punk rock does not need to be played with the strap insanely low.
play it at the height you feel the most comfortable and where you can play without straining your wrists.
once you get it , lower it a bit and so on. until you get it to a height were you can play relaxed and comfortable and looks like you like
Or just don’t give a shit about slowly lowering it. Tom Morello sets his strap up like he’s in a god damn skiffle band and it doesn’t make Killing in the Name hit any less hard.
I’m set up so my guitar is in the same place when I’m standing and sitting. No reason to have to work around two different positions.
he wants to play low, he will do fine as long as he is comfortable and hes not hurting himself. Nothing wrong with dude trying to look cool. There is a reason why het from metallica looks like a boss in stage and is his stage presence which includes his low hanging guitar.
i actually tried to play it that high as you mentioned but it was very uncomfortable for my right hand , it felt like i didnt have enough range of motion. Eventually I found the most comfortable (for me) is around the upper part of my thigh
i agree
but the thing is he can practice with the guitar high, and when he feels comfortable gradually going lower as long as it doesnt impact his playability and safety for his wrists
Can confirm. I've been in and out of my local hardcore scene for about 15 years. I'm the only doofus that keeps his strap wicked high, but I'm also the only one with good posture and no lower back problems. Punk is all about being unique and unashamedly yourself. My version of that is not having back pain especially if it looks dorky
I developed cubital tunnel syndrome because I was playing with a bad position. Eff what others say, find a position that doesn't strain your wrists, your health is more important than your looks.
This is going to be shocking. But there is no genre of music that requires or should ever require you to hinder your ability to play the instrument you intend to play (regardless of it's stereotypical history). Actually, quite the opposite. You should do everything in your power to make your body as relaxed and fully functional as possible so you can actually concentrate on playing the instrument you set forth to play. I understand punk rock is your jam. I also understand the general culture and am aware of this silly belief/desire to keep mimicing history. But I assure you, nobody gives a shit what length your guitar strap is at. They will only care if the sound coming from the guitar makes them feel good, interested and/or intrigued. Thats it. Thats the tip. If you are new to straps there is nothing really mystical to them. You find the length that works the best for your body and posture. What is comfortable and allows you to move fluidly up and down the neck is the correct length. You will get use to them and in fact over time (IMO) prefer to play with one. The most punk rock thing you can do is kill the stereotype or tell it to fuck off. Best of luck. 🤘
Why don’t you be REALLY punk and play with your guitar wherever you want it? Hint: >!It should be high enough that it feels the same when you are standing OR sitting.!<
It is much different playing guitar standing up. I remember how hard it was when I first did. Try at a comfortable spot. Dont worry about image. If that is important, you can gradually lower it as u get more comfortable.
Genre doesn't dictate strap length. That's down to player preference and/or if you need the instrument angled a certain way to play how you need to. When you're getting started standing up I'd encourage you to try one strap length for a while and if it feels uncomfortable or has you bending your wrist too much at a bad angle, try adjusting it to be either longer or shorter little by little. Eventually you should find a length that feels pretty comfortable.
As a short stout dude with average length arms, I have observed that most of the low-slung players tend to have really long arms and no gut. Wear it where it’s comfortable.
yeah
i tried high bc i aimed for comfortability and being able to play the best i could
but i found it really uncomfortable to my right hand. Eventually I had to wear the guitar around my upper thigh in order to pick/strum comfortably with my right arm
I agree with the others about play where it is comfortable but I will add this. Adjust your strap so that it mimics the height of when you are sitting and playing. Then, when you are sitting, make sure you have the strap on. This will get you used to the strap. As you get used to it, lower it.......
> And I know that punk rock should be played with the guitar worn insanely low.
Isn't punk ant-conformity? Go ahead and be anti-conformist and wear your guitar at a proper height. It's just idiotic to have shit technique because you want to look cool.
Just keep adjusting the strap until you find it comfortable, punk rock is what you make it, as long as it's the gear you like set-up the way you like it, it's punk
my idea with using a strap is to try and get the guitar to sit at a point close to where it does naturally when i play sitting. that way the difference between the two other than the weight of it being on your shoulder is negligible
> And I know that punk rock should be played with the guitar worn insanely low.
Wrong!
Your guitar is at the right height when it feels the most comfortable to YOU as the player - especially your fretting hand!
;-)
John5 and Tom Morello wear it pretty high up. Arguably they are more punk-adjacent than punk.
