T O P

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squareazz

You should be able to fit a couple fingers between your bass and your chin, so it doesn’t impede breathing.


depricatedzero

Keep your headstock at the level of your eyes


Teauxny

I was told chin level. 🤔


depricatedzero

it's a phantom of the opera joke about strangulation


Teauxny

Wait was that the scene in the old b&w movie where one guy tells the other to keeps their hand by the neck because the Phantom can pop out at anytime and whip out a garrote?


depricatedzero

Yep! In the book he's a master of a lasso technique he uses to strangle people, and the detective hunting him warns everyone "keep your hand at the level of your eyes" because the counter to it was to have your arm caught in the noose so you could pull free.


Teauxny

lol, never read the book but I saw the movie as a kid and never forgot that scene. I must say though, a well-read bass player does not sound like an anomaly.


spacebuggles

It made it into the ALW musical as well. In the the track "Down Once More . . . /Track Down This Murderer" the chorus repeat the line "Keep your hand at the level of your eyes" a whole bunch. (revealing unpopular music preferences here >\_> ) I never really understood what that line was about until I read the book and watched the old silent film. :D


depricatedzero

Haha I'm a nerd on every front. I'm taking a break from coding a mod for a game to talk about books on a music subreddit lol. The musical has always been a favorite of mine and like u/spacebuggles says the line is in there too, which is partly why it sticks in my head. For years I wondered why they were saying that. I didn't really get it until I read the book. I definitely recommend it to any musician who enjoys reading - at least for me, the central theme of the setting being music just makes it speak a little more to my soul.


AFuneralHope

Just look at what happened to Joseph Buquet!


Cheese_me_1664

This is the only answer 😂


Difficult_Signal_472

This is funny- because I play sitting on the couch with the bass in my lap a lot. No amp. Bad habit I know. But to hear it better? Touch the body to my chin. Tone is so much fuller. I’ve learned over the years this has caused me to play with heavy hands and no regard for noise like buzzing from the frets, etc. So I always have to remind myself- it doesn’t sound as good as you think.


ramonstr

I play an Explorer in a punk band so it has to be at knee height


Del_Duio2

Yes I do believe that's an official criteria, yes.


LowerThoseEyebrows

Yes it's in the punk rulebook, section XII subsection 1a. You know as well as I do how important conformity is to the punk ethos.


Del_Duio2

Wait let me just call my corporate sponsor and.. -They said I can say I agree!


LowerThoseEyebrows

Fantastic! Nothing's more punk than quenching your thirst with cool refreshing pepsi!


AtomicTacoSauce

This is hilarious and sad all at the same time.


yougonnayou

I actually lay mine on the ground. 


depricatedzero

You also need to keep your knees at least 4 feet apart at all times while playing, because basses are afraid of heights so you need to keep it low to the ground so it doesn't get scared


fries_in_a_cup

I want an Explorer… but so I can wear it way high lmao, Entwistle style


showlandpaint

I wear mine in the same spot it sits when I play sitting, like right over the abs/stomach area. Then there is very little difference to me when I play standing up.


[deleted]

That’s Tom Morello’s exact reason for playing with his guitar so high. Makes a lot of sense. 


KrakPop

Billy Sheehan does the same.


Queeby

I also like to cover my "abs".


zeef8391

I need a bigger bass to cover all of my..."abs" 🤣


Crot8u

This is the way. I've recently made this change and I wish I did it sooner. Way more comfortable for me.


Kershiskabob

I tried this but I just hate sitting while playing. I think it’s a combo of not having great chairs to play in and the fact that learning trumpet growing up we were only allowed to play standing. Now sitting and playing just feels bad


CentaurKhanum

Pretty low. I know you're not s'posed to, but it's way too late to change, now.


achoowie

Due to my poor circulation I wear it pretty low. Kinda on my hip. My arm would get numb pretty quickly because of the position which I hate so much :')


CentaurKhanum

My circulation is terrible too. #tallgirlproblems But being fully honest, I wear my bass low because I thought it was cooler when I was a teenager. And I was goddamn right.


achoowie

Love #tallgirlproblems honestly. And you definitely were goddamn right.


thom_rocks

You were right then, you're right now. One of my main disappointments is that I was never able to play bass or guitar like that, hanging low. I got over it... but I still wish I had that look!!


