Don't Get Up

[wishface]

Maybe I'm too used to practising sitting down, but when i play with the bass relying on the strap to hold the instrument (ie when you're standing up, or have the bass resting as if you were) i find it much more awkward. Is this my bad habits, or perhaps an unwiedly poorly weighted instrument (tbh, both are very likely true).

 

[Silver Blues]

I used to find that... then again I also used to use a 2" strap to hold my bass, which strained my shoulder so bad it seized then I bought a 3", and it is significantly better. Use the 2" for my guitar now, where it belongs. I'd say give it a little time, practice with your strap and get used to playing this way. It'll strengthen your shoulders up too

--Silvie

 

[Bass Mentor]

Be sure also that the angle and position of the bass in relationship to your body is the same standing up......if this is not properly addressed--- your joints, shoulders, and angle of your hands are different..not only will this cause some fingering and playing problems, it will cause physical harm long term....
Best!
Steve

 

[Rev J]

I saw an interview with Billy Sheehan about this. You have 34 joints between your shoulder and fingertips (17 per arm) that shift between playing sitting down and standing up depending on how you strap your bass. Ideally your bass should be in the same position sitting down or standing up. If you look at a Fender style bass you'll notice the back is cut to go into your ribcage. That's why I'm one of those geeky looking dudes who wears his bass up around his lower chest (granted I have a beard and dreadlocks).

Stay Brown,
Rev J

 

[stratovani]

What works for me is to have the neck plate directly over my belly button, like Geddy in this picture. That way your wrists are nice and straight, with no strain on either one of them, and if you sit down the bass should remain in the same position.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Oh, and he's singing the first verse of Hemispheresrelude here!

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

What bass you are playing a big factor, is the bass was poorly designed and has big time neck dive problems you will be holding the bass instead of playing it when using a strap. Certain basses are famous for this problem.

As others have said, set your strap so that your bass is pretty much in the same position whether sitting or standing.

 

[lfmn16]

I practice standing up. I figure that's how I play, so I should practice how I play.

 

[wishface]

the weight on my bass feels like it's in the wrong place. If i have the body over my own (it's slung fairly high, but not wrist breakingly high) then the neck feels too far to the left if that makes any sense (i'm RHanded), yet it's as if the body should be there because otherwise the weight is off my body and lopsided.

I don't know what the specific make of my bass is, it's a spector but a really cheap one I think.

 

[GeoffT]

I practice standing up. I figure that's how I play, so I should practice how I play.

This is some of the best advice I got from my first teacher many years ago.

 

[sammyp]

being more comfortable sitting down is pretty normal ...don't be concerned about it ...as others have pointed out, set your strap height so that when you stand, it's a simliar effect ....start playing some tunes at home standing up, then go to a jam with some buddies, get in a band ...then you'll be standing more than you're sitting and things will fall into place .....it's just what we are used to....

i've been playing guitar for 25 years but i rarely play acoustic live on a gig ....it's all electric ...i had to play some acoustic this week backing up local Idol contestants and my first instinct was to sit down for the acoustic tunes ....cause that's what i do when i'm home!

 

[Russell L]

I wear mine about where Geddy does in that pic (not because I'm a fan, though). Seems to be a good compromise. One problem I'm having, though, is a pinched nerve in my shoulder that may be getting worse. It's been that way for decades. I don't think playing guitar or bass caused it, but it sure isn't making it any better. I may have to end up sitting all the time before too long (I'm already 62).

 

[INTP]

I use a medium height stool rather than a chair while practicing, and always use a strap. For me, this keeps the playing position essentially the same as it is while standing, as my bass isn't resting on my leg.

 

[najko]

I like learning the songs sat down, so I can fully focus on the song, comfortably. Then I get up and I play it with the feeling it deserves.

I think you should spend some time messing with your strap until you play without hurting your back or shoulders. Don't look for the badass bass-on-your-knees, set it wherever it feels best, and leave it there.

 

[UntitledProject]

Why don't you just gig with a chair? If the music is the focal point (which we all pretend it is), then why not be as comfy as possible? Drummers (and many keyboardists) get to sit all night, you might as well too. It's not like you're a guitarist or singer or something people pay attention to. This is said with all seriousness btw.
I've seen many blues guitarists sit while they play. Why has the bass been designated as a "standing" instrument at live performances?

 

[hernameisrio]

Man...I'm the opposite...I can't seem to sit comfortably and play. I find it much easier to stand. My teacher always has me sit and it drives me crazy because I just can't get used to it!

 

[Rev J]

Or you could just pull an Anthony Jackson:



Stay Brown,
Rev J