Good reminder. I would not cross my legs however as that is bad for circulation and hard on the back. I also use a strap even when sitting. What I need to remember is to keep the neck high - and this video was perfect timing for me!
I always use a strap too. That way I feel like I don't have to worry about keeping the guitar in position. My hands can focus on just playing and not holding the guitar where I need it to be.
@@seattlevegas66 Using a strap sitting down also maintains the technique you’ve developed when you stand. Recipe for disaster when you practice one way and play out another.
Many years go when I started my electric guitar journey I was taught to hold the guitar in the ‘classical position’ when playing seated. Fast forward 25 years and I’m happy to report that I’ve avoided any issues surrounding bad posture! The added benefit is the guitar remains in a similar position when I play standing up, therefore muscle memory remains unaffected. 👍😎
I have found that resting the guitar on my left leg changes everything - takes strain off my back, etc.. The only thing is it (subjectively) shifts my hands about 12 inches to the left - which is not bad, but I have to get used to it. And it also makes me angle the guitar neck up at about 45 degrees, which is a good thing for my left hand.
I'm right handed, and have always rested the guitar on the left leg. *This way, the right leg definitely helps hold the guitar in place, instead of having to use your hands & arms to control the position of the guitar. I can't believe that most righties play with it on the right leg. When I try resting it on my right leg, I need to angle the headstock forward quite a bit, and/or raise my right elbow in an unnatural and uncomfortable way. It makes me tense up instantly. Maybe not everyone experiences this like I do, but it sure seems like guitars are built to rest on the leg of your non-dominant side.
I'm right handed and always have the guitar on my left leg. It always felt better to me and the guitar is across my body, much the same position as when I'm standing.
Same. I put it on my right leg just to see what it felt like, and it was a big NOPE right away. I was doing weird things with my right shoulder and back, in order to get my arm in position to pick, and I was instantly fighting the guitar to keep it in position. That experiment lasted about 30 seconds. That was enough!
8:52 You points are well taken, including raising up the guitar, but (if I may) you missed one additional important factor. That is, placing the guitar (for right-hand players) on the left leg instead of the right one will give your fretting hand far easier access to the ENTIRE neck, not just the lower registers. By moving the guitar to your left leg, your left hand is not slammed against your body at anything higher than the 5th or 7th fret. Freezeframe at 8:52 of this video and you will see exactly what I mean. Take a lesson from classical players. They place the guitar (usually with the help of a footstool or guitar lift) under the LEFT leg. Among the many benefits is that it moves the neck of the guitar closer to their (left) fretting hands. That gives them access to the entire fretboard, from the highest to the lowest notes, without their left elbow slamming against their body when playing any higher than the 5th or 7th frets. This "left leg" technique also automatically lifts the guitar and angles the neck at (about) 45 degress... Perfect for full neck access.
Great video, thank you for covering this. I’m 66 with a bad back and arthritis in my left wrist. This helps me to be more aware of the way I’m sitting with guitar and motivates me to play in the more correct ergonomic position. I have a foot stool. I’ll try to use more often with a guitar strap while sitting. 👍
Great advice especially since i am currently suffering from shoulder bursitis and my doctor has suggested it is because of my posture because im always playing guitar and after watching this, i realise my posture was wrong and has called my issue.
I am very new to guitar playing, and I am learning by following videos like this one. I noticed that when I use the guitar on what you call the classical way, I am more comfortable. I never had anyone to help with, and I am glad that you mentioned.
I wished I'd had this video 6 years ago when I started guitar. I ended up hurting my wrist and then had to experiment to find a way to keep the wrist straight. I ended up with the guitar on my left leg and the bottom (where the strap button is) still touching the inside of the right leg. Now I'm going to work on my shoulders.
What I loved the most about the video was that you didn't give a quick fix fits them all. You said it loud and clear: I don't care your choice, but put that neck up! 🔥🔥🔥
Due to some congenital malformation at my left elbow, my left hand doesn't supinate hardly at all - it has caused me no small amount of grief in guitar playing - I almost have to hold any guitar in the "classical" position.
Exactly. So why after several hundred years of guitar-making do they still make guitars the same way? Put the "waist" indentation in the corner of the lower bout and have the neck come out of the guitar from the opposite corner. Change the shape of the guitar rather than make the player use straps and footstools and uncomfortable leg crossings or body contortions, etc., just to get the neck angled up when playing seated?