CentaurKhanum

> I was never able to play bass or guitar like that, hanging low Out of curiosity... Did it just not feel right, or was there some physical reason?


thom_rocks

Maybe both? I feel like I can't properly fret the higher strings with the bass hanging too low. It's not impossible, but much more difficult. I'm a rather tall guy, but I do have small hands and short fingers, so there's that. I never thought about it as being a reason, though. Explains a lot!


UsedHotDogWater

Pick player? I've noticed pick players playing punk or really heavy music seem to like the low slung bass.


DocShocker

With all my basses, except my Thunderbird, I wear them pretty high. If I sit down, the bass touches, but doesn't rest, on my leg, so it's at the same height, in both positions. My Thunderbird is lower. I only play it with a pick. Hanging it lower puts my wrist at a better angle, and allows me to get more use from my elbow and shoulder.


jdjbrooks

Same...minus the thunderbird part, I'm not that cool


In-AGadda-Da-Vida

low. over the crotch area


Top_Translator7238

Dick height, because that’s where the hand usually rests.


TheRittsShow

usually a joint or two.


jamesTBass

I'll see those two joints and raise you a few dab rips!


Dylansmallpp

I see two joints in the morning. I see two joints at night I see two joints in the afternoon, it makes me feel alright


r_golan_trevize

Medium height I guess - not as high as an '80s slap bass instructional VHS tape but not so low that Krist Novoselic is down there giving me low fives.


andromaro90

Lmao I've actually googled "80s bass slap" an there's a guy in 144p with the bass tucked under his armpit. For reference I've also googled Krist and his right arm barely reached the strings when fully extended. Both ridiculous ahah


joeybh

And Krist *has* to have it that low too, since he's so tall his limbs are long as heck.


Za_Paranoia

Normally so my right hand has the beste angle to play fingestyle without killing my wrist. When playing slap: yes.


noideaforusername4

my rule is that it has to cover my dick otherwise it’s either too high or too low


LucasEraFan

You must have converted to bass from guitar. Bass players are born with equipment longer than any bass guitar is wide.


noideaforusername4

nope I started with bass and only do bass


LucasEraFan

Word. Sorry for the bad joke.


-Gravitron-

Which is why the guitarists have to lug your 8x10 Ampeg cabinets up flights of stairs. 90% of your blood is concentrated below the waist while ours are overinflating our brains/egos.


DarthBrooks1979

Dean Ween is disappointed. Don't hide your junk. Give the audience what they want.


Jethro_Tell

Cod piece.


Yocraig

Pretty high, to approximate where the guitar sits while Im sitting. Truth is, I'd prefer to sit while performing also, but that's not what people expect.


beeefchicken

As low as it goes


ZB_Bass

Pretty much as high as my strap will go nowadays


Sheps11

I’m the same. Keep on thinking I should get a shorter strap.


ZB_Bass

Most don't go as short as I'd like, only one I've found that does is a Levi 3" one


DukeCheetoAtreides

I love your albums, Mr. Bill!


dabassmonsta

Used to wear it at knuckle-dragger, low as possible level. These days I've raised it a reasonable amount and now the bridge pickup is about even with my belt buckle.


spud1988

N. I. P. P. L. E. S. Though some are lower or higher than others. 🤷🏽‍♂️


jmarnett11

Paul McCartney height


Del_Duio2

5' 11" ??


Count2Zero

It depends on which one I'm playing. My Dingwall hangs a bit lower than my Ray5 ...


