playing pass standing up (with a pick) [Archive]

blackflagfiend

01-19-2006, 07:03 PM

bleeding_fingers

01-19-2006, 07:04 PM

Raise your strap and deal with it queer.

LewsTherin

01-19-2006, 07:32 PM

I'd really rather not be a queer and tighten my strap to make my bass go up to my belly

fashunXcore ftw!!

raise it up. not only will it make picking easier, but it will save you from wrist problems later on.

how cool do you think youd look with tendonitis? or carpal tunnel?

edgebass5

01-19-2006, 07:33 PM

be a queer? man.... that's a pretty silly way to look at it. Ideally your bass should hang on a strap at the exact same height as it rests on your leg when playing seated. Don't concern yourself with looking like a queer..... also.... how does having a bass in the proper position relate to homosexuality? Does that mean that Tim Commerford and Ryan Martinie (just used two names that are prominant in rock) are queers? I certainly think they are not.

edgebass5

01-19-2006, 07:33 PM

how cool do you think youd look with tendonitis? or carpal tunnel?

Or colon caner! sorry with all the queer jokes floating around I had to relate something to the butt :lol:

EADG

01-19-2006, 07:40 PM

I think the guy from Metallica with his 3 straps looks more retarded than anyone with a high strap.

LewsTherin

01-19-2006, 07:41 PM

Does that mean that Tim Commerford and Ryan Martinie (just used two names that are prominant in rock) are queers? I certainly think they are not.

youve obviously never been backstage at a MudVayne concert! :naughty:

NoOsH

01-20-2006, 09:52 AM

I think the guy from Metallica with his 3 straps looks more retarded than anyone with a high strap.

Firstly, which of their 3 bassists are you talking about? secondly wtf are you trying to say about 3 straps!?:confused:

PainKiller8191

01-20-2006, 10:07 AM

he means his strap is so long it looks like he tied 3 together....I'm guessing hes talking about the new guy.....

PainKiller8191

01-20-2006, 10:10 AM

and hes right...they play at their ****ing knees....it looks so stupid, honestly...

kilian

01-20-2006, 10:35 AM

Hé Hé Hé!

There is nothing wrong with a little bit of fashion! I had it pretty low too when I started to play. But I play longer now and it was more comfortable for me to hang it a bit higher. It is quite a bit higher now. And I am putting it higher and higher.. But it has to look OK ;) Maybe you need to adjust yourself to it first :p

katana_manatee

01-20-2006, 12:32 PM

It comes down to this. If you really don't want to be "queer", then keep your bass low and just practise. There is no lazy way out if you refuse to raise your strap. Just don't complain if you start getting back trouble, neck trouble, wrist trouble, tendonitis, rsi or carpal tunnel syndrome. Your obviously bummed that you aren't playing as well as you should so think what matters to you most. Trying to look so cool to your contemporaries or playing better and looking after your body?

pitchfork

01-20-2006, 12:35 PM

I play my thunderbird low but when i get my jazz i'm playing stomach level, though the guys who play with it half way up their neck, now thats just silly.

Akira

01-20-2006, 03:18 PM

Put your bass at a comfortable level. I personally would rather sound cool than look cool.

mookie91

01-20-2006, 03:36 PM

Well where is your bass on your knees, not all the way on your belly but partly on your belly/thigh, or right under your belly?

I wear my bass not all the way on my belly but partly on it but mostly closer to my thigh. I find it more comfortable to put the side of your hand on where your little finger is at on the bridge like let it rest their and pick away.

supersids91

01-20-2006, 04:47 PM

actually a lot of the best bass players, (exept flea) wear their basses high.
victor wooten, jaco, marcus miller,etc.

mookie91

01-20-2006, 05:07 PM

Sting wears his bass low... Well not knee level but more belly and thigh level.

ShetaN bRaT

01-20-2006, 05:16 PM

Oh suck it up.

I wear my bass relatively low when I play shows, but not down by my damn knees. That looks dumber than if your chin rested on it.

EADG

01-20-2006, 06:36 PM

he means his strap is so long it looks like he tied 3 together....I'm guessing hes talking about the new guy.....

It doesn't look like it, he actually does.

pitchfork

01-21-2006, 12:20 PM

Belly level is best imo comfy and doesn't look to bad, entwhistle does it.

neatobassman

01-21-2006, 03:57 PM

yea...you got flammed for trying to hard to be scene...that's funny.

mikethecoug

01-21-2006, 04:01 PM

Belly level is best imo comfy and doesn't look to bad, entwhistle does it.
Entwhistle did it.