I’ve been playing in the classical position either with a footstool or Dynarette since I first started taking guitar seriously. I had to stop looking at the neck as much when I developed arthritis in my neck. Raised the handles on my bicycles too. But I kept on sneaking a look. So I found that it’s better for me to set the guitar on my outer leg, as it creates less of an angle from my head to the guitar’s headstock. A strap works best for me. Sitting or standing. Good instructive video. Thanks for posting
I have degenerative disc disease and have had three surgeries in my lumbar spine, including a fusion. I also have bulging discs in the thoracic spine and have had discectomy and fusion of the 3rd and 4th vertebrae and 6th and 7th vertebrae in the cervical spine. Oh, there's also osteoarthritis in the cervical, both shoulders and knees, with rheumatoid arthritis in both hands and wrists. Needless to say, my posture is beyond bad and there is no repair for it. I can't play standing and even sitting there's no hope. I bought a Performaxe and it helps quite a bit but I often forget to use it and while the benefit is appreciated it's a little like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound. In other words, there really is very little I can do but this video makes sense and I encourage those watching to work on it, it can only help. Stay well
Oh wow do I feel dumb. I wS just curious about this this morning why do I keep dropping my elbow to get the right position. Bring the neck to me not me to the neck. Back pain too! Thanks so much!!!
This video has improved my playing more than any other has in a long time! I was surprised that you did not use George Harrison or especially John Lennon as examples of guitarists who played with very short straps and their guitars at a more inclined, less horizontal angle. B. B. King was another great example. Thanks for your clear, thought provoking explanations. I look forward to learning more from you!
Great advice, Max! If someone wants to eventually hold their guitar differently, they can make that choice once they see how this feels. And yeah, you are kind in not alienating those who have various ways of meeting your basic suggestion. The world will sound a little better thanks to you.
I really like the way you explain the relevant anatomy and relate it to ergonomics and playing! I recently tried the classical position and now you’ve convinced me 😃
After 60 years of pro gigs, I now have carpal tunnel probs. I now need 2 ops! I certainly have suffered for my art. Good advice mate. Too late for me though.
After 60 years of gigs, I now have carpal tunnel probs. I now need 2 ops! I certainly have suffered for my art. Good advice mate. Too late for me though.
Ive been trying to work on my posture and wrist position for a while now, but bad habits are hard to break unfortunately. Im also double jointed so I was used to getting away with rhe straight fingers and still able to function decently, As I've gotten older though, playing with my wrist bent is taking a toll on my wrist tendons, so I really need to break the habit. Appreciate the video, i had no idea there were any accessories to help raise rhe guitar in that way, ill have to check those out
I’m glad you’re making the change…it’ll benefit you tremendously. Not just physically but I think you’ll find your tone and playing improve a lot overall. Thanks for watching!
All true! USE A STRAP always! Sit up and straight. Never play a bass or guitar with any neck dive. Just watch the classical or flamenco guys and LEARN.
Great advice Max. Never really gave it a great deal of thought til your video but first honest try at it helped a lot. I also noticed in the seated position, neck up, relaxed shoulder I could glance down and see the fretboard better which cleaned up some of my accuracy issues too. Thank you.
As an acoustic guitarist with more than 60 years playing I can absolutely tell you this is important. Do yourself a favour and get on board. Players with bad posture just annoy me, sometimes to the point where I just can't watch them at all. Country singer Jamey Johnson is top of the tree here. It is disgusting to see. Most rock guitarist have the guitar so low I just don't know how they play at all. Yeah we all know how cool it looks man. Well that's my gripe. I'm off to yell at the clouds again.
Absolutely…most non-classical players are averse to sitting like this so I didn’t mention it. But I still use one everyday whether I’m playing classical or not
@@SuzyQpip Careful! A footstool forces unbalanced weight and low spine twist. Over time, this can lead to chronic injury and pain. Try a guitar support instead. Keep both feet solidly on the floor.
Just found your videos and you have helped me so much so far in a couple hours. I had a really bad spinning pick problem.And you solved that in the last video.This video is going to help all my aches and pains since I am an older guitar player. I had a really bad spending pick problem. And you saw that in the last video. This video is going to help all my aches and pains since I am an older guitar player And was sitting with bad posture. Thank you so much And keep doing what you do ❤
im so confuse beacuse many teachers or even famous guitarist recommend to bend the wrist for better playing - of course not extreme bend but bend almost 90 degrees . why why so confuse
@@MaxRichMusic understand- in my case i bend a little in a natural way when doing barre chords or reaching notes on the 6 or 5 string- its physically imposible to me not to do it
It's probably not impossible...it depends on how you sit/hold the guitar. But a little bend isn't the end of the world. The straighter wrist the better though.
