The first time you get your bass it is best to sit down to adjust the strap. This will make the process a lot easier. Eventually you will be able to strap on your bass quickly and easily, but for now you will need to do everything step by step. This is because if you strap on the bass incorrectly two things can happen.

• If the bass is too high your right hand (assuming you are a right handed guitarist) will feel uncomfortable as you play.
• If the bass is too low your left hand will be stretched and you will place unnecessary stress on it as you play.

The correct position will guarantee optimum position for both hands whether you are sitting down or standing up.  The 3 steps below explain how to hold your bass.

• First of all attach the thick end of your strap to the strap pin on the bass guitar’s neck. Then attach the thin end to the end pin on the body.
• Hold the guitar firmly with your left hand and place the strap over your right arm, shoulder and your head.
• Adjust the strap length until the strings of the guitar are situated around your belly button. and then fine tune until you feel comfortable. Have a look at the video below for a better idea.

The first thing you need to do when is to trim the fingernails on your fretting hand. Longer fingernails will prevent you from holding down the strings correctly as you play. It will also lessen the chance of buzzing or clicking as you pluck the strings. Speaking of buzzes or clicks…

The easiest way to eliminate buzzing and clicking from your playing is to hold the string down as close to the fret as possible without actually touching it. You should be able to see the metal fret as you play.

As you are holding down the string in this position try to exert as little pressure as possible to make the string sound clearly. This is a must for any serious bass guitarist because pushing down on the string harder than necessary will sap your energy.  Holding the strings lightly lets your fingers move with more speed and agility as you play.

If you’re a beginner pushing down on the strings will also make the tips sore. Don’t worry this is completely normal. The soreness will go away after a while and your fingers will develop calluses to protect them. It is vital to remember though that although pain in the fingertips is normal at first pain in your wrists is a serious problem and means you are doing something very wrong that can have serious long term consequences.