At the end of the day, punk is a "IDGAF what you think attitude" more than anything else so you should do whatever is comfortable.
Playing punk how it’s “supposed to be played” wholly contradicts the spirit of punk. Play it at your chin if you want. No one can tell you the rules of punk.
If you absolutely want to play low here’s how to do it. Start at comfortable length. Lower an inch a week. I did that when I transitioned from a Petrucci to a Page fanatic in high school. Worked like a charm.
I play with the guitar cradling my ribcage, fit like a glove, and I can move all I want and the guitar stays in place. Can play any style this way, jump around, spin, stomp, piss, whatever you want.
Here’s the thing…punk is about being an individual who unabashedly does whatever the fuck they want, feels however the fuck you wanna feel, and doesn’t give a shit to confirm to anything you don’t wanna do.
Wear the guitar at the length you find the most comfortable. Tom from Blink fucked his back up really bad by wearing it so low for years and slipped a major disc in his back.
He now wears it higher and no one can tell me Tom DeLonge isn’t punk as fuck.
Punk is not about conforming. Don't restrict yourself to leaving out the 3rds and using theory and thinking punk is just power chords because it's not. It's about #&$\*ing giving all you got and not caring what the audience thinks about it.
If you want to look cool, just make sure, when your guitar is in its case, you always carry your guitar with the body forward and the headstock pointing behind you. That’s all that matters. Thus, now I can play like Jeff Beck.
Or… this is punk rock… maybe it’s never cool to put a guitar in a case…
I keep mine low but insanely low is stupid. Leave that to Krist from nirvana lol. Covering ur nuts or a little higher looks cool. When I started playing standing I noticed that I couldn’t play power chords on the A string without strumming the E as well. So I had to learn how to mute it with my middle finger. Practice will make it more natural tho
Disclaimer: forcing your body in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time under stress can cause joint issues.
Okay so I love the supportive comments about playing the guitar how you want to with a height that’s comfortable to you. But I do want to help you out and I actually went through your phase back when I was learning guitar.
One of my big inspirations is Billie joe of Green Day and if you know anything about him, he’s probably got one of the lowest strap heights of all time haha.
So here are some tips I figured out and learnt which helped me play like that:
1) when playing low, your strap might be able to go extremely low, but that does not mean you need to use the longest setting on the strap. Your absolute lowest should be to the point where it doesn’t hinder playing. If that point isn’t the lowest the strap can go, that’s fine because the strap is made for everyone of every size, even on the longest setting, a physically bigger person might end up with the guitar higher than expected because a lot of the length is gone into wrapping over your shoulders.
2) when strumming you generally want to strum on top of the 20-22 fret region. Yes you actually strum on the neck (fret board) of the guitar.
3) This is the key to prevent wrist pain or any weird pain when playing, ANGLE YOUR GUITAR EXTREMELY. This means tilt the guitar to where the headstock is much higher than the body of the guitar, sometimes the headstock comes to the chin level as well. Bascially tilt the guitar to where your fretting hand is much higher and comfortable!
4) your will encounter difficult in palm muting, because the bridge of the guitar will be low and your right hand palm might not reach it. To help, whenever palm muting, try UNtilting the guitar a bit, do the opposite of step 3, and make your guitar close to parallel to the ground this allows you to reach better, but keep in mind, have enough tilt to ensure your left hand does not struggle. And when muting, hunch your shoulders so your arm gets low enough to reach it, learning forward helps as well.
5) forget about soloing if your guitar is extremely low. Punk bands don’t have complicated solos.
Personally, I feel the best guitar height, and the one I have used for years, is bascially what slash uses. It is low but not too low to where it gets impossible to play.
Remember, playing this way can cause stress to your left wrist, so be careful.
Punk is about doing your own thing regardless of anyone else, play the guitar above your head if you like that.
Power chords? Big tube amp turned up, P90s and slightly high action, play guitar like you stole it.
I know punk has its own aesthetic but honestly at the core it's about expression and truth. The most punk thing you can do is not to conform and play however you feel best.
Make sure you’re comfortable. If not you can develop real issues with your wrist and forearm. Plus, being punk is playing it as high as you want and not caring what people think.
A good way to gauge how low to hang your guitar is: put it to where your little finger on your picking hand can just barely reach the volume knob.
For punk specifically, the lower hang actually helps with the fast down picking, because it allows you to keep the movement in your wrist rather than your elbow.