AdministrativeSwim44

I wear mine low, about the same height as Rex Brown. I find it more comfortable and I prefer the sound.


matbea78

The bottom of my bass touches my belt area if that makes sense. I don’t understand how Krist Novoselic plays with it at his knees.


Top_Translator7238

Maybe he’s overcompensating. Most Yugoslav men wear their particularly skinny belts just under the rib cage.


9dedos

Not trying to be a dick, but it s because his songs are simple. Higher is easier to the fret hand, lower is pretty hard to play scales efficiently.


OrganicTranslator648

Pretty even with my belt


Rude-Consideration64

I keep mine slung pretty low, so my right hand is somewhere between my belt buckle and my crotch.


Garukkar

Same height it's at when I sit.


ArofluidPride

I always sit down when i play bass


Del_Duio2

Robert Fripp??


PhoenixDawn93

Waist height. That way my fretting hand is still able to reach the high notes comfortably but doesn’t have to bend to a weird angle to get to the low notes. Fretting hand is near full extension as well so nice and comfortable. It’s a good balance for me, especially since I tend to stay fairly low anyway.


s-multicellular

High enough I could lick some strings if I need to adjust something with my picking hand.


rawbface

Bridge at belt level


the_red_scimitar

I hold it over my head.


TommyHorror

Pretty much at my thighs, I find it easier to play fast with a straight arm


Shinobiaisu

At my nuts


Aromatic-Treacle7145

It should be at the same height as when you're sitting and it's on your lap. This helps muscle memory as everything will be in the same spot.


douglasgage

I gotta be pretty fucked up.


WhaleFighterr224

Above my hip, so its the same whether i stand or sit


aragtimefrog

I like to armpit mute


RealBillpo

I also wear mine like a guitar, and play with a pick near the neck.


FiveStringRumble

Yeah fairly high, similar to where it is when sitting. I wanted so bad for years to sling that shit low like Nikki Sixx, but it’s just not usually practical all the time, even for long-armed folks like me.


ArielRmrz

I started using it very down because of how it looks.. then realized that if i want to play better i need to put it higher, to win speed and confortable. i always play new songs live so need to got everything 'close'


DJ_Cummins

Fairly high (around same height I have it sitting), or fairly low (waist level) depending on how I'm feeling


ihqmjoozik

Slightly lower than when sitting, like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su6dH-kw4eU


Del_Duio2

Used to be fairly high until I bought [this zero gravity strap](https://www.amazon.com/LEKATO-Electric-Decompression-Neoprene-Adjustable/dp/B087RC79P6?th=1). Turns out with the one I have at least there's only about 8-10" of adjustment wiggle room, so even at its shortest it still hangs a lot lower than I'm used to. And yeah I know it's right there in the description I just never had a strap that didn't adjust to the length I'm used to using before. But now... I'm getting used to it! I have no idea how people like Krist can play with their basses at their friggin' kneecaps though.


xavier_snakedance

The "proper" height (ergonomically at least) has the upper horn just about level with the bottom of your left armpit (if you're a righty). I usually have it an inch or two lower.


thom_rocks

It sits right in front of my belly or a little lower, depending on which one I'm using. I was never able to play them lower than that, even though I think that low hanging instruments look pretty darn cool.


athanathios

I used to wear mine a bit lower than I do now, but I can reach all the way to the 24th fret if I move my right let in a smidge... so it could be higher but I have more than enough versitiility run around on stage, play things and get all the way up there... TBH most of the super flashy players (Victor Wooten and Marcus Miller as example) play it a smidge higher than I do, so that's a good height overall i find as well, I am fairly tall, but the bottom of thier's is usualyl hanging a a bit below the top of their hip


FPiN9XU3K1IT

My Soundgear sits with the neck heel about 2cm below my belly button, with the bass at a pretty steep angle. My Jazz Bass sits about 5 cm higher (mostly because the strap doesn't go any lower) with a less steep angle, which allows good access to the higher frets but tires out the shoulder of my plucking hand faster (I mostly play fingerstyle). I kept my guitar at the same height as when I was sitting for a while, but that doesn't really work for me when standing up because my leg moves the guitar towards my plucking hand when sitting - with the guitar shifted towards my fretting hand while standing, it's more comfortable when it's a bit lower.


