Ow Ow Ow!!!

[jmattbassplaya]

Just played a gig last night, and my band had convinced me beforehand to try to play my bass higher up on my body than normal. I went through the gig just fine, but when I woke up this morning my fingering hand's wrist was KILLING me! I guess I need to keep my bass hanging more in the 'rocker' position, because up high just kills me

 

[lowfreq33]

I don't like mine high either. Causes pain in my right wrist.

 

[steelbed45]

I set my bass to the same height standing up as when seated. Being that I enjoy keeping things simple, this suits me well.
You suffered for your craft, and I salute you!

 

[Trabeen]

The older I get the higher my bass seems to go, sort of like my pants.

 

[WokenDeer]

I can't play high either. I don't play really low. Someone else here described it well, I like it as if I'm putting my right hand in my pocket. Playing high kills my right shoulder. That and it just feels awkward for me. Never had any problems with my fretting wrist either way.

 

[Clef_de_fa]

You have to put the bass in a classical guitar position to keep the hands in a strait-as-possible position

 

[Tupac]

I've never had any sort of problem wearing my bass high, only wearing it low. Do you people have issues playing sitting down as well? There's no difference really.

 

[Marty Forrer]

My strap is set so sitting down and standing up are the same position.

 

[WokenDeer]

I've never had any sort of problem wearing my bass high, only wearing it low. Do you people have issues playing sitting down as well? There's no difference really.

Actually. My acoustic feels alright sitting down but any electric I play sitting also starts aggravating my shoulder. Several years of skateboarding already saw to the demise of the right side of my body lol.

 

[Road Bull]

Another thing to think about is the beginning of a show might not be the best time to make a big change like that. Depending on the amount of change, your body may need some time and practice to get used to new positions.
For me, it was important to not aggravate a previous RSI wrist injury. So when I started playing bass, I started playing up higher to allow my wrists to be in as neutral position as possible. This also has my strap set so that it is the same height sitting as it is standing.

 

[Russell L]

The older I get the higher my bass seems to go, sort of like my pants.

Me, too. Have ya gotten into suspenders yet? I have.

 

[Nomadskills]

I'm still struggling with position. I want it to be low but it seems that I feel and play better with it a little higher (Not chest height though).

 

[João Bourgard]

wear the bass where you feel confortable... else it is very painfull and can lead to injuries....

 

[Eric1668]

I've never had any sort of problem wearing my bass high, only wearing it low. Do you people have issues playing sitting down as well? There's no difference really.

I'm just a beginner, so I really haven't found "my" best position yet. Playing sitting down does seem to bother my right wrist more than standing. When standing, I keep my thumb anchored on the pickup at about belt level. My headstock generally points to about 10 o'clock

 

[dbd1963]

I like to stand on my bass like a surfboard and play with my toes.

no, really I do that "same standing as sitting" thing. That seems like a natural position. I can't stand it too low. Drives me nuts.. or drives my nuts. Something like that.

 

[kesslari]

jmatt - what Clef said. Raising the neck is good for technique. Raising the body is bad for the right wrist - putting that sharp a bend in the wrist is hell on tendons.
The other approach, if you wear your bass higher, is to raise your right elbow slightly so as to decrease the angle of (and the stress on) your right wrist.

 

[Deleted member 92857]

Hey JMatt, if you don't mind me asking, what's it to your bandmates where you play your bass? Seems like they shouldn't care as long as you do your job and sound good.

 

[Russell L]

I'm just a beginner, so I really haven't found "my" best position yet. Playing sitting down does seem to bother my right wrist more than standing. When standing, I keep my thumb anchored on the pickup at about belt level. My headstock generally points to about 10 o'clock

That sounds just right to me.

 

[Eric1668]

That sounds just right to me.

It works for me. I guess everyone is different. Whatever feels best to you is the right way!

 

[recreate.me]

I have never heard of a band convincing a guitar/bass player to wear it higher, i kinda wanna hear what they said to peer pressure you into playing your bass up high...

"C'mon man, you know you wanna! All the best Jazz players wear it that way"

All I have ever got was told to lower it cause "we are a rock band" and we have an image...