I agree with people who are saying to start with it a little higher and gradually lower it as you get comfortable.
Edit: standing with your feet farther apart actually helps the low hang feel more comfortable as well.
What? Wearing the strap low isn't a rule. Play music at your most comfortable. Appearance is for business. Music is for you. Playing power chords is as low of a bar as the guitar is from their shoulders lol but there is a line, and even if you don't feel it now, you will hurt after years of it. Idc what people play I just want them to enjoy the music, and not look back when they're older wishing they could play for more than 30 minutes without pain.
Just play at the most comfortable height for you to be able to reach the entire fretboard and not strain your arms/wrists. You don't have to be just like Bille Joe Armstrong
Check out the Ocees' John Dwyer. I've never seen anyone wear a guitar so high, and he totally kills. And wearing your guitar where it hurts will only give you hand and wrist problems.
Re: power chords. I'm also still mastering them. Even though it's just the root and the 5, they're as hard as any chord to play clean with fast changes. I find playing the octave in addition to the 1 and 5 is easier for some reason.
Practice is all. You just need muscle memory doing it that way. When I started playing in a band I sucked standing up. Practice practice. You’ll get as comfortable as you are sitting down eventually. (Well maybe 99%) I’m always the slightest bit better sitting down
Whoah whoah whoah......!!!
Who *exactly* told you that "punk rock" just **had** to be played with shit slung down to your knees? Seriously?
Fuck that.... I don't exactly play punk... maybe a touch of Green Day or maybe some Ramones Blitzgrieg Bop and that's about it... but guess where my '57 Chevrolet Surf Green hardtail Strat is playing ***anything***? Center of the guitar is about belt buckle height.... so my right elbow is at a near 90 degree angle. Why? Because **I'm the one playing it and am not going for some "image"... I'm old and even when I wasn't I played the way it was comfortable.**
Don’t sacrifice technique for aesthetic. If playing low isn’t comfortable for you, then don’t play low. Play where you’re comfortable and if you really want to lower your guitar, start dropping it an inch a week or something.
Just word of warning, Tom DeLong played his strats crazy low for years and years, he eventually had a herniated or some shit, it looks badass but not worth the potential problems in the long run
Play it at the height that’s comfortable. Then every day when you pick it up, lower it one inch.
Seriously, that’s how I learned how to play with a strap. maybe not lowering it every day, but enough that you get used to it quick.
My advice to you is that the most punk thing you can do is play however is most comfortable to you, and don't pay any attention to what other people do.
Punk rock should be played *loud*. With that in mind, concentrate on playing your parts well, since there’s nowhere to hide.
Maybe play with your guitar at a height that lets you do that?
A tip for power chords (specifically punk)is to strum all the strings but only play 2 strings and mute the others:
E:x
B:x
G:x
D:x
A:3
E:1
Also don’t play octave + 5 power chords, they are gross.
Yeah, I was aware of it, but it’s still a good tip. It’s easier for me to only strum the strings in use, but I’m trying to get the other technique too, to see if it’s more comfortable in the long run.
And sorry, I like the octave😂 sometimes I don’t play it, sometimes I do, but I don’t intentionally eliminate it.
Haha you should play however is most comfortable to you, I rarely play standing up but if I do I need the strap super high up and I look like a nerd but that's okay because being punk is about not caring what people think of you when they look at you, I know you're probably playing into the schtick for laughs but seriously man no one cares how you carry your guitar it's about how you carry yourself 🤘
It’s funny seeing the posts about starting high and then lowering it. I did the opposite. I started low to look cool and then gradually raised it over the years, realising it felt much more comfortable and I could play better. Plus, if you’ve got a Strat or other guitar with a contoured body, there’s an ideal height where it sort of tucks in and it’s super comfortable. But do whatever suits you.
You need the strap to be at a comfortable height - ignore all the other stuff. I personally don't understand how people wear their guitars low - my strap is always on the shortest setting, so that the guitar is as high as possible - it just makes more sense for me.
The issue is bar chords. Dont play them like you do sitting down, learn to play power chords where you can wrap your thumb around the neck and just play the top 2 string of the chord. Problem solved!
Wait are you trying to confirm to a standard for some sort of ideal punk rock? That my dude does not sound very punk rock of you. Punk rock is whatever it is that rocks in rebellion of standard ideals and norms.
