Technique and Posture

On this installment of @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, I will revisit a series I did several years ago on "The Woodshed". A caveat here. What I will cover is based on my experience as a student, performer and educator. Everything is open to discussion. Ok, Part I:  Technique and posture.  First, posture. This is something many times overlooked by players and by doing so, can lead to some serious problems. Good playing posture, where ur balanced and relaxed goes a long way. Making sure ur standing or sitting straight, shoulders down, square and relaxed. Not gripping the instrument too hard, etc. are areas to watch. Your biggest tool? A mirror! U will be amazed at what u see and can correct. Keeping posture in mind at every step of ur shed will ultimately help u to maximize ur progress. Next, technique. Now, I'm not covering any specific ones. The choice is up to you...and u alone. The PURPOSE of any technique is to allow the player to clearly convey their ideas to the listener without pain or discomfort. My approach is to take any technique and break it up into its parts, making sure each movement is clean and comfortable. Play SLOWLY at first. Note the movement of both hands. Then, gradually put the parts together and make them flow. Eventually, you can start to incorporate it into ur playing. Check back on occasion to make sure u have not gotten any bad habits along the way. Technique and posture are not really subjects in the shed, IMO, they are more like broad strokes that are incorporated in every area of the shed. By keeping them in the forefront, you will make the most of your shed time and prevent many problems along the way. As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #basslessons  #remotelessons #www.charleysabatino.com.