There are always a few people that get away with stuff that would hinder most people. When these people become highly accomplished, it's deceiving (I don't mean that they intend to deceive- they're just showing you how THEY did it).
It makes me laugh when I go busking that people come up and try to impress the people around them saying how good they can play. And they cannot due to be so lazy like all most all UA-cam guitar influenced teachers sitting down What the F is that all about ? Nice one keep up showing bad habits It isn't hard it's a learning technique only but most players when picking up instrument study whilst sitting.and get in the rut and you lot are not helping teaching sitting down Then if you decide to stand up you play stiff till you can move easily around another bloody learning curve that inspired crowds hence if you don't play standing up then you cannot you only have yourself to blame for being lazy plain and simple
What a load of old rubbish, Jimi Hendrix sometimes played his Guitar behind his head, I bet you didn't tell him he was holding it the wrong way round, or in the wrong position.
He played behind his head for a short riff and to show off. He didn't spend hours of practice time like that, and if he had, he would have been wrong and in the wrong position - clearly. Perfect example of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."
This guy is great value for guitarists, i am a pro player for 45 years and can say, everything he says is right and proven!!!!!😊
It’s crazy. I’ve been playing guitar for 73 years and the whole time I’ve been playing while standing on my head. This is being a real opener.
Charlie Sexton has entered the chat.
Good reminder. I would not cross my legs however as that is bad for circulation and hard on the back. I also use a strap even when sitting. What I need to remember is to keep the neck high - and this video was perfect timing for me!
Right on, thanks for watching!
I always use a strap too. That way I feel like I don't have to worry about keeping the guitar in position. My hands can focus on just playing and not holding the guitar where I need it to be.
@@seattlevegas66 Using a strap sitting down also maintains the technique you’ve developed when you stand. Recipe for disaster when you practice one way and play out another.
Many years go when I started my electric guitar journey I was taught to hold the guitar in the ‘classical position’ when playing seated. Fast forward 25 years and I’m happy to report that I’ve avoided any issues surrounding bad posture! The added benefit is the guitar remains in a similar position when I play standing up, therefore muscle memory remains unaffected. 👍😎
Not the video most guitar players want. But... the video most guitar players need! Good stuff! Cheers.
Foot stool and classical position is the way. It even translates well to playing standing up.
I have found that resting the guitar on my left leg changes everything - takes strain off my back, etc..
The only thing is it (subjectively) shifts my hands about 12 inches to the left - which is not bad, but I have to get used to it. And it also makes me angle the guitar neck up at about 45 degrees, which is a good thing for my left hand.
I'm right handed, and have always rested the guitar on the left leg. *This way, the right leg definitely helps hold the guitar in place, instead of having to use your hands & arms to control the position of the guitar. I can't believe that most righties play with it on the right leg. When I try resting it on my right leg, I need to angle the headstock forward quite a bit, and/or raise my right elbow in an unnatural and uncomfortable way. It makes me tense up instantly. Maybe not everyone experiences this like I do, but it sure seems like guitars are built to rest on the leg of your non-dominant side.
I'm right handed and always have the guitar on my left leg. It always felt better to me and the guitar is across my body, much the same position as when I'm standing.
Same. I put it on my right leg just to see what it felt like, and it was a big NOPE right away. I was doing weird things with my right shoulder and back, in order to get my arm in position to pick, and I was instantly fighting the guitar to keep it in position. That experiment lasted about 30 seconds. That was enough!
8:52 You points are well taken, including raising up the guitar, but (if I may) you missed one additional important factor. That is, placing the guitar (for right-hand players) on the left leg instead of the right one will give your fretting hand far easier access to the ENTIRE neck, not just the lower registers. By moving the guitar to your left leg, your left hand is not slammed against your body at anything higher than the 5th or 7th fret. Freezeframe at 8:52 of this video and you will see exactly what I mean.
Take a lesson from classical players. They place the guitar (usually with the help of a footstool or guitar lift) under the LEFT leg. Among the many benefits is that it moves the neck of the guitar closer to their (left) fretting hands. That gives them access to the entire fretboard, from the highest to the lowest notes, without their left elbow slamming against their body when playing any higher than the 5th or 7th frets. This "left leg" technique also automatically lifts the guitar and angles the neck at (about) 45 degress... Perfect for full neck access.
