I received a question recently that many beginners have asked me before:
"I'm a beginner with double bass, how do you keep it steady while standing? All the weight ends up on my left hand thumb so I strain myself."
This is one of the most common challenges for new players. The double bass is a large instrument, and when the weight shifts to your thumb, fatigue sets in quickly. Your thumb starts to ache. Your hand tightens. Your sound suffers. I understand this frustration because I experienced it myself early in my training.
In fact, the solution may not be as complicated as you think.
The Thumb Should Not Carry the Weight
Here is the first thing to understand: your left thumb is not meant to hold up the bass. Its purpose is to stabilize your hand and help measure distance when shifting. According to Discover Double Bass, the thumb should brush lightly against the back of the neck rather than grip it tightly. When you squeeze, tension spreads through your hand, arm, and shoulder.
If you feel strain in your thumb, there is a good chance the bass is not balanced correctly against your body.
Start With Your Stance
Stand with your feet roughly shoulder width apart. Bend your knees slightly. Think of an athlete ready to move. This position connects you to the ground and gives you a stable base.
The bass should lean back and rest against your body. Many players position the upper back corner of the instrument against the left hip or pelvis area. This contact point could allow the bass to balance naturally without your hands doing all the work.
According to Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog, one of the most common methods of standing involves both feet in line with the torso, with the bass unsupported by the leg. However, some players prefer using the left leg or left foot to add stability. Each approach has advantages, so experimentation may help you find what works for your body and your instrument.
Check Your Endpin Height
The height of your bass matters more than many beginners realize. A general guideline is to adjust the endpin so the nut of the fingerboard sits around eye level or eyebrow level. This places your left arm in a comfortable position for the lower positions and could allow easier access to the upper register.
If the bass is too low, you may find yourself hunching forward. If it is too high, your left arm may fatigue quickly. Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference.
Tilt the Bass Toward You
Here is something that helped me: instead of standing completely upright, lean the bass slightly toward your body. When the instrument tilts back, it rests more securely against you. This could reduce the pressure your thumb has to apply because your body helps support the weight.
Some players describe this feeling as the bass leaning "into" them rather than "away" from them. When you find the right angle, your left hand may feel much freer.
Connect the Bass to Your Hip Bone
One technique that could make a significant difference is positioning the corner of the bass against your left hip bone. According to Double Bass HQ, this connection may allow for greater stability and enhanced control over the instrument. By drawing the weight of the bass toward your body's central mass, you could maintain a more balanced stance while playing. This approach may reduce strain and make the experience of standing while playing more enjoyable.
Use Your Whole Body
Shifting and playing across the fingerboard should not come only from your arms. When you engage your legs, core, and torso, the bass tends to stay more stable. The more you move with the instrument instead of against it, the easier it may become to maintain balance.
François Rabbath, known for his revolutionary bass techniques, emphasized the importance of using the body's natural motion to create both comfort and musical expression. His approach has encouraged countless players to rethink how movement affects sound and stability.
One approach to shifting involves using whole-body motion rather than just hand or arm movement. When shifting down the fingerboard, you could try bowing slightly into the bass. When shifting up, you could let your hip bone guide the bass outward. This technique may improve your control and help maintain balance during shifts.
An Interesting Fact
Ludwig Streicher, one of the great double bass soloists, used a technique where he supported the bass with his left foot. This approach is not common, but it shows how bassists throughout history have found creative ways to solve the balance problem. There is no single formula that works for everyone.
Practice in Front of a Mirror
One practical suggestion: practice in front of a mirror. Watch your posture, your hand position, and how the bass rests against your body. You may notice tension or awkward angles that you did not feel. Small corrections over time could lead to significant improvements.
If the weight is falling on your left thumb, something in your setup may need adjustment. Check your stance, your endpin height, and the angle of the bass. Let your body support the instrument so your hands can focus on making music.
Every bassist's journey is different. What works for me might not work exactly the same for you. But with patience and experimentation, you could find a position that feels natural and sustainable.
If you have questions about technique or want to share what is working for you, I always enjoy hearing from players at every level.
Keep practicing.