low strap uncomfortable

[Pumpkin_Howie]

is there any practice method to make playing standing up more comfortable? should i just continue to practice normally whilst stood up?

[SwamiRob]

Ideally you should have your bass around about your stomach to hip level, if you don't wanna give yourself a dodgy back. I set my strap length by holding out my left arm and finding the most comfortable fretting position, and then lengthening my strap until the necks at that level.

[onlyclave]

Sit down in a comfortable playing position and adjust your strap to that height. Your bass will be the same height when you stand up.

Having your neck too low is the best way to get a sore wrist playing in lower positions. I don't believe that have a bent right (plucking) wrist contributes to injury. I think that is caused by playing too tense and not warming up properly.

If you do all of your practicing standing up it becomes easy in less than a week. Right now you're just getting used to applying new and different support techniques to the instrument now that it is hanging around your neck.

[StyleOverShow]

I used to play with the bottom peg just under my belt, but lately have been raising the bass level up higher, more like when I play in a sitting position. It has helped in the 3rd and 4th sets when I would otherwise become tired.

[SwamiRob]

Only problem I have when playing with it at sitting position height is nailing stuff above the 7th fret. Gets really hard cos of the way the neck is further from me, and my elbow gets in the way alot. Find it much easier to have it a little lower personally.

[Dennis098]

after you've been playing longer, your lefthand finger reach gets better and you're able to put the strap lower.
I usually only wear it lower for picking though.

[cowsgomoo]

why is it uncomfortable?

is the bass too heavy for your shoulder?

is it too low for your right hand to correctly pluck/pick/thumb the strings?

is it too low for your left hand to correctly fret the notes?

you need to give us a bit more info before we all start jumping in with our 'wisdom'

[24hplayer]

IMO this is just matter of habit, do it more and it will go easier.

you might be straping your bass inappropriately.
try this guide



this is my first post ever. i waited 'till i had something usefull to say

[Bruce Lindfield]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin_Howie

is there any practice method to make playing standing up more comfortable? should i just continue to practice normally whilst stood up?

The thing is when you are playing standing up - you should be standing up straight with weight balanced evenly on your feet.

If you are bending or stretching forward - then you will get problems with your back, neck, shoulders etc.

Look at yourself in the mirror - make sure you are standing upright and your back is not hunched etc.

Otherwise - prepare for a life of discomfort and pain!

[JTE]

If a low strap is uncomfortable, then don't wear it low. Simplistic, but true. Put the bass where you can play it and don't worry about fashion.

Unless your music is less important than fasion, in which case wear it lower than Jimmy Page, deal with bad technique, repetieve stress injuries, and making the ever-important "rock star grimmace"...

jte

[DocBop]

Real simple if uncomfortable your body is telling you something and you should listen. Experiment with different heights till you find what works for you. If you are a serious player and spending a lot of time practicing then your practice height should be your stage height too. Also instrument too low can lead to wrist problems because the drastic angle it has to bend.

Too many play low slung guitars and basses for looks and not playability. The music and a pain free body has to come first. Let your playing make you cool, not your stance.