Great video, thank you for covering this. I’m 66 with a bad back and arthritis in my left wrist. This helps me to be more aware of the way I’m sitting with guitar and motivates me to play in the more correct ergonomic position. I have a foot stool. I’ll try to use more often with a guitar strap while sitting. 👍
Great advice especially since i am currently suffering from shoulder bursitis and my doctor has suggested it is because of my posture because im always playing guitar and after watching this, i realise my posture was wrong and has called my issue.
I am very new to guitar playing, and I am learning by following videos like this one. I noticed that when I use the guitar on what you call the classical way, I am more comfortable. I never had anyone to help with, and I am glad that you mentioned.
That’s great to I hear dude! Keep it up!
I wished I'd had this video 6 years ago when I started guitar. I ended up hurting my wrist and then had to experiment to find a way to keep the wrist straight. I ended up with the guitar on my left leg and the bottom (where the strap button is) still touching the inside of the right leg. Now I'm going to work on my shoulders.
Man, sorry to hear that...I'm glad you're still playing though!
Brilliantly articulate description, how many guitarists end up with RSi and carpal tunnel injuries
What I loved the most about the video was that you didn't give a quick fix fits them all. You said it loud and clear: I don't care your choice, but put that neck up! 🔥🔥🔥
Thanks
Due to some congenital malformation at my left elbow, my left hand doesn't supinate hardly at all - it has caused me no small amount of grief in guitar playing - I almost have to hold any guitar in the "classical" position.
That's why I got myself a Strandberg, the ergonomics are unmatched.
Exactly. So why after several hundred years of guitar-making do they still make guitars the same way? Put the "waist" indentation in the corner of the lower bout and have the neck come out of the guitar from the opposite corner. Change the shape of the guitar rather than make the player use straps and footstools and uncomfortable leg crossings or body contortions, etc., just to get the neck angled up when playing seated?
I’ve been playing in the classical position either with a footstool or Dynarette since I first started taking guitar seriously.
I had to stop looking at the neck as much when I developed arthritis in my neck. Raised the handles on my bicycles too. But I kept on sneaking a look. So I found that it’s better for me to set the guitar on my outer leg, as it creates less of an angle from my head to the guitar’s headstock.
A strap works best for me. Sitting or standing.
Good instructive video. Thanks for posting
Nice tips! My wrist was so sore with the wrong posture!
Glad it helped...thanks for watching!
I have degenerative disc disease and have had three surgeries in my lumbar spine, including a fusion. I also have bulging discs in the thoracic spine and have had discectomy and fusion of the 3rd and 4th vertebrae and 6th and 7th vertebrae in the cervical spine. Oh, there's also osteoarthritis in the cervical, both shoulders and knees, with rheumatoid arthritis in both hands and wrists. Needless to say, my posture is beyond bad and there is no repair for it. I can't play standing and even sitting there's no hope. I bought a Performaxe and it helps quite a bit but I often forget to use it and while the benefit is appreciated it's a little like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound. In other words, there really is very little I can do but this video makes sense and I encourage those watching to work on it, it can only help. Stay well
Good vid! It hits on exactly what I've been struggling with regarding positioning of the guitar and me.
Oh wow do I feel dumb. I wS just curious about this this morning why do I keep dropping my elbow to get the right position. Bring the neck to me not me to the neck. Back pain too! Thanks so much!!!
Great video. If playing better is more important than "looking cool" this is advice everyone should heed
This video has improved my playing more than any other has in a long time! I was surprised that you did not use George Harrison or especially John Lennon as examples of guitarists who played with very short straps and their guitars at a more inclined, less horizontal angle. B. B. King was another great example. Thanks for your clear, thought provoking explanations. I look forward to learning more from you!
Great advice, Max! If someone wants to eventually hold their guitar differently, they can make that choice once they see how this feels. And yeah, you are kind in not alienating those who have various ways of meeting your basic suggestion. The world will sound a little better thanks to you.
I really like the way you explain the relevant anatomy and relate it to ergonomics and playing! I recently tried the classical position and now you’ve convinced me 😃
Lots of good stuff here Max 🎶🎶🎶
Thanks! I'd love to hear how it works out for you
@@MaxRichMusic thanks Max 🎶🎶🎶
After 60 years of pro gigs, I now have carpal tunnel probs. I now need 2 ops! I certainly have suffered for my art. Good advice mate. Too late for me though.
After 60 years of gigs, I now have carpal tunnel probs. I now need 2 ops! I certainly have suffered for my art. Good advice mate. Too late for me though.