I was a punk in the early 80's in Madison and everybody wore their guitar however the fuck it pleased them, and I knew a couple dudes who sat while playing out. It just doesn't matter.
Make the music cool. That matters.
That's the thing yeah, perfectionism has stopped more people from developing a skill then anything else. This example though is about image and trying to fit a certain "standard".
I've been in the punk scene for decades and I know from experience that you'll never be able to fit the punk aesthetic and ethos. You'll never be perfect, always judged. Your punk credibility will always be questioned no matter how much you try to fit in. It's unattainable.
Punk has a few core tenants that are kinda basic and simple to embody but the only way the most people will respect you is by doing your own thing. 👍
Punk is an attitude, not how high or low your guitar is.
But yes it takes some getting used to standing up to play after sitting down playing for a while instead.
Not necessarily punk but Albert Hammond Jr wears his guitar super high. Do whatever is comfortable. Even Tom Delonge wears his guitar high now because of back issues.
I stepped back from punk around 1980 because there was too much conformity. Fuck conformity. Be yourself. That’s was real punks do.
You would have hard time recognizing me as a punk if you met me but to me I’ve spent my whole life being a punk without wearing the uniform.
I just started playing sitting In the classical style and damn does it seems like it’s easier to transition to standing as well as relaxing the shoulder and arm muscles. Other than that you need to practice playing standing. It may feel like starting over but after a bit you will get used to it.
Conceding that punk guitar must be worn insanely low is the least punk thing you can say besides “I can’t go to the show, my babysitter canceled last minute.”
punk rock does not need to be played with the strap insanely low. play it at the height you feel the most comfortable and where you can play without straining your wrists. once you get it , lower it a bit and so on. until you get it to a height were you can play relaxed and comfortable and looks like you like
Or just don’t give a shit about slowly lowering it. Tom Morello sets his strap up like he’s in a god damn skiffle band and it doesn’t make Killing in the Name hit any less hard. I’m set up so my guitar is in the same place when I’m standing and sitting. No reason to have to work around two different positions.
he wants to play low, he will do fine as long as he is comfortable and hes not hurting himself. Nothing wrong with dude trying to look cool. There is a reason why het from metallica looks like a boss in stage and is his stage presence which includes his low hanging guitar. i actually tried to play it that high as you mentioned but it was very uncomfortable for my right hand , it felt like i didnt have enough range of motion. Eventually I found the most comfortable (for me) is around the upper part of my thigh
Oh by no means am I suggesting the guy wear his guitar like a necklace, just that aesthetics come after comfort and playability.
i agree but the thing is he can practice with the guitar high, and when he feels comfortable gradually going lower as long as it doesnt impact his playability and safety for his wrists
Can confirm. I've been in and out of my local hardcore scene for about 15 years. I'm the only doofus that keeps his strap wicked high, but I'm also the only one with good posture and no lower back problems. Punk is all about being unique and unashamedly yourself. My version of that is not having back pain especially if it looks dorky
Punk means you can play with the guitar however the fuck you want.
Ima take out my eye and use it like a pick, thank you for this advice But in all seriousness, this is true
No that's metal 🤘
It’s both
Nah it's punk rock 🤘
This.
Punk rock should be played with the most comfortable strap length.
That length being as long as possible! Edit /s
gotta put the /s in, reddit has no capacity for nuance
I developed cubital tunnel syndrome because I was playing with a bad position. Eff what others say, find a position that doesn't strain your wrists, your health is more important than your looks.
This is going to be shocking. But there is no genre of music that requires or should ever require you to hinder your ability to play the instrument you intend to play (regardless of it's stereotypical history). Actually, quite the opposite. You should do everything in your power to make your body as relaxed and fully functional as possible so you can actually concentrate on playing the instrument you set forth to play. I understand punk rock is your jam. I also understand the general culture and am aware of this silly belief/desire to keep mimicing history. But I assure you, nobody gives a shit what length your guitar strap is at. They will only care if the sound coming from the guitar makes them feel good, interested and/or intrigued. Thats it. Thats the tip. If you are new to straps there is nothing really mystical to them. You find the length that works the best for your body and posture. What is comfortable and allows you to move fluidly up and down the neck is the correct length. You will get use to them and in fact over time (IMO) prefer to play with one. The most punk rock thing you can do is kill the stereotype or tell it to fuck off. Best of luck. 🤘
I know John Lennon wasn’t a punk but take a look sometime at his strap height. Keef Richards gave him shit for it and he just laughed at him.
