-10321 Thanks for telling the disadvantages to playing sitting because I did not realize any, but being able to keep them in mind will definatly help my futher progression. I started playing within the past year and I tried to play standing, but i found it harder for me to get the right fingerings, so I prefer being able to use a stool, but being able to play in both ways should be the ideal for a player; and I thought what you said was very helpful. Thanks for telling the disadvantages to playing sitting because I did not realize any, but being able to keep them in mind will definatly help my futher progression.

I started playing within the past year and I tried to play standing, but i found it harder for me to get the right fingerings, so I prefer being able to use a stool, but being able to play in both ways should be the ideal for a player; and I thought what you said was very helpful.

]]> By: ari gold http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-7282 ari gold Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:10:32 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-7282 thanks for the great post - sure helps with thinking about the issues. another (possibly helpful) approach to the question would be to look at this with regards to the multiple forces at work while playing. in teaching guitar (MS/HS music and private lessons) i found that describing the forces involved helped students get a good understanding of why different positions work. a basic (left hand) idea is that the tiny thumb muscle isnt strong enough to support the pull of the fingers so a musician needs to adjust their position to find other counters to the force of the fingers. incidentally, this would be an advantage of sitting (counters the finger force). in any event, seeing all of these positions sure helps so thanks! thanks for the great post – sure helps with thinking about the issues.

another (possibly helpful) approach to the question would be to look at this with regards to the multiple forces at work while playing. in teaching guitar (MS/HS music and private lessons) i found that describing the forces involved helped students get a good understanding of why different positions work. a basic (left hand) idea is that the tiny thumb muscle isnt strong enough to support the pull of the fingers so a musician needs to adjust their position to find other counters to the force of the fingers. incidentally, this would be an advantage of sitting (counters the finger force).

in any event, seeing all of these positions sure helps so thanks!

]]> By: Lloyd Howard http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-6608 Lloyd Howard Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:56:43 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-6608 I usually stood when I was younger. But I started using a stool a few years ago for many gigs. But irregardless of whether I'm standing or seated, I find that I shift position fairly frequently to reduce fatigue rather than being in one position for extended periods. I'm guilty of the 'bass balanced on belly' position. It seems to be an easy position for me to slip into from the 'bass right rear corner balance on the hip' stance. But I agree with Phil Flanigan's comment about the straight up position he described as the 'Milt Hinton' stance. I use this stance a lot. I guess I started using it when I was younger because it also allows me to relax a little while playing steady for long periods. I also use the 'supported by left leg' position quite often along with a high endpin since I'm 6' 2” and I like the instrument high, i.e. the nut is a few inches higher than eye level. Jason, nice treatment of a varied topic. Thanks. Lloyd Howard I usually stood when I was younger. But I started using a stool a few years ago for many gigs. But irregardless of whether I’m standing or seated, I find that I shift position fairly frequently to reduce fatigue rather than being in one position for extended periods.

I’m guilty of the ‘bass balanced on belly’ position. It seems to be an easy position for me to slip into from the ‘bass right rear corner balance on the hip’ stance. But I agree with Phil Flanigan’s comment about the straight up position he described as the ‘Milt Hinton’ stance. I use this stance a lot. I guess I started using it when I was younger because it also allows me to relax a little while playing steady for long periods. I also use the ’supported by left leg’ position quite often along with a high endpin since I’m 6′ 2” and I like the instrument high, i.e. the nut is a few inches higher than eye level.

Jason, nice treatment of a varied topic. Thanks.

