• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

How Low?

#22
Although for a good while now I've primarily played fingerstyle, when I was younger I split time between techniques nearly 50/50 so I've put some good though into the mechanics of each, working out a system that naturally involved fixing my constantly switching of strap lengths: my RH is about parallel with my Belly Button, but I'm not at all a big guy so that fairly high on me compared to most players. However, I came to have a "Picking Strap" that's a good "2.5"-3" longer, dropping them below the stomach and just reaching the hip joint - I come from the "Newsted University of Pickstyle", in which your picking power comes not just your wrist, but your entire shoulder. I find it easier and more comfortable to be able to extend my Right Arm almost fully, picking the string at nearly the end of downstroke where I have the greatest potential energy. With this method after striking the string, if Alternate Picking I get what I call a "bounce" at the end of my stroke that helps propel my Right Arm upwards as opposed to coming to a complete stop and having to restart my arm motion, wasting speed and energy. If only downpicking, I still have that "bounce" to get me back to my "Start" position simply by bypassing the string just played.
 
#26
p0k said:
i just lay it on the floor and play from there ;)
Click to expand...

now thats not only funny, but when I was learning in the beginning, I used to do almost the same thing. (lay it across my lap).
now a days, as far as strap length/guitar position, I can only say it depends on what bass I'm using, what condition my brain is in for the show, or practice session...lol
BUT I play my T-bird's upside down, and it isn't played high enough for the wing to hit my chest. I just looked at my 25 or so youtube vid thumbnails, and I HAD TO LAUGH, why?

NOT ONE OF THEM has me playing it at "the same height" ---- ALL Standing up, ALL different... :D
 
#29
a wise man once told me "the lower your strap is the worse you play" ive really found it to be true. my bass is usually at victor wooten hight. all chest. bottom of my bass is a little above the belt area. i cant play comftorbly at all any lower..its hard to keep the wrists straight for me.
 
#33
Just above the waist. I have bad eyesight...:hiding:

playin.gif
 
#38
I prefer to play sitting down, but if I'm doing a lot of fast finger stuff it kind of hurts my right wrist to have it such a short angle, but it's great for slapping/tapping.

Standing, I have it just high enough to still be playable and be able to slap halfway decent but still be comfy for my right arm. It's a bit of a compromise.

So I guess it's just a bit lower than sitting, not quite Tom Morello high. I don't understand how people play with it at their knees, especially with a pick! I must have short arms.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back