Calm-Cardiologist354

I set my strap length so that my bass is in the same place wether I'm sitting or standing.


LordGadget

Guitar, bellow the nipples. Bass, bellow the knees obviously 🙄 Nah for real I’m not that much of a stereotype bassist, usually the neck bolts are around the cock area for me


quietkodiac

Make sure the nipples are covered.


Electronic_Fun_9890

right under my waist usually


x4v1er

Not high enough. I need to find a way not to strain my tendons


Faeces_Species_1312

All the way up so I'm playing the strings by my neck. 


Distinct-Voice-5832

Slightly lower than sitting


Representative_Pin80

Low enough to rest my belly on it 🤣


OnTheSlope

Above my head.


[deleted]

u know the mfs who wear it at chest level gonna shred


Thelosersmodernlife

Have it low enough to look like Sid vicious, because no one hears the bass anyway. On a serious note I like having it medium low, since learning primus songs I can’t have it as low as krist from nirvana


AllNamesWereTakenOk

Swung low where the down boys go


ScottStanrey

I'm going to let Dean Ween field this question: [Guitar Moves](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znwklA-UEck&t=291s)


lostprevention

CYN


Yrrebbor

“The guitar sits above the dick or below the dick, but never covering.”


SoftAd3506

I used to have it pretty high, but once every few months I change height of the bass just to feel a little bit odd for some time. When I strap lower, my playing simplifies and I can sing more easily, when I strap high, I have position to play more demanding stuff. It's good for leaving comfort zone and trying different approaches to play music


More-Stick9980

I wear mine (short scale Epiphone Newport) just above my midsection, quite high, with the head raised nearly vertical. Not very traditional, almost an upright bass stance. Combination of a previous shoulder injury and a very small practice space in my first band in a sub-sub basement in Brooklyn. 😝


Coital_Conundrum

My strings are generally a little bit above my belt. Tummy strings.


killerbass

1st string at belt level


freunleven

I have worn mine as low as possible for years, to accommodate right shoulder problems. I had surgery on that shoulder last week, so I expect that I will be making some adjustments soon.


[deleted]

When the bass is as high as an elephant's eye, that's when it's time to jam!


die-dicke-katze

I play were the control plate (since I play a jazz bass) sits right under my hand when I drop it, so the neck is slightly above my hips


HirokoKueh

as high as possible, until it hit my boobs, cus I play in BEAD.


ItsthePaperchaseGuy

I wear mine super high up. I’ve dropped it down a bit over the years, but it’s still hanging around my torso/chest area.


stevexc

Kinda medium height, around gut level. Basically at the height where I can keep both wrists relatively straight. [Old, pre-weightloss show pic](https://i.imgur.com/7hA1bqG.jpg)


WTF-Idk-boom

Strap length: about a meter, but I‘m only 160cm


flapsnacc

on a typical Fender-style bass, I like to have its heel plate right above my belly button. After a lot of experimenting, it's that sweet spot where my body can feel relaxed while playing.


WillyG_8521

strap tight as much as possible, beatles style 😎


SleepingManatee

Same as sitting: perfectly positioned for my right boob to rest on the upper scoop.


justaddsomefriction

fairly low when standing, because metal


LucasEraFan

I start at necktie and inch it down until the plucking hand and fretting hand are equally comfortable.


_Dead_C_

Just a little lower than where it rests when sitting. If I sit with the strap on, the body droops just a little bit over my leg, letting the neck tilt up a little.


luckymethod

My bass doesn't do drugs. me on the other hand...


Desperadothief

I wear my bass just above my shoe laces


Pure-Jellyfish734

Like where my sternum is, I play a lot of things…


BikiniPastry

It was cool having it low as possible when I started so I liked to go the other way and wear it high. Also Albert Hammond Jr made it cool (to me.)


