A question about guitar straps...?

Question

i play an electric guitar, and i like the strap tightened a little higher than i have ever seen it in a concert or music video or what have you... i keep it pretty much right at my chest and i always see it over someones crotch... am i picking up a bad habit or am i just a little different? thanks...

Answer 1

I never acquired the habit of low-slung guitars to look cool--even during my professional years as lead guitarist and singer.

My main problem was to watch for belt buckle scratches. Keeping the guitar at above waist level gave me firmer control.

Answer 2

Hi Andrew

You are doing the right thing and it is tne correct position. look at all these guitarist who shred or who play extremely well. The guitar is strapped where you tend to have it.....belt level.

Answer 3

It's whatever floats your boat man.  Guitar shouldn't be a this is right and this is wrong type of thing. Just do what ya want. I've noticed that people mostly have it low because it's the style. I don't believe it has an significance on how well you play. ive seen some pretty crazy progressive players play way up by their chests.

Answer 4

i play with the top of the guitar at my crotch so i play pretty low. but i can still play real good, its not as hard as you think.

Answer 5

i'm the same way i think hanging that low slows you down  too   its just for show

Answer 6

Hey Andrew

The positioning of your guitar strap should be totally your own choice. A lot of guitarists also prefer to have their guitar straps higher up because it is generally easier to play when your guitar is higher up.

However if you feel that you want to have your guitar strap lower down because you think it looks cooler, then, like a lot of things to do with guitar, practice! When I first started off attempting to play standing up, I couldn't have my strap low like my heroes did, and it really annoyed me. Now, I'm playing live in my metal band frequently and it's not a problem.

The only thing I would say is don't get into the habit of having your guitar strap too low down. This can lead to damaged wrists, and damaged wrists mean no more guitar playing for a while!

Anyway, I hope that helped =]

Jay

Answer 7

You are picking up a good habit.  You must be pretty smart.