Sore neck, shoulder and back... Posture or Strap?

1

I have been practicing a lot. And I am 67 years old. My right shoulder, neck and upper back are really sore. My old Ibanez has the cheap black strap that came with it. My new Fender Mustang PJ short scale has a fairly cheap Fender strap that I got for it. Is it my strap, or my posture? I sit on a stool, instead of a chair. I sit taller and my arms are free to move around. I also like to look at my hands quite often.

Can this be remedied with a new strap? Any ideas and thoughts will be appreciated.

1 Like
2

I think the strap could have a lot to do with it! I have one like this and I love it.

2 Likes
3

Possibly both. Bad posture will wreck you and a bad strap and/or bad strap position will force you into a bad posture.

2 Likes
4

If you are spending a lot of time looking at your fretting hand, you are bending your neck and twisting it to one side. Try standing and lifting the neck.

3 Likes
5

I’m in my sixties too so I hear ya. A good strap makes all the difference in distributing the weight. I have some really good straps, but for day to day I have settled on a Comfort Strapp

They are padded and wide and easy to adjust. And take the weight up well, and not very expensive. I think it’s the strap @JoshFossgreen uses in the B2B videos. Every time his handsome face comes up I think it looks like my strap too. Could be wrong.

4 Likes
6

Yeah these are the best I have found, love mine.

Josh used a GruvGear Neo. I prefer the Comfort Strapp.

2 Likes
7

I’m 64 and a bass beginner too. Thanks for raising this issue, I have similar problems. I like the answers here - thanks guys. I am investigating wide, padded straps. I find it helps to stand to practice too. I alternate between a good sitting position and standing for my sessions.

2 Likes
8

I’ve got a Neo on my BB, it’s nice but kind of stiff tbh. I’ll give the comfort strapp a go on my next bass I think.

3 Likes
9

I got a GruvGear Neo, but it was never comfortable. Too bulky and cumbersome for me.

@jmckenzie8521, invest in a good quality, comfortable strap. It is as important as having a quality instrument.

2 Likes
10

Could be either but using a high quality strap will always help. I use Levy’s 3.25" Neoprene Straps on all of my basses. They have a “give” to them that acts as a weight relief and the shoulder pad is thick and very comfortable.

2 Likes
11

It would help to see the picture of how you practice I could be many things.

3 Likes
12

Oh, yes. A good strap can make all the difference. Those little ones, your talking about, were fine when I was a teenager. Now that I’m older, they hit a nerve and my fretting hand will go numb.

I like Levy’s Leathers straps. Look for one that’s well padded and at least 3" wide.

My son got me one for Christmas one year and it was instant relief. Even if it doesn’t solve all the problems, it’ll make a huge difference.

Check out the thread for lots of options and recommendations.

3 Likes
13

Assuming you’re right handed I’d expect it to be your left shoulder affected by a strap. I’d be looking at posture.

3 Likes
14

You are correct sir.

3 Likes
15

I’ve found this to be very true… the twisting of my neck to look at my fretting hand creates a good amount of stress over the course of an hour.

I find a short warm up before and stretching after are key to avoiding muscle and soft tissue pain.

2 Likes
16

I’m in your demographic and find there is no substitute for warming up before and stretching after. Also taking a moment to twist and stretch every 10 or so minutes while practicing.

I have a comfortable strap. I think my guitar is likely average weight (Squier Classic Vibe).
If I don’t warm up and stretch I find my muscles and soft tissue get inflamed in my neck and back.

2 Likes