donnie Posted February 3, 2012 Posted February 3, 2012 Not that I'd ask a dumb, simplistic question or anything... Because of how I'm built I guess (longish arms but big belly) and some serious cervical vertebrae issues, when I'm playing seated (most of the time these days, at least I share something with BB King other than advancing years and diabetes) I like to have the headstock as close to my face as possible. There's no problem with a 150/LP style guitar; I just rest the lower bout on my right knee and I'm all set. But with a 535 if I rest the lower bout on my right knee the cowboy chord end of the board is farther away from my face than I like. And if I rest the waist on my right knee then the whole thing is down too low. I guess the problem is the difference in the overall length between a 150 and a 535