How to Hold a Bass Fiddle

Before you can play a bass fiddle well, you must learn to hold it properly. From the position of your feet to the placement of your fingers, getting the bass fiddle posture right can pave the way toward playing your instrument effectively.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Position your feet so they are approximately one shoulder width apart. Point your toes slightly outward so that your feet are solidly planted in place.

2. Position the bass fiddle upright. If you are right-handed, grasp the neck of the bass with your left hand (do the opposite if you are left-handed). Your left hand will hold down the notes on the fingerboard of the bass. Your right hand should be free to pick or bow the strings.

3. Lean the bass toward you so that the back of the instrument touches your inside hip (your left hip if you are right-handed, your right hip if you are left-handed). The side of your body will act as a bracing mechanism for the bass, while the hand that holds the neck will steady it. Your bowing/picking hand should hang free when you are not playing the instrument.

4. 
   Jazz bassist leans into a high note

   Stand up straight. Lean into the instrument, particularly when you reach for high notes on the fingerboard.

5. Adjust the bass fiddle's end pin (located at the bottom of the instrument) so that your first finger in first position on the fingerboard is aligned at eye level.

Tips & Warnings

• Hunching too far in one direction can inhibit your ability to hold and play the instrument effectively.