Not does it.

He's dead.

/cries

vashts80

01-22-2006, 02:10 AM

I used to play with my bass at about crotch level, just a little higher, but I've been playing with it over mid-chest, since that's as low as my Yamaha air cell strap will go, because I'm fat

Zjanarhi

01-22-2006, 04:47 AM

I let my bass hang at a height similar to Les Claypool's. Used to have at a level like Fieldy when I started playing. I grew... a lot.

To the threadstarter, stop worrying about your image, you dingleberry. You should be comfortable when you play, cuz if your not comfortable, it shows in your playing.

Misanthropic

01-22-2006, 04:52 AM

As for playing low with a pick, I found it easier to do if you put your neck in a more horizontal position, i.e. making it even harder doing anything with the fretting hand. Also, experiment with holding your pick in different ways. I think you should get your pick technique perfect while sitting with the bass in your lap, then stand up with strap at comfortable length, then then lower it gradually.

I know one shouldn't care about what ignorant people think, but non-musical friends of mine always think it looks cheesy when people wear their instruments high. This applies to one of my guitarists as well (then again, he can only play powerchords).

PainKiller8191

01-22-2006, 05:27 AM

Akira

01-22-2006, 08:56 AM

I know one shouldn't care about what ignorant people think, but non-musical friends of mine always think it looks cheesy when people wear their instruments high. This applies to one of my guitarists as well (then again, he can only play powerchords).
But if you play for those people, you are never going to have any real credibility. The fans you want would rather a band sound good than look good.

mookie91

01-22-2006, 10:13 AM

Also what gage pick are you using I found it easier to play with a pick when its a heavy (1.0) pick.

original_hxc

01-22-2006, 10:32 AM

LewsTherin

01-22-2006, 10:36 AM

blackflagfiend

01-22-2006, 11:45 AM

Thanks for the advice guys, ill try putting my strap at thigh level and see how that works, and sorry for using the word "queer" if that offended anyone. Just trying to get my point down.

mikethecoug

01-22-2006, 12:00 PM

you guys are fa.gs..who the hell plays with the bass to the belly button.."oh lemme make it easy on myself, and raise it up..my poor poor wrists. and then later on i can go shampoo my hair at a day spa" shut the hell up. most of your names around here deal around metalcore, and look at any metal or hardcore band and tell me which one plays with teh bass that high
Make it easy on yourself? No it's called making it safe and comfortable, if you play it down by your news to try and look 'cool' not only will it harm your wrist, but it will also make it more difficult for you to play. Don't you want to make it as easy as possible.

Actually all i need to say is.

YOU'RE GAY.

supersids91

01-22-2006, 12:16 PM

123, amen brotha!

vashts80

01-22-2006, 12:23 PM

Also what gage pick are you using I found it easier to play with a pick when its a heavy (1.0) pick.

I used to use Dunlop Tortex 1mms, but I switched to Dunlop Stubby Triangles 3mm and Dunlop Jazz Stubbys 3mm after a suggestion from the great Karl Sanders of Nile. I'll never go back to using 1mms. The only thing you have to lookout for is that they slip out of your hand often if you "sweat" from your fingers.

katana_manatee

01-22-2006, 12:28 PM

you guys are fa.gs..who the hell plays with the bass to the belly button.."oh lemme make it easy on myself, and raise it up..my poor poor wrists. and then later on i can go shampoo my hair at a day spa" shut the hell up. most of your names around here deal around metalcore, and look at any metal or hardcore band and tell me which one plays with teh bass that high

Ooh, lets see... Bands that actually play challenging music? Any prog metal band practically, Dream Theater, Symphony X, Martyr, Cynic, Spastic Ink etc.

God it is funny seeing idiots like yourself who go out of their way to put the basses low and then find they get neck trouble, back trouble and especially hand and wrist trouble. If your so "hardcore" then you shouldn't care what you look like should you?

PainKiller8191

01-22-2006, 01:55 PM

^123

isnt that whole image about "not caring what people think" and "doing what you feel like"

well since when has that become a standard in hardcore music to have your strap low....wouldnt you then want to be different and put it up high??

