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Warming up and getting ready to practice is important. The more your play, the more you should stretch and work on your posture. You can review these warm ups and try them right now without a bass guitar.

Warming up before you play the bass guitar is a great habit to develop. Start by stretching your arms over your head and from side to side. Next, stretch your wrists and hands by holding your arm straight and making circular motions with your hands. First go clockwise, then counter-clockwise. Finally, stretch your fingers by making a fist and then extending your fingers. Do this about four or five times (at least once for every string on your bass guitar).

Even though playing the bass guitar may not seem like an athletic event, it does work many muscles that you are probably not in the habit of using. Repetitive stress injuries are very painful and a serious threat, so stretching and warming up is extremely important. Once you have stretched, pick up your bass guitar and slowly strum the strings a few times. Move your hand on the neck, too. Now you should be ready to start playing.

Posture is important when playing the bass guitar. Most bass guitars weigh at least 9 or 10 lbs., and many are heavier. While this does not sound like a lot of weight, holding a bass guitar for a few hours at a time can make even a strong person tired. The bulk and weight of the instrument can cause a bass guitarist to slouch. This can cause back pain, and it is not a good look for a performer, either.

You are likely to get in the habit of standing and holding your bass guitar a certain way, whether or not it is the right way. Make sure that you are conscious of having good posture when you first start playing, and you are likely to continue this habit. A bass guitar player should appear confident and energetic, and maintaining good posture will contribute to this.

The key points of this lesson are:

• Warming up is important. Always stretch you arms, wrists, hands, and fingers before playing the bass guitar. This is a valuable habit that will decrease the likelihood of you getting sore as your practice, especially if you play for several hours at a time.
• Posture is also important. Stand up straight while you play the bass guitar, or you risk lower back pain. You always want to appear confident and lively, and good posture will contribute to both.