new to playing live...please help

macaroni tony · #1 07-07-2010, 11:56 AM

Hey guys,

So I am new to playing live, and I've been playing around with how high or low my bass sits, and where I pluck the strings. My latest bass height seems to be the most comfortable and easiest on the ears so far; it's kind of low, but now swingin' at the knees low. And my wrists and hands don't get sore like they did before, which is good. But looking at pictures of myself playing, it just looks....wrong. Like, weird wrong.

When I play on the lower strings, I angle the neck toward me and pluck pretty much right between the two pickups. Can't see all that well on the picture, but here it is and you can get some kind of idea.

I pluck higher strings closer to the neck pickup (?) as shown below. When I get to the D and G strings, I usually play all the way up on the neck.

It just looks different to me (esp. the wrists) from any other bass player I've seen play. Looks really funny, and I'd imagine that the pros know what they're doing and my technique should look somewhat similar, if I'm playing correctly. Am I doing something wrong? Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

- Chris

DRafalske · #2 07-07-2010, 11:58 AM

Well, it looks fine to me. And if you're comfortable, that's all that really matters.

Chasarms · #3 07-07-2010, 12:04 PM

The bass position is really driven by comfort and style of play more than anything. Many thumbers like it pretty high. You'll even see the bass nearly under the chin on occasion.

Some think it is more comfortable to play with a pick if it is lower and you can keep a straigher right arm.

Fingerstyle is a little more flexible and thus diverse.

As long as you are are not doing something that may cause a stress injury over time, which it doesn't appear that you are, go with whatever is the most comfortable.

As long as you are wearing a cool hat, which it appears you are in each photo, you'll be abosolutely fine.

emblymouse · #4 07-07-2010, 12:05 PM

The rule of thumb is that the height should approximate where the bass sits when playing in a seated position.

Nothing in those pictures looks funny to me. I say if it feels good, do it. If you are new to playing shows you've got more important things to keep you occupied.

macaroni tony · #5 07-07-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emblymouse

If you are new to playing shows you've got more important things to keep you occupied.

More important things? Like what?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasarms

As long as you are wearing a cool hat, which it appears you are in each photo, you'll be abosolutely fine.

Oh, got it, cool hats! Guess I gotta hit up more stores for more hats

Well thanks a lot fellas, maybe it's just that I'm not used to seeing myself playing. Guess I'll worry about it if it ever starts to get uncomfortable or sound bad.

Phalex · #6 07-07-2010, 01:26 PM

I don't think yours looks too low at all:

Your strap looks to be a tad too wide however........

Not as low as dUg, but Norwood Fisher is another badass lowslung player:

macaroni tony · #7 07-07-2010, 01:52 PM

Ive got a comfort strapp, and it does feel a little too wide at times. It's the only one, so far, that has been easy on my shoulders.

Man, I couldn't dream of being as bad as Norwood. Just trying to figure out Bonin' in the Boneyard has made me give up on life

SC Bassboy · #8 07-07-2010, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasarms

As long as you are wearing a cool hat, which it appears you are in each photo, you'll be abosolutely fine.

That's the secret to life right there.

And FWIW, during any given performance my hand is anchored all over the bass which will produce different tones. It's all about comfort and what sound you are trying to pull from the instrument. Quit worrying about it and just do it... your ears will lead the way.

Phalex · #9 07-07-2010, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macaroni tony

I
Man, I couldn't dream of being as bad as Norwood. Just trying to figure out Bonin' in the Boneyard has made me give up on life

He sings back up while he does all that. That's why I really really hate that guy!

macaroni tony · #10 07-07-2010, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

He sings back up while he does all that. That's why I really really hate that guy!

don't forget the hat; talk about a cool hat!

at least i've got him in the singing department, though

Phalex · #11 07-07-2010, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macaroni tony

don't forget the hat; talk about a cool hat!

at least i've got him in the singing department, though

I'd get my ass beat if I wore that hat! Although I can pull off a dashiki pretty well:

macaroni tony · #12 07-07-2010, 02:19 PM

< jealous

5StringBlues · #13 07-07-2010, 02:23 PM

Elvis:The Afro Years

electracoyote · #14 07-07-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macaroni tony

Looks really funny, and I'd imagine that the pros know what they're doing and my technique should look somewhat similar, if I'm playing correctly. Am I doing something wrong? Any suggestions? Thanks a lot!

- Chris

I don't get any red flags looking at your posture or strap length. You look comfy. And you admit it feels better.

What's really cool about this picture is, it looks like all the guitars are worn at about the same height and angled almost identical. Good visual symmetry thing going on there, looks very cool.

ccpbass · #15 07-07-2010, 02:31 PM

In the pics it looks like the body of your bass is shifted over to the right away from your body. This may be the reason why you have to pull the neck toward you to play on the D & G strings. I feel that you should be able to pluck across all strings without moving your finger position or angle. Try bringing the bass closer to your left side and maybe drop your bass neck angle a little. Try different stances and shift your weight around. Also on stage try moving around a little i.e. "the stroll". But really its what feels right for you. No one can tell you that except yourself.

macaroni tony · #16 07-07-2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccpbass

In the pics it looks like the body of your bass is shifted over to the right away from your body. This may be the reason why you have to pull the neck toward you to play on the D & G strings.

I actually have to do this for the B and A strings, but point taken

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccpbass

I feel that you should be able to pluck across all strings without moving your finger position or angle. Try bringing the bass closer to your left side and maybe drop your bass neck angle a little. Try different stances and shift your weight around. Also on stage try moving around a little i.e. "the stroll".

All great points, will try this out. For some reason, the bass feels more stable when it's on my right thigh, as opposed to being more centered. But I never thought of that having any effect on the angle of my dang....I mean bass.

And The Stroll? Does not compute...

JackANSI · #17 07-07-2010, 02:44 PM

Looks fine to me. Probably the only reason it might 'look funny' compared to others is I remember that style of Schecter has a way smaller body than average.

Comfort is always the primary concern for me. I just adjust till the bass sits where its comfortable to play it for 4+ hours. I know I can't play my best if I'm distracted with pain or cramping

In fact I wear my bass almost the exact same height as you.

ccpbass · #18 07-07-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macaroni tony

And The Stroll? Does not compute...

You know, mosey to one end of the stage and back. Nobody wants to see a stiff up there.

macaroni tony · #19 07-07-2010, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccpbass

You know, mosey to one end of the stage and back. Nobody wants to see a stiff up there.

oh, got it. thanks

standupright · #20 07-07-2010, 04:01 PM

you've got the 5 version of the same bass i play. man i love that schecter. i don't see a prob at all with your position. having to move your arms, fingers, and positions is part of playing the instrument.

i wear mine a little higher, but you look like you've got longer arms than me.