/crazy phsycology **** man...i dont know

Orange Fog

01-22-2006, 02:56 PM

This is how high I have my bass when standing.
I find it comfy and easy to play with, as well as not having it be too high up. I think it works the best for me.

http://tinypic.com/mcrnuv.jpg

JakeFloyd

01-22-2006, 02:59 PM

Begin practicing standing up with the bass up high. Gradually lower it every day and that way you will get used to it.

The_Red_Death

01-22-2006, 03:33 PM

you guys are fa.gs..who the hell plays with the bass to the belly button.."oh lemme make it easy on myself, and raise it up..my poor poor wrists. and then later on i can go shampoo my hair at a day spa" shut the hell up. most of your names around here deal around metalcore, and look at any metal or hardcore band and tell me which one plays with teh bass that high

You're so very tough. Guys, I think original_hxc should give us all macho lessons.

Seriously though, you're a tool.

People should wear their basses at a level they can comfortably and effectively play at. **** looking "hardcore".

EDIT: I wasn't trying to bash the threadstarter, in case anyone thought that.

maco

01-22-2006, 03:41 PM

I used to use Dunlop Tortex 1mms, but I switched to Dunlop Stubby Triangles 3mm and Dunlop Jazz Stubbys 3mm after a suggestion from the great Karl Sanders of Nile. I'll never go back to using 1mms. The only thing you have to lookout for is that they slip out of your hand often if you "sweat" from your fingers.
The stubbies amuse me so much...i kinda want to try playing with them one time, but I don't think it'd work well...I cannot play with picks.

cbadge

01-22-2006, 05:40 PM

It's actually a very simple matter....just let your picking arm drop limp and that is as far down as your strings should be, because the straighter your wrists are the less it's gonna hurt when u play for a long time. Also bring the pickup section of your bass closer to the center of your body instead of say your right thigh...that also makes it easier.

pitchfork

01-23-2006, 11:17 AM

Entwhistle did it.

Not does it.

He's dead.

/cries

I know sorry i had to many beers, may his soul rest in peace

pitchfork

01-23-2006, 11:22 AM

Tryxx

01-23-2006, 11:22 AM

Somebody should have reported that guy as soon as he posted. But it's taken care of.

Spencer

01-23-2006, 11:28 AM

if your playing with a pick i have found it easier to play with the bass lower than normal and your wrist anchored on the bridge. Kinda like greeday bassist guy does it. For finglerstyle I pick the bass up.

LewsTherin

01-23-2006, 12:02 PM

Somebody should have reported that guy as soon as he posted. But it's taken care of.

ouch. 1 post and he's banned?

that has to be some sort of record.

Pinhead13

01-23-2006, 12:19 PM

There was a time when I played with my bass in a low position but found it extremely hard to keep up my neck, back and wrist were killing me so now I have it by my belly.

Wintermute

01-23-2006, 02:41 PM

ouch. 1 post and he's banned?

that has to be some sort of record.

Surprisingly, it's not.

LewsTherin

01-23-2006, 02:59 PM

Surprisingly, it's not.

no way.

you mean to tell me you've banned users with a postcount of 0 ?

mookie91

01-23-2006, 05:01 PM

That guy was probably someone who just made a new account to flame. :/

Akira

01-23-2006, 05:48 PM

you guys are fa.gs..who the hell plays with the bass to the belly button.."oh lemme make it easy on myself, and raise it up..my poor poor wrists. and then later on i can go shampoo my hair at a day spa" shut the hell up. most of your names around here deal around metalcore, and look at any metal or hardcore band and tell me which one plays with teh bass that high
Look at any metal or hardcore band and tell me which one plays anything technically complex.

Seriously, if you think wearing your bass at your knees makes you cool you are an insult to bassists.

vashts80

01-23-2006, 08:19 PM

Look at any metal or hardcore band and tell me which one plays anything technically complex.

Nile
Cryptopsy
Cannibal Corpse
Death
Suffocation

...I could go on?

pitchfork

01-24-2006, 10:38 AM

Some people need to learn to be tolerant of other people, thats one of the things i find comes from being a bassist you learn to like different types of music.

Toddler

01-25-2006, 06:35 AM

as you grow older with your playing, you'll find it's a lot more comfortable having your bass around your belly/chest, and you'll also prefer your sound and physical health over your image (being "badass" and whatnot)

I reckon it's comfortable to have your bass around crotch level.. i wear mine just a tad higher than fleas.

