8 replies to this topic

[DDog]

When I play sitting down... I always have trouble because I am holding the neck up and feel that when I change chords if I don't hold on the neck, the guitar will fall... causes me to srew up all the time.. any advice??
Jeff

[Stu74]

I think i know what you mean.I still use a strap to support the guitar when im sat down so my hands are used just to play not actualy support the guitar.
Classical guitarists put one foot on a little step stool to raise the knee up and use the knee to support the guitar and have the neck almost pointing up.

[mset3]

Jeff,

Stu74's advice using a strap works well. The clasical guitarists way to support the guitar while playing has several advantages. It allow you freedom to play and you will find it easier to play those chords that require long stretches.

Mike

[gasbag]

I tried playing sitting down with the guitar on my right thigh. I tried using a neck strap but for me it was still uncomfortable.
I even tried playing standing up with a strap. All were uncomfortable on my picking hand and it felt like I had no control over the guitar.

I now use the classical position and after I got used to it, it took a week or two, I doubt if I could go back to any other way.
Since the neck is up it gives my picking hand a better attack angle on the strings and my fretting hand is much more comfortable.
To keep the guitar from sliding around I use a 6 inch by 1 foot piece of rubberized shelf liner and lay it on my left thigh and put the guitar on that. Everything is very stable, it is much more comfortable and my tone is better because of the hand positioning.

Just my 2 cents regarding what I do.

[eddiez152]

I have a bad habit of tilting the guitar back too far. Makes it harder to bar chord and quick finger movements. Actually, start with a bigger tummy. Be nice to lose some weight.

[starsailor]

I have the guitar tilted back too and the guitar sits into my chest a bit, don't think it's the correct way but after various tries at different ways this is the most comfortable, I also tend to anchor it a bit with my elbow just resting on the body suits me and the neck's pretty stable, don't know if it's good though but it works for me, maybe try the classical method just getting one knee up a bit, that will give you the support you want and it will alleviate the worry of it slipping off your knees.

[karcey]

Forgive me for not knowing what sort of guitar you play.
I think the fretting hand really has enough to do without having to wrestle a dancing neck as well.
Your strumming/picking/fingering hand shouldn't be making the guitar move. If it is you might have to examine that hand's technique first.
As the posts before me have said, you have to control the guitar body with your arm, legs, belly or a strap. You can have the neck pointing anywhere you find comfortable. Your fretting hand shouldn't need to hold the neck, and if you look at video lessons, like some of Kirk's here on this site, you'll see the fretting hand come right off the neck at times, but the neck doesn't move.

[nickcallear]

When sitting down i have two positions. It all depends one what I'm working on, If I'm working on chords lower down the neck i have the guitar resting on my right thigh and tilting back so my body supports it thus giving me room to move around the neck easily.
If I'm working on solos or higher up the neck then my guitar is resting on my left thigh with the neck at a higher angle but is still resting on my body. I will admit tho that i tend to slouch when playing but i feel comfortable playing like that.

That's also the reason i went for electric and not acoustics as i never felt comfortable with them.

[JessThrasher]

I would recommend the classical position too (I'm not classically trained by any means). I find it so much easier when playing anything more technical than open string chords. I was having wrist problems at one time (I used to play in the standard sitting position) but after switching to classical position, it went away. In fact, I only play in the classical position nowadays and I can't play well in any other position anymore. I can't even stand up to play anymore.

People have played in classical position ever since they've been playing guitar. Back in the days when classical guitar first came about, I'm pretty sure that's how it was played. It's something that has withstood the test of time. It's just like why pianos are always sold with a chair.