I've played bass on and off for 40+ years. Obviously I'm no longer a spring chicken, but my current bass is a headless Roscoe which is quite light at 7lbs 10oz. I can play it for ages with no ill effects. I usually play standing up, and never use a pick.
In the last year, I've got into guitars. I've always been able to strum one a little, but this was my first start at trying hard to learn the instrument properly. I've ended up with my chosen guitar being a Nocaster, and I love it very much. It's lighter than the bass, clocking in at 7lb 8oz. I also play this standing up, but I am using a pick.
I am finding that my neck and shoulder are not able to cope with playing the guitar for very long. I am getting cricks, and finding I have to stop, and it's rather painful.
Now in fairness, I'm not in great shape. I have a "fuller figure" and lockdown has not seen me on a journey of self improvement (well not in terms of fitness anyway, guitar is another matter). Then again, I'm not sure BB King was in great shape either.
I *think* the root of the problem might be that my right hand position on the bass involves my elbow being quite raised for my fingerstyle playing, whereas on the guitar, the elbow is lower with the strumming/picking coming more from the wrist. It's also possible that with the bass, my hand positions are keeping the instrument across my body, whereas with guitar and my belly (ahem!) I am inclined to point the headstock forwards a little.
I want to be able to persevere with guitar, and I don't like to sit when I play. Is there something obvious I'm missing? Maybe some good exercises? Or should I use a different strap (I use the long Mono M80 Betty straps on all my instruments).
Comments
Ian
Lowering my expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
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I seem to naturally hold the bass across my body/belly.
God, arthritis hadn't even occurred to me, I really hope it isn't that! I'll definitely try to do some regular exercises.
I've been analysing it some more and I *think* I might be dropping my left shoulder more than my right when playing guitar than I do when playing bass. I'll try puffing my chest out and see how I get on.
Also have you tried sitting down? This could change your posture and make it more comfortable
As for sitting down, I'd love to be able to, but with the current seating arrangements in the room I'm in, I don't seem to be able to get comfortable. I would say it's probably worse, in terms of cricking my neck etc.