Strapping on your bass guitar is not a simple as you might think. You need to know the right way to adjust the guitar strap in order to keep the bass in the perfect position while you play. The better your bass position, the easier it will be for you to pick up the different techniques and do them properly.
Sit down when you strap on your bass for the first time; it's just easier that way. Ideally, the strings of the bass should cross between your belt line and your belly button at a slight angle upward (up on the neck end). This position ensures optimum right- and left-hand coverage, and it works well regardless of whether you’re standing or sitting. Oh, and yes, the strings should face the outside!
Attach the thick end of your strap to the strap pin on the body at the neck end of the bass guitar.
Attach the thin end of your strap to the bottom strap pin (also called the end pin) of the bass.
Hold your bass solidly with your left hand and pull the strap over your head and right shoulder, putting your right arm through as well.
Allow the strap to rest on your left shoulder and continue across your back until it connects with the bottom strap pin just below the right side of your rib cage.
Adjust your strap in length until the strings are in the area between your belly button and belt buckle, and then fine-tune it from there.
You can find your own personal preference, but you want your bass to rest in this general area.
Adjust your strap so that the strings of the bass cross between your belt line and your belly button.
Once you have your bass positioned properly from a sitting position, you can go ahead and stand up. The position of the bass shouldn't change whether you're sitting or standing, as shown in the following figure. If you find that your bass has dropped below its optimal position, sit back down and shorten the strap so that it holds more closely to your body.
As you play more, you might need to tweak where you position your bass so you can play better longer. For example, if your left hand is strained when playing, try raising the height of the bass. If your right hand feels uncomfortable, try lowering the bass.