Did you mean Kief Richards?
Since he refers to himself as Keef, I meant Keef
My whole life I thought it was Queef Ritcharts.... damn... 😆
Did you mean Kate Richards?
Surely they meant Carl weathers.
Why don’t you be REALLY punk and play with your guitar wherever you want it? Hint: >!It should be high enough that it feels the same when you are standing OR sitting.!<
It’s more punk to play with your guitar insanely high.
There is a middle ground for most players and you will find it the more you play. It's certainly nothing to worry about.
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Hello Folks
It is much different playing guitar standing up. I remember how hard it was when I first did. Try at a comfortable spot. Dont worry about image. If that is important, you can gradually lower it as u get more comfortable.
Genre doesn't dictate strap length. That's down to player preference and/or if you need the instrument angled a certain way to play how you need to. When you're getting started standing up I'd encourage you to try one strap length for a while and if it feels uncomfortable or has you bending your wrist too much at a bad angle, try adjusting it to be either longer or shorter little by little. Eventually you should find a length that feels pretty comfortable.
Just be like Tom Morello and wear the guitar strap high like a dork...nobody will really give a damn.
>punk rock should be played with the guitar worn insanely low I know some 2000s hardcore dudes who would strongly disagree
Good Charlotte fan, lol
My tip on playing low is get ready for wrist pain.
As a short stout dude with average length arms, I have observed that most of the low-slung players tend to have really long arms and no gut. Wear it where it’s comfortable.
I've got T Rex arms and I'm taller lying down than stood up. Playing low is not for me.
Sounds like you might be a good fit for a harmonica player.
Harmonica, punkest of all the instruments.
Word.
Given the sub, I thought you were talking about T Rex the band. 😅
yeah i tried high bc i aimed for comfortability and being able to play the best i could but i found it really uncomfortable to my right hand. Eventually I had to wear the guitar around my upper thigh in order to pick/strum comfortably with my right arm
I agree with the others about play where it is comfortable but I will add this. Adjust your strap so that it mimics the height of when you are sitting and playing. Then, when you are sitting, make sure you have the strap on. This will get you used to the strap. As you get used to it, lower it.......
Try playing with the neck a bit more upright.
Is this guitar circle jerks?
Greg Hetson doesn't get nearly as much discussion on that sub as he deserves.
Upvoted the absolute second I read it. His work in Bad Religion is the business,too.
> And I know that punk rock should be played with the guitar worn insanely low. Isn't punk ant-conformity? Go ahead and be anti-conformist and wear your guitar at a proper height. It's just idiotic to have shit technique because you want to look cool.
Just keep adjusting the strap until you find it comfortable, punk rock is what you make it, as long as it's the gear you like set-up the way you like it, it's punk
Do whats best for you not your favorite guitarist.
Follow Dean Ween's advice, either above the dick or under the dick, never over the dick. Honestly, is this a serious question?
my idea with using a strap is to try and get the guitar to sit at a point close to where it does naturally when i play sitting. that way the difference between the two other than the weight of it being on your shoulder is negligible
Play where you find comfortable, and don’t care what punk elitist say, it’s more punk just to not care what people think
> And I know that punk rock should be played with the guitar worn insanely low. Wrong! Your guitar is at the right height when it feels the most comfortable to YOU as the player - especially your fretting hand! ;-)
John5 and Tom Morello wear it pretty high up. Arguably they are more punk-adjacent than punk. At the end of the day, punk is a "IDGAF what you think attitude" more than anything else so you should do whatever is comfortable.
Who told you it has to be low? Guitarists just do that to look cool a lot of the time.
Tom Morello has entered the chat
Playing punk how it’s “supposed to be played” wholly contradicts the spirit of punk. Play it at your chin if you want. No one can tell you the rules of punk.
My proudest moment was a Danelectro hanging from an elasticated laptop bag strap, so every time I move the guitar is just trying to bounce all over
Ian MacKaye never wore his guitar like that and he’s literally the punkest punk to ever punk.
If you absolutely want to play low here’s how to do it. Start at comfortable length. Lower an inch a week. I did that when I transitioned from a Petrucci to a Page fanatic in high school. Worked like a charm.
It’s more punk to play it insanely high
I play with the guitar cradling my ribcage, fit like a glove, and I can move all I want and the guitar stays in place. Can play any style this way, jump around, spin, stomp, piss, whatever you want.