Lloyd Howard

]]> By: Phil Flanigan http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-5670 Phil Flanigan Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:49:35 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-5670 Bravo Jason- There's one more pretty distinctive stance, which I think of as the Milt Hinton stance. It's pretty much right in between Fig.1 and Fig.2, but the bass is standing straight up, and I mean STRAIGHT up......balanced. You have to go a little more vertical with the left hand, but the left hand is completely free to play, no support function at all is needed. Here's a good photo of what I mean. http://www.atlantajazzparty.com/vachcocuz.jpg It's good for obvious reasons.......there is NO trying to counterbalance the bass because it is held in the position where it is perfectly balanced.....straight vertical. As I've gotten older, I find myself doing it more and more, because it is less stressful than any other stance. I hope some reasders find this useful. Phil Flanigan Bravo Jason-
There’s one more pretty distinctive stance, which I think of as the Milt Hinton stance.
It’s pretty much right in between Fig.1 and Fig.2, but the bass is standing straight up,
and I mean STRAIGHT up……balanced. You have to go a little more vertical with the left
hand, but the left hand is completely free to play, no support function at all is needed.
Here’s a good photo of what I mean. http://www.atlantajazzparty.com/vachcocuz.jpg
It’s good for obvious reasons…….there is NO trying to counterbalance the bass because
it is held in the position where it is perfectly balanced…..straight vertical.
As I’ve gotten older, I find myself doing it more and more, because it is less stressful
than any other stance. I hope some reasders find this useful.
Phil Flanigan

]]> By: Jonny http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-5623 Jonny Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:40:07 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-5623 What i've heard in relation to standing/sitting is that with solo performances, standing is a must. Then again, in orchestras, some require you to sit so that the orchestra is "level." i would think that the best thing to do is to learn how to do both for the tons of different situations us bassists have to encounter What i’ve heard in relation to standing/sitting is that with solo performances, standing is a must. Then again, in orchestras, some require you to sit so that the orchestra is “level.” i would think that the best thing to do is to learn how to do both for the tons of different situations us bassists have to encounter

]]> By: Trevor http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-4907 Trevor Fri, 23 May 2008 00:14:41 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-4907 Good post. It would be cool to see some more detail about what each stance does to various bowing and fingering styles/techniques.... ; ) For that matter, why not a post about different styles of bow holds? There are at least 4 different ways of holding a french bow that are useful for different things... probably more. I know there are tons of different german grips out there. Here's a website with some nice photos, although most of these grips are quite similar to each other, there are bound to be more options out there. (http://www.robertoppelt.com/page8.html) -Trevor Good post. It would be cool to see some more detail about what each stance does to various bowing and fingering styles/techniques…. ; )

For that matter, why not a post about different styles of bow holds? There are at least 4 different ways of holding a french bow that are useful for different things… probably more. I know there are tons of different german grips out there. Here’s a website with some nice photos, although most of these grips are quite similar to each other, there are bound to be more options out there. (http://www.robertoppelt.com/page8.html)

-Trevor

]]> By: Eric Hochberg http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html/comment-page-1#comment-4837 Eric Hochberg Fri, 16 May 2008 18:09:05 +0000 http://doublebassblog.org/2008/05/standing-versus-sitting-for-the-double-bassist.html#comment-4837 I have been mainly a standing player throughout my career, although I sat on one of my first steady gigs, five nights a week, 6 hours a night. That's a lot of playing. I figured that standing would be too tough on feet and legs for that length of time, but I found that sitting could lead to back pain, legs "falling asleep" and a sore butt! I don't think there are too many playing situations that are that grueling these days, but I think that switching between sitting and standing would be a good idea on a long gig. The thing I like about standing is the fluidity possible in total body positioning (not just upper body as in sitting) which I think helps avoid fatigue and makes it easier for me to get around the instrument, but it sure is nice to get off your feet once in a while! I have been mainly a standing player throughout my career, although I sat on one of my first steady gigs, five nights a week, 6 hours a night. That’s a lot of playing. I figured that standing would be too tough on feet and legs for that length of time, but I found that sitting could lead to back pain, legs “falling asleep” and a sore butt! I don’t think there are too many playing situations that are that grueling these days, but I think that switching between sitting and standing would be a good idea on a long gig.

The thing I like about standing is the fluidity possible in total body positioning (not just upper body as in sitting) which I think helps avoid fatigue and makes it easier for me to get around the instrument, but it sure is nice to get off your feet once in a while!

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