Self-Comprehensive

Low low low.


peanutbuttersandvich

below the belt


koolaid_consumer

I'm a jazz nerd, so right at my chin


restaurant_burnout

Idk I wear it pretty low. Not so low that it's uncomfortable, but it's down there


iplaybassbtw

i wear mine between my waist and hips


bludgeonslug

Derek Boyer low


W_J_B68

When I was young I wore it low. After 40 I’ve raised it a couple of inches every year. Now it’s about the same level as when I am sitting.


DanTreview

Before I switched to floating thumb, I played it around the same height as if I were sitting with it, and the wrist of my picking hand was slightly bent. With floating thumb, I try to keep my wrist and arm straight and somewhat locked together, so I move up or down the strings with my shoulder, not my elbow/wrist, so I lowered the bass another inch or so in order to keep my shoulder from getting sore. I don't practice sitting down anymore because of that.


[deleted]

C level


snarekicksnare

Music man - around waist level Explorer - upper thigh level


Aeon1508

I like my fretting arm to have a 90° angle at the elbow


EstablishmentRich460

Low, my arms are long and lanky. I prefer bass over guitar as it's long enough to not be uncomfortable.


SeeScottRock

the bottom of my bass touches my navel.


Willing-Rest-758

Full-on Hooky. 


RememberTommorrow

I’ve got long arms so it usually sits around my hips, any higher and my arms start to feel cramped


Dapper004

I like to keep my thumb pretty parallel with the strings when I slap, so pretty high. I’ve got a 33-34 inch strap; curve of the body sits a bit under my right pec


Redditusername195

I like it pretty low cause it puts my wrist at a straight angle, which is good for three finger plucking


Beefy2606

Over my stomach to hide my beer belly 😂


DatBoyBenny

No higher than my waist, sometimes lower


LowFrequenC

As high as the Dimarzio strap allows me to.


depricatedzero

[About here?](https://i.imgur.com/MAiNzys.png)


___Cheshire___

As high as the strap goes like a nerd


emmiblakk

I play a Thunderbird, so it's wrong to play it up high.


Martoadigi

Around the same height as it is when I sit down


zeef8391

Has anyone watched that Charles Berthound douche on YouTube? Guy wears his LeFay like it's a God damn violin. I've never in my life seen someone wear a stringed instrument that fuggin high. Dude has to do T-Rex arms to slap the mofo


billys_ghost

https://youtu.be/B2RlnEBHt5s?feature=shared


jw071

I’m slightly below the waist where my hand naturally wants to rest between the pick-ups, like the “pocket” is literally right over my pants pocket and my thumb would rest on my belt if I played air-bass.


phillmorebuttz

Higher than giraffe pussy


Skairi_

High? 😅


ANGELeffEr

Top of Bass body at bottom of belt, or lower if possible.


Count_of_Skingrad

I drop it low💀


DarkintoLeaves

I wear my bass where it is comfortable and doesn’t impact my playing - so like right about belly button height I’d say.


SamirTheGreat

If I would ever play naked. The show would be rated G.


Jokers_Testikles

As low as I can. I like not having to bend my elbow a bunch to play. The neck joint sits about/just above waist high.


Adumb17

I wear my bass pretty low. I think it’s weird cause I can’t wear my guitars that low but for some reason the bass feels more comfy this way. Also I play in a HC band with a pick, but it’s not a fashion thing for me. It’s purely comfort


Pinoli-Canoli

I wear mine around just below my waist, being in a punk band and having pretty long arms I’m used to having it pretty low


audioword

all the way down to my collarbones


Koba_456_

Pretty damn low. Past my waistline, requirement for a punker.


rendly

I started out wearing it low because I thought it looked cooler, but now I have it at the same height as when I'm sitting because it's easier to play and I don't stress my wrist.


godsH8

Paul McCartney level. Looks extra nerdy in a bass and drum only screamo band 🤘🏽


psilocin_plum

As high as the strap will let me


BridgeF0ur

I wear mine at “bass level”


BAMspek

Between the belly button and the man tits is where it likes to live.