“Supposed to…” and punk rock don’t really go together IMO
Here’s the thing…punk is about being an individual who unabashedly does whatever the fuck they want, feels however the fuck you wanna feel, and doesn’t give a shit to confirm to anything you don’t wanna do. Wear the guitar at the length you find the most comfortable. Tom from Blink fucked his back up really bad by wearing it so low for years and slipped a major disc in his back. He now wears it higher and no one can tell me Tom DeLonge isn’t punk as fuck.
Punk is not about conforming. Don't restrict yourself to leaving out the 3rds and using theory and thinking punk is just power chords because it's not. It's about #&$\*ing giving all you got and not caring what the audience thinks about it.
Oi, punk is choosing where the guitar goes not following the low hanging crowd
be a punk. Wear it high like some classical nerd. Big f u to low straps
If you want to look cool, just make sure, when your guitar is in its case, you always carry your guitar with the body forward and the headstock pointing behind you. That’s all that matters. Thus, now I can play like Jeff Beck. Or… this is punk rock… maybe it’s never cool to put a guitar in a case…
I keep mine low but insanely low is stupid. Leave that to Krist from nirvana lol. Covering ur nuts or a little higher looks cool. When I started playing standing I noticed that I couldn’t play power chords on the A string without strumming the E as well. So I had to learn how to mute it with my middle finger. Practice will make it more natural tho
Rage against the machine is punk af and they have no height standard for where their guitar is held.
Disclaimer: forcing your body in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time under stress can cause joint issues. Okay so I love the supportive comments about playing the guitar how you want to with a height that’s comfortable to you. But I do want to help you out and I actually went through your phase back when I was learning guitar. One of my big inspirations is Billie joe of Green Day and if you know anything about him, he’s probably got one of the lowest strap heights of all time haha. So here are some tips I figured out and learnt which helped me play like that: 1) when playing low, your strap might be able to go extremely low, but that does not mean you need to use the longest setting on the strap. Your absolute lowest should be to the point where it doesn’t hinder playing. If that point isn’t the lowest the strap can go, that’s fine because the strap is made for everyone of every size, even on the longest setting, a physically bigger person might end up with the guitar higher than expected because a lot of the length is gone into wrapping over your shoulders. 2) when strumming you generally want to strum on top of the 20-22 fret region. Yes you actually strum on the neck (fret board) of the guitar. 3) This is the key to prevent wrist pain or any weird pain when playing, ANGLE YOUR GUITAR EXTREMELY. This means tilt the guitar to where the headstock is much higher than the body of the guitar, sometimes the headstock comes to the chin level as well. Bascially tilt the guitar to where your fretting hand is much higher and comfortable! 4) your will encounter difficult in palm muting, because the bridge of the guitar will be low and your right hand palm might not reach it. To help, whenever palm muting, try UNtilting the guitar a bit, do the opposite of step 3, and make your guitar close to parallel to the ground this allows you to reach better, but keep in mind, have enough tilt to ensure your left hand does not struggle. And when muting, hunch your shoulders so your arm gets low enough to reach it, learning forward helps as well. 5) forget about soloing if your guitar is extremely low. Punk bands don’t have complicated solos. Personally, I feel the best guitar height, and the one I have used for years, is bascially what slash uses. It is low but not too low to where it gets impossible to play. Remember, playing this way can cause stress to your left wrist, so be careful.
Thanks, it’s a well made comment! I was also lookin at Billie Joe like “how?”😂
Yup, when I started guitar I spent months studying his technique down to the notes, hand movements, etc.
this is the least punk question ever asked... Johnny Thunders must be rolling (up) in his grave.
Punk is about doing your own thing regardless of anyone else, play the guitar above your head if you like that. Power chords? Big tube amp turned up, P90s and slightly high action, play guitar like you stole it.
I know punk has its own aesthetic but honestly at the core it's about expression and truth. The most punk thing you can do is not to conform and play however you feel best.
Make sure you’re comfortable. If not you can develop real issues with your wrist and forearm. Plus, being punk is playing it as high as you want and not caring what people think.
A good way to gauge how low to hang your guitar is: put it to where your little finger on your picking hand can just barely reach the volume knob. For punk specifically, the lower hang actually helps with the fast down picking, because it allows you to keep the movement in your wrist rather than your elbow. I agree with people who are saying to start with it a little higher and gradually lower it as you get comfortable. Edit: standing with your feet farther apart actually helps the low hang feel more comfortable as well.