Btt.. if you have to pick.. i hate pickers.. put your bass at a height so you can pick easiest.. if that's up around your nipples so be it. Sound > looks.

Akira

01-25-2006, 02:24 PM

Nile
Cryptopsy
Cannibal Corpse
Death
Suffocation

...I could go on?
But do any of those bands have bassists who wear their basses at their knees?
I doubt it, and if they do the bass parts must not be very complex.

basgitarist

01-25-2006, 02:40 PM

If you wanna look queer, play drums :rolleyes:

ShetaN bRaT

01-25-2006, 05:16 PM

I think mandolins are pretty "queer."

KraiZee

01-26-2006, 08:30 PM

no way.

you mean to tell me you've banned users with a postcount of 0 ?
My guess is people who've been banned, then make another account only to be IP checked and banned once again.

vashts80

01-26-2006, 09:21 PM

But do any of those bands have bassists who wear their basses at their knees?
I doubt it, and if they do the bass parts must not be very complex.

Well, not necessarily. Jon Vesano from Nile played with it a couple inches above his knees and while his bass parts were only following the guitar parts, the guitar parts are/were complex. Vesano also crouched down a couple inches when he played too, no idea why (or maybe he's just short, I can't tell.) Webster from Cannibal Corpse plays with his bass the same area, mid-low stomach/crotch. Same with DiGiorgio and Clendenin (both from Death at one time or another). Suffocation's bassist and Langlois from Cryptopsy, I'm not too sure about cos I've never seen any concerts/videos of theirs

pitchfork

01-27-2006, 06:19 AM

If you wanna look queer, play drums :rolleyes:
Bugger off I got drums given to me for free, play the triangle if you wanna look A) so retarded you can't do anything else B) Queer.

Yo.

01-28-2006, 08:07 PM

I just keep my bass low enough so my palm rests on the bridge, and I have access to all four strings, which is usualy right below my stomach, will that induce wrist problems?

Thonk

01-28-2006, 11:49 PM

I just keep my bass low enough so my palm rests on the bridge, and I have access to all four strings, which is usualy right below my stomach, will that induce wrist problems?
The top horn is at the bottom of your stomach?

That's really low..

tomtom

01-29-2006, 02:02 AM

i have the dip just behind the top horn level with my belly-button, and i jusr wandered over to my bass and adjusted the strap to as low as you've got it and it's really really really low. i can see it causing wrist problems on your fretting hand, unless you have your bass angled so the necks up realy high, which i tried, and i couldn't reach all the strings.

i figured my strap length out by sitting down, putting my bass flat on my lap, so the strings are facing upwards, then moved the bass towards me as far as possibleand adjusting it so there's as little slack in the strao, while still keeping the bass flat in my lap. that works out to have the little dip just after the top horn just bellow my belly button, and there's no dis-comfort, and it looks cool :cool:

to me, if it's uncomfortable, it isn't good, or if it starts to hurt, it's not good. just find a length that's comfortable.

Yo.

01-29-2006, 01:53 PM

The top horn is at the bottom of your stomach?

That's really low..

No, the dip in thhe body.

darrell

01-29-2006, 03:11 PM

I'm really having a hard time playing my bass while standing up with a pick. I'd really rather not be a queer and tighten my strap to make my bass go up to my belly(no offense) so could somebody help me out? :chug:

Can you post a picture of yourself with the bass the way you have it now? I'd like to see this...

Pnut

01-30-2006, 01:18 PM

why would you play with a pick anyway when its a stand up?

muthafunkabass

01-30-2006, 01:19 PM

why would you play with a pick anyway when its a stand up?
its not an upright. he cant play with a pick while standing.:rolleyes:

RataBlanca

01-31-2006, 02:15 PM

if you raise it up, at least you won't sound like a queer because you can't pick that far down.

SuM MeXiCaN

01-31-2006, 06:42 PM

If you wanna look queer, play drums :rolleyes:

F,uck you!!! lol jk. i played drums (tama) for 5 years n im "ok" (but everyone sais im the best or sumthing)....n i dont look queer :( lol

awhell i think having ur bass up to your croch (or a little higher) since u dont want it to ur belly. would be easier to play then all the way down to ur knees.

i put my (future) bass on my belly but i dont play with picks.....just dont listen to me i have no idea what im doing right know lol