The University Of Texas String Project Promotional Guideline Position Checklist For Bass printable pdf download

The University of Texas String Project

Promotional Guideline Position Checklist for Bass:

Please Note: In order to promote to the next ensemble or orchestra, the student must

check-off each requirement for his/her instrument and turn in with the appropriate

“Guidelines for Promotion” checklist WITH his/her private teacher’s signature.

GENERAL POSTURE (STANDING)

 Are the legs shoulder width apart with left foot in front of right foot?

 Are the knees slightly bent with more body weight on the right foot?

 Does the bass lean toward the player and the player lean slightly toward the bass?

 Is the bass endpin ahead of and slightly to the right of the left foot?

 Does the upper right bout rest against the left side of the body just below the ribcage?

 Is the endpin adjusted so first finger is at eye level when playing A on the G string?

GENERAL POSTURE (SEATED)

 Is the right foot flat on the floor; is the left leg bent and placed on the stool supporting

the back of the bass?

 Does the bass lean toward the player and the player lean slightly toward the bass?

 Does the upper right bout rest against the left side of the body just below the ribcage?

 Is the endpin adjusted so first finger is at eye level when playing A on the G string?

LEFT HAND POSITION

 Does the elbow height allow quick sliding up and down the fingerboard?

 Is the thumb relaxed and opposite second finger pad?

 Does the hand and fingerboard form a tunnel? (a “C” shape?)

 Are the fingers curved?

RIGHT HAND POSITION (FRENCH BOW HOLD)

 Are there natural spaces between the fingers?

 Is the bow moving on the string parallel to the bridge?

 Is the contact point consistently about halfway between the fingerboard and bridge?

 Is the index finger making contact with the bow stick slightly on its side and about

halfway between the first and second knuckles?

 Do the base knuckles form a line that runs parallel to the stick?

 Is the thumb curved and relaxed?

RIGHT HAND POSITION (GERMAN BOW HOLD)

 Does the thumb hook over the top of the stick?

 Do the first and second fingers lie along the right side of the stick, contacting the bow

at the leather part of the grip?

 Does the third finger rest in the frog opening?

 Is the little finger placed underneath the frog, opposite the third finger?

 Is the bow moving on the string parallel to the bridge?

 Is the contact point consistently about halfway between the fingerboard and bridge?

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Teacher Signature

Revised Fall 2004

The University Of Texas String Project Promotional Guideline Position Checklist For Bass