Whoop whoop, another strap height thread. Here's my problem. I'm in my schools jazz band, and I need my bass up high to play solos and such. (Were doing jaco songs). At home, I do the bass not quite at the knees thing because it fits the music I like to play. I'm a rock player. Im just wondering if I'm hurting my ability to play at either position by not keeping a consistent height.
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Adjusting Strap Height For Different Genres
- Thread starter _HunterB_
- Start date
Not really hurting, but maybe hampering your abilities a bit. My position I play mostly, and where I'm at the most comfortable is when I'm sitting. This is the most natural, and I tend to play my best in this position.
When standing I generally keep the bass at my belt line, a little higher if I'm playing more technical stuff.
In another situation, I'm playing in a tribute band, emulating the bassist and attitude, which means slung low with an aggressive punk stance..
Playing it that low does not hurt my ability, but mechanically I can't play as technical or fast with my fretting hand, but it's not needed for the music being played. I will play about 80% with a pick for that, where my natural or preferred method is finger style.
So yes, you will hamper your abilities to play technical with the same fluidity, but it won't harm anything. If you are only pedaling basic notes, throw her low and give it some attitude.
When standing I generally keep the bass at my belt line, a little higher if I'm playing more technical stuff.
In another situation, I'm playing in a tribute band, emulating the bassist and attitude, which means slung low with an aggressive punk stance..
Playing it that low does not hurt my ability, but mechanically I can't play as technical or fast with my fretting hand, but it's not needed for the music being played. I will play about 80% with a pick for that, where my natural or preferred method is finger style.
So yes, you will hamper your abilities to play technical with the same fluidity, but it won't harm anything. If you are only pedaling basic notes, throw her low and give it some attitude.
I don't think you're hindering yourself in any way, in fact, it sounds like you're more versatile as a result. Play at the strap length that feels comfortable for what you're playing and allows you to nail your lines
I like low slung for more basic rock stuff too, but it's just not practical for intricate lines for me, I just end up sounding sloppy.
I like low slung for more basic rock stuff too, but it's just not practical for intricate lines for me, I just end up sounding sloppy.
There are things I can’t do with the bass slung low. I just can’t contort my wrist that way. And at first, I felt like I was chasing the bass around with the strap being so long, but I got over that fairly quickly. My right hand timing suffered until I got used to a long strap.
I don’t see changing between short strap/long strap as any different from playing sitting down verses standing up.
I don’t see changing between short strap/long strap as any different from playing sitting down verses standing up.
The lower your bass/neck is, the more harsh the bend in your wrist becomes. This type of position not only will hinder your playing, but also has the potential to cause injury so be careful.
