How to Mosh in a Mosh Pit

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 9, 2022

Do you think moshing looks cool, but you're not sure how to try it? Before you rush into a mosh pit for the first time, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared and know what to expect. By dressing for the occasion and following some basic mosh pit etiquette, you can have an awesome first moshing experience that you won't forget.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Dressing for a Mosh Pit

1
Wear clothes you don’t care about getting ruined. Wear old, worn clothes or a cheap outfit you don’t feel attached to. Clothing can get easily ripped or stained in a mosh pit, so don’t wear your favorite shirt or new white kicks.
2
Wear contact lenses instead of glasses, if possible. If you don’t have contact lenses, ask a friend that’s not going into the pit to hold your glasses for you while you mosh - but only if you’ll still be able to see. It’s easy for a pair of glasses to fall off in a mosh pit, and you might not get them back in one piece.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Avoid wearing loose jewelry or accessories. Just like with glasses, your loose jewelry and accessories could fall off and disappear in the mosh pit. Leave these items at home or ask a friend not going in the pit to hold onto them for you.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Make sure your shoes are tied. Double check before you go into the mosh pit; you don't want to fall on your face because somebody stepped on your untied laces.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Joining the Mosh Pit

1
Wait for the mosh pit to open up. Mosh pits usually form front and center of the concert crowd, so wait in that general area for the mosh pit to start. Don’t do any moshing until it’s clear that the mosh pit has started. You’ll know it’s getting ready to start when the performer announces it or other concert goers begin to make a clearing near the stage.^{[3]
X
Research source}
2
Finish your drink if you have one or leave it with a friend before entering. Don’t bring an open drink into the mosh pit. You could end up spilling it on yourself or other concert goers.^{[4]
X
Research source}
3
Enter the mosh pit once you’re ready. Make your way through the other moshers to get away from the edge of the circle. Don't be surprised if people are pushing you and bumping into you at this point.
- If you don’t want to dive right into the mosh pit, stay at the edge of the pit for a little bit and observe until you feel ready to enter.
4
Start moshing. Jump up and down in place or make a lap around the pit. Have both of your hands open and your arms up at about chest level. Gently push people or bump into them. It’s OK to push people around - everyone in the pit is expecting it - but remember you’re not there to hurt anyone. Avoid elbowing anyone in the chest, as for some that can be quite sensitive, if not painful.
5
Keep with the pace of the music and those around you. Cool off and take a breather during slow songs, and be prepared for everyone to start moshing harder once the music picks up again.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Following Mosh Pit Etiquette

1
Stop and help anyone up, should they fall. If you notice someone on the ground, stop moshing and help them stand up so they don’t get trampled. If they’re hurt, help them to the edge of the pit.
2
Pick up dropped items and hold them above your head. If you see someone’s shoe or cell phone on the ground, stop and pick it up. Raise your hand over your head and hold the item up until someone claims it.
3
Don’t throw things in the mosh pit. Other people may be throwing things like water bottles or empty cans, but you shouldn't join in. You could unintentionally injure someone.
4
Don’t try to mosh with people that aren’t in the pit. Some people at the show just want to stand and enjoy the music. Don’t pull in people from outside of the pit or continue to mosh after you exit.
5
Don’t bother the venue staff in the pit. Sometimes security or other staff from the venue will enter the pit to help keep things under control. Don’t try to mosh with them or give them a hard time or you could be thrown out from the show.

Community Q&A

Question

In a mosh pit, what is the "wall of death"?

Community Answer

In moshing, the Wall of Death is a move where everyone in the mosh pit lines up in two lines that are facing each other. On the signal, the two lines of moshers run toward each other until they collide.
Question

Are mosh pits bad for someone who is short?

Community Answer

You'll have a bit of a disadvantage if you're of smaller stature. Just be careful, and bring a big friend to help you out if need be.
Question

I'm going to a rock concert. Do I have to mosh? Or can I just watch?

Community Answer

You can just watch. Just stay back from the mosh pit.