Ive been trying to work on my posture and wrist position for a while now, but bad habits are hard to break unfortunately. Im also double jointed so I was used to getting away with rhe straight fingers and still able to function decently, As I've gotten older though, playing with my wrist bent is taking a toll on my wrist tendons, so I really need to break the habit. Appreciate the video, i had no idea there were any accessories to help raise rhe guitar in that way, ill have to check those out
I’m glad you’re making the change…it’ll benefit you tremendously. Not just physically but I think you’ll find your tone and playing improve a lot overall. Thanks for watching!
All true! USE A STRAP always! Sit up and straight. Never play a bass or guitar with any neck dive. Just watch the classical or flamenco guys and LEARN.
Get a Flying V, perfect for playing sat down.
Great advice Max. Never really gave it a great deal of thought til your video but first honest try at it helped a lot. I also noticed in the seated position, neck up, relaxed shoulder I could glance down and see the fretboard better which cleaned up some of my accuracy issues too. Thank you.
Yeah, the visual aspect of the neck is way better in that position, glad it helped!
As an acoustic guitarist with more than 60 years playing I can absolutely tell you this is important. Do yourself a favour and get on board. Players with bad posture just annoy me, sometimes to the point where I just can't watch them at all. Country singer Jamey Johnson is top of the tree here. It is disgusting to see. Most rock guitarist have the guitar so low I just don't know how they play at all. Yeah we all know how cool it looks man. Well that's my gripe. I'm off to yell at the clouds again.
This is gem, thank you so much! ❤❤❤
Glad you like it!
Wouldn't a foot stool help as well? As a classical guitar player that's how we are taught to sit
Absolutely…most non-classical players are averse to sitting like this so I didn’t mention it. But I still use one everyday whether I’m playing classical or not
How do you strap it when you gig
Good teachig...good teacher
Thank you! 😃
I've changed students lives with just simply suggeating a foot stool
That’s a great idea! I have back injuries, so it’s hard to find a find a position that’s not painful. I’m going to try that, thank you.
@@SuzyQpip Careful! A footstool forces unbalanced weight and low spine twist. Over time, this can lead to chronic injury and pain. Try a guitar support instead. Keep both feet solidly on the floor.
@@jimwing.2178 A guitar support? I haven’t heard of that but I’ll check it out, thanks. Most of the time I play with my legs folded, Indian style.
This is totally a thing. Watch classical guitarist. How they sit and hold the guitar is very important. And then their is Keith Richards.
For me,the biggest problem is pain i the back!👍
Just found your videos and you have helped me so much so far in a couple hours. I had a really bad spinning pick problem.And you solved that in the last video.This video is going to help all my aches and pains since I am an older guitar player. I had a really bad spending pick problem. And you saw that in the last video. This video is going to help all my aches and pains since I am an older guitar player And was sitting with bad posture. Thank you so much And keep doing what you do ❤
Glad to help!
im so confuse beacuse many teachers or even famous guitarist recommend to bend the wrist for better playing - of course not extreme bend but bend almost 90 degrees . why why so confuse
Anyone who recommends doing that is very wrong and should be completely ignored. It’s anatomically very bad for technique.
@@MaxRichMusic understand- in my case i bend a little in a natural way when doing barre chords or reaching notes on the 6 or 5 string- its physically imposible to me not to do it
It's probably not impossible...it depends on how you sit/hold the guitar. But a little bend isn't the end of the world. The straighter wrist the better though.
There are always a few people that get away with stuff that would hinder most people. When these people become highly accomplished, it's deceiving (I don't mean that they intend to deceive- they're just showing you how THEY did it).
Thankyou very helpful
Glad it helped, thanks for watching!
I never saw Robert Fripp play standing up.
Where you been all my guitar life?
What about Jimmy Page? I want to play like Jimmy Page with my 15 pound Les Paul under my knees
It makes me laugh when I go busking that people come up and try to impress the people around them saying how good they can play.
And they cannot due to be so lazy like all most all UA-cam guitar influenced teachers sitting down
What the F is that all about ?
Nice one keep up showing bad habits
It isn't hard it's a learning technique only but most players when picking up instrument study whilst sitting.and get in the rut and you lot are not helping teaching sitting down
Then if you decide to stand up you play stiff till you can move easily around another bloody learning curve that inspired crowds hence if you don't play standing up then you cannot you only have yourself to blame for being lazy plain and simple
What a load of old rubbish, Jimi Hendrix sometimes played his Guitar behind his head, I bet you didn't tell him he was holding it the wrong way round, or in the wrong position.
He played behind his head for a short riff and to show off. He didn't spend hours of practice time like that, and if he had, he would have been wrong and in the wrong position - clearly. Perfect example of "just because you can, doesn't mean you should."