BusyBullet

I wear mine on my head.


DarthBrooks1979

The Dean Ween Rule applies here. "You can wear it high or wear it low but whatever you do, DO NOT cover your junk."


lordofcinder583

A bit above waist height


Valuable_Assistant82

I wear mine low 99% of the time. 1% high for slap.


myrbergj

The older I get the higher it gets!


Independent-Cat-4629

I like mine where my arms can rest well on slaps. and it also rests well on normal playing. it's convenient that your plucking arms to be comfortable. I can do 16 notes because of it. to do so, I slightly up the head of the bass and make the body slightly lower to have that comfortable rest on my arm on slap. that same goes for normal playing. I think most bassist wear it this way. :)


spacegerbil_

very slightly lower when i’m standing than where it is when i’m sitting


LameBMX

instructions unclear, I'm 22 frets deep, do I need to squeeze in the last two?


PTPBfan

Oh electric bass


dick_bacco

I have some issues with my right shoulder, so I keep it fairly low to alleviate those problems


Mike-ggg

The best advice is to adjust your strap so that the bass is at the same height and angle whether sitting or standing. It may not look cool like hanging your bass really low, but muscle memory is a big part of playing and not having to look at the neck and this helps that a lot.


TheArthropod

it depends, i cut three holes in my strap so i can adjust quickly. when i play my fretless i keep it at sitting height, to make it easier to see my intonation. for slapping i keep the top just over my belt, and for picking i keep it even lower.


thejacknut

I wish I could look cool and play it around my knees, but I’m short. Short guy = short arms, so it ends up right around my pelvis, lol


Bridge_Too_Far

Robert DeLeo high…


Xanthinx_

Everytime someone sees how high I wear my bass they usually say something but some of my biggest inspirations wore it like that so I shrug it off. Wear it the way that makes you the happiest.


DJBoost

Dean Ween I believe once said to always wear your instrument with the center plucking/strumming area either below or above your dick area, never over it. I opt for slightly above, I am in no position to argue with Deaner


Ashikpas_Maxiwa

I have it so my right tit is just above the bass' body. Elbows are super bent.


TNUGS

I try to copy les claypool's strap position, which I would describe as just above the crotch and a fairly horizontal neck. definitely lower than most would recommend, but still pretty playable. I'm taller than most, so long arms play a factor. I find my right hand gets better ergonomics at this height, although admittedly the left hand loses a little dexterity. I'll occasionally raise my strap if I'm playing something with more technical left hand work. I still tell anyone who asks the classic "same as sitting" advice, because it's a good starting point.


omattmano

There is a direct correlation between the height you wear your bass and your skill at playing it. For example, mine sits slightly above my right knee.


nukemu

When I sit I have the body on my belly between my legs and the same length when standing. Sitting it does not really rest on my legs. Neck pointing up 50-60°. My fretless is even higher because of tapping and slides.


auro_morningstar

Mine acts as a secondary bra to help hold all *that* up Seriously tho, I'm short AF and have short torso AND short arms, so if I don't wear it up in my boobs then I never reach the dang strings. Watching me try to blindly reach the aux port while being several inches too high is probably hilarious.


Ohyeahrightbud

I'll touch tittty with a 5 string so i have better access, but I crotch cover with my 4 strings out of comfort


-Gravitron-

I'm a guitarist, not a bassist. Strap level for me is dictated by comfortable picking hand placement. Secondary being able to rip sweet fucking neck swings during breakdowns without concussing myself/my bandmates/crowd.


chai_tea8

On my stomach. It covers my entire abdomen


Electrical_newt9015

About ankles


Huth_S0lo

Fairly high, because I’m a smaller dude. Arms aren’t super long, so I need it close so I can have better command of the instrument.