Playing complicated bass lines with low strap height.

[tfer]

But how is a a low hanging bass more entertaining? I don't think there's any other instrument where players purposely use harmful ergonomics just for nothing.

It's entertaining when the bassist can play the lines...

 

[Jhengsman]

But how is a a low hanging bass more entertaining? I don't think there's any other instrument where players purposely use harmful ergonomics just for nothing.

Some audiences like it, others like to see the band doing a choreographed dance and yet others like to see their band in full make up and platform heels. That the OP plays for an audience with an expectation of seeing a bass hanging low complicates playing more involved lines, especially if he is trying to play what a studio cat laid down who did not have the handicap of adding to the visual presentation. The visual for that band may be more important than a complicated bottom line.

 

[Spidey2112]

I would wear it around my knees, then the guitarist can set his beer on your back...

 

[Rev J]

"I've tried to wear my bass low like most metal guys and it just gave me cramps," Tony Choy(Atheist, Cynic).

C/S,
Rev J

 

[fearceol]

We are entertainers and the visual is important too.

How will "the visual" appear in years to come, when you are doubled over because of back trouble, and suffering with arthritis of the wrists...?...not so cool, I would think.

 

[inflatablefilth]

anyone got any evidence that playing a low slung bass has ever caused anyone back trouble and arthritis of the wrists?

 

[MrLenny1]

Wear you're bass at a proper height
or you will cause permanent injury.

 

[Rev J]

anyone got any evidence that playing a low slung bass has ever caused anyone back trouble and arthritis of the wrists?

Jimmy page has a screwed up back from slinging his Les Paul low with a narrow strap. Plus slinging too low forces you to hold your wrists at unnatural angles and puts pressure on your carpal tunnel. On top of that it drastically limits the amount of usable range you have with your instrument unless you pull a Robert Trujillo and put your foot on a monitor and lift your bass any time you go into the upper register.

C/S,
Rev J

 

[tfer]

Jimmy page has a screwed up back from slinging his Les Paul low with a narrow strap. Plus slinging too low forces you to hold your wrists at unnatural angles and puts pressure on your carpal tunnel. On top of that it drastically limits the amount of usable range you have with your instrument unless you pull a Robert Trujillo and put your foot on a monitor and lift your bass any time you go into the upper register.

C/S,
Rev J

I don't think the risk is arthritis.

But Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is definitely at play.

 

[Rev J]

So are back problems.

C/S,
Rev J

 

[Icemanaroonie]

Try holding your bass at different angles across your body. I find that what direction I point the headstock impacts how well I play with my strap low.

 

[swooch]

I think you should bring it up to gospel bassist height, ie covering your nipples rather than your genitals.

And then rock out like a mofo to compensate. Think Tom Morello.

 

[Ramonesfan59]

For me, it's a left-hand vs right-hand thing. Since I only play downstrokes, I want to be as low as possible for the right hand...but that makes the left hand grumpy. So I compromise a bit and they're both dissatisfied. Kind of like a marriage!

 

[Bob_Ross]

I only play downstrokes

Strong post-to-username correlation!

 

[Kim Jong Funk]

I practice sitting down, and adjust the strap so when I stand up, the bass is in the same position.

^^This guy gets it.^^

OP, I get that the visual aspect is important and looking good on stage is important, but if it's affecting your playing, you need to adjust. You're asking for serious problems down the line. Like smoking, you don't really have any serious problems the first few years, but over time, it WILL catch up to you.

 

[Johnny Crab]

The reason straps are adjustable is because everyone is built different. When you self practice, do you stand up or sit? I practice sitting down, and adjust the strap so when I stand up, the bass is in the same position. You should be able to hit each note on the fretboard without discomfort. Comfort and execution trumps looks.

There's a reason Billy Sheehan mentions this in more than one video.....

If you must subject your body to abuse so you can really feel the burn when you get older, this guy does ok with it....for now although there's not much complicated in what he's doing. I want to see how he plays at 60.....