What it is
How to sit or stand with a bass so you can play for an hour without your shoulder, wrist, or back complaining.
Why it matters
Posture problems hide. They feel fine for 10 minutes and wreck you at 40. Every other skill on this site assumes a neutral wrist — so getting the hold right now saves unlearning later.
How to practice
- Strap it up: even when sitting, wear the strap and adjust it so the bass sits in the same place standing or sitting. This keeps a single muscle memory.
- Neck angle: aim the headstock at ~10–2 o'clock, not straight out to the side. Reaching the first few frets should not require a bent left wrist.
- Right-hand anchor: rest your thumb on the pickup or the low E string. Stay relaxed; you are not gripping anything.
- Check-in: every few minutes drop your hands, shake them out, then return. If anything aches, something is wrong, not you getting stronger.
A mirror (or a phone propped up filming) is the fastest feedback loop.