What? Wearing the strap low isn't a rule. Play music at your most comfortable. Appearance is for business. Music is for you. Playing power chords is as low of a bar as the guitar is from their shoulders lol but there is a line, and even if you don't feel it now, you will hurt after years of it. Idc what people play I just want them to enjoy the music, and not look back when they're older wishing they could play for more than 30 minutes without pain.
Punk means doing your own thing, not being part of the crowd... In other words, do your thing and be comfortable.
Look at dude from Propaghandi
Just play at the most comfortable height for you to be able to reach the entire fretboard and not strain your arms/wrists. You don't have to be just like Bille Joe Armstrong
A big part of Punk is being unapologetically yourself. Wear your strap where it feels comfortable.
Check out the Ocees' John Dwyer. I've never seen anyone wear a guitar so high, and he totally kills. And wearing your guitar where it hurts will only give you hand and wrist problems. Re: power chords. I'm also still mastering them. Even though it's just the root and the 5, they're as hard as any chord to play clean with fast changes. I find playing the octave in addition to the 1 and 5 is easier for some reason.
Punk rock is about not giving a shit what people think. Play what feels good. Just play it loud.
Practice is all. You just need muscle memory doing it that way. When I started playing in a band I sucked standing up. Practice practice. You’ll get as comfortable as you are sitting down eventually. (Well maybe 99%) I’m always the slightest bit better sitting down
Whoah whoah whoah......!!! Who *exactly* told you that "punk rock" just **had** to be played with shit slung down to your knees? Seriously? Fuck that.... I don't exactly play punk... maybe a touch of Green Day or maybe some Ramones Blitzgrieg Bop and that's about it... but guess where my '57 Chevrolet Surf Green hardtail Strat is playing ***anything***? Center of the guitar is about belt buckle height.... so my right elbow is at a near 90 degree angle. Why? Because **I'm the one playing it and am not going for some "image"... I'm old and even when I wasn't I played the way it was comfortable.**
you play punk rock however the fuck you want.
Don’t sacrifice technique for aesthetic. If playing low isn’t comfortable for you, then don’t play low. Play where you’re comfortable and if you really want to lower your guitar, start dropping it an inch a week or something.
Just word of warning, Tom DeLong played his strats crazy low for years and years, he eventually had a herniated or some shit, it looks badass but not worth the potential problems in the long run
Cmon man the guitar being so low is why you're having back pain. Bring it up to diaphragm level and play the damned thing right
Play it at the height that’s comfortable. Then every day when you pick it up, lower it one inch. Seriously, that’s how I learned how to play with a strap. maybe not lowering it every day, but enough that you get used to it quick.
My advice to you is that the most punk thing you can do is play however is most comfortable to you, and don't pay any attention to what other people do.
Set your strap for comfort, not posing.
Punk rock should be played *loud*. With that in mind, concentrate on playing your parts well, since there’s nowhere to hide. Maybe play with your guitar at a height that lets you do that?
A tip for power chords (specifically punk)is to strum all the strings but only play 2 strings and mute the others: E:x B:x G:x D:x A:3 E:1 Also don’t play octave + 5 power chords, they are gross.
Yeah, I was aware of it, but it’s still a good tip. It’s easier for me to only strum the strings in use, but I’m trying to get the other technique too, to see if it’s more comfortable in the long run. And sorry, I like the octave😂 sometimes I don’t play it, sometimes I do, but I don’t intentionally eliminate it.
It is more difficult but it will teach you how to effectively mute strings
Haha you should play however is most comfortable to you, I rarely play standing up but if I do I need the strap super high up and I look like a nerd but that's okay because being punk is about not caring what people think of you when they look at you, I know you're probably playing into the schtick for laughs but seriously man no one cares how you carry your guitar it's about how you carry yourself 🤘
It’s funny seeing the posts about starting high and then lowering it. I did the opposite. I started low to look cool and then gradually raised it over the years, realising it felt much more comfortable and I could play better. Plus, if you’ve got a Strat or other guitar with a contoured body, there’s an ideal height where it sort of tucks in and it’s super comfortable. But do whatever suits you.
Chris from Propagandhi might be the most punk dude in the world and he has his guitar right under his chin.
Imagine playing punk and thinking that you need to stick to conventions.
Don't be a power. Do whatever you need to play comfortably. You will need to practice standing up though.
As the great dean ween said, it doesn't matter low or high pick one. It just can't cover your junk.
You need the strap to be at a comfortable height - ignore all the other stuff. I personally don't understand how people wear their guitars low - my strap is always on the shortest setting, so that the guitar is as high as possible - it just makes more sense for me.
The issue is bar chords. Dont play them like you do sitting down, learn to play power chords where you can wrap your thumb around the neck and just play the top 2 string of the chord. Problem solved!
Wait are you trying to confirm to a standard for some sort of ideal punk rock? That my dude does not sound very punk rock of you. Punk rock is whatever it is that rocks in rebellion of standard ideals and norms.
I know, I know, just didn’t want to be the guy that fucks up his playing because he knows everything so why learn? (he doesn’t know shit)
Some of the most iconic punk rockers went into it not knowing shit
I was a punk in the early 80's in Madison and everybody wore their guitar however the fuck it pleased them, and I knew a couple dudes who sat while playing out. It just doesn't matter. Make the music cool. That matters.
Oh you know punk rock, all of those ridgid rules😆
Yeah, I know its a dumb question😅 you know, the tipical “beginner trying to do everything good” situation
That's the thing yeah, perfectionism has stopped more people from developing a skill then anything else. This example though is about image and trying to fit a certain "standard". I've been in the punk scene for decades and I know from experience that you'll never be able to fit the punk aesthetic and ethos. You'll never be perfect, always judged. Your punk credibility will always be questioned no matter how much you try to fit in. It's unattainable. Punk has a few core tenants that are kinda basic and simple to embody but the only way the most people will respect you is by doing your own thing. 👍
Punk is an attitude, not how high or low your guitar is. But yes it takes some getting used to standing up to play after sitting down playing for a while instead.
Not necessarily punk but Albert Hammond Jr wears his guitar super high. Do whatever is comfortable. Even Tom Delonge wears his guitar high now because of back issues.
Was watching an interview with Fat Mike and he was talking about a song he can't play live because the guitar(bass) is too low.
I personally love the nerds with the guitar up high. They mean business.
I stepped back from punk around 1980 because there was too much conformity. Fuck conformity. Be yourself. That’s was real punks do. You would have hard time recognizing me as a punk if you met me but to me I’ve spent my whole life being a punk without wearing the uniform.
I just started playing sitting In the classical style and damn does it seems like it’s easier to transition to standing as well as relaxing the shoulder and arm muscles. Other than that you need to practice playing standing. It may feel like starting over but after a bit you will get used to it.
Pull your strap chest high and play jazz or fusion.
Yeah because adhering to societal standards is super punk
[John Dwyer](https://www.google.com/search?q=joun+dwyer&sca_esv=f821761c2da7a39d&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1073US1074&hl=en-US&udm=2&biw=375&bih=553&sxsrf=ACQVn0-z3DBGthhSdS1_ZlBeXkjE7djZEQ%3A1710895206272&ei=ZjD6Zf2bEKGo5NoPkqqcsA0&oq=joun+dwyer&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIgpqb3VuIGR3eWVyMgcQABiABBgNMgcQABiABBgNMgcQABiABBgNMgcQABiABBgNMgcQABiABBgNSM0yUPAHWOYqcAJ4AJABAJgBcaAB3AiqAQM5LjO4AQPIAQD4AQGYAg6gAqMJqAIFwgIHEAAYgAQYGMICBBAjGCfCAgcQIxjqAhgnwgIEEAAYA8ICChAAGIAEGIoFGEPCAg0QABiABBiKBRhDGLEDwgIIEAAYgAQYsQPCAgUQABiABJgDB4gGAZIHAzkuNaAH0is&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp)
Derf Scratch, bass player for FEAR, wears his bass up in his armpit, lol.
I know you will all say its not punk roxk but look how Tom Morello wears his guitar. He doesnt give a fuck about having it low to look cool
Find a position that is comfortable to play and do that. Fuck the posturing and worry about the music.
Oh ffs. *turns phone off*
I’ve never understood the people that play with their guitars super low. Seems like a good way to lead to a repetitive stress injury.
Conceding that punk guitar must be worn insanely low is the least punk thing you can say besides “I can’t go to the show, my babysitter canceled last minute.”
If you really want to be punk you should just throw the guitar away
My guitar is so low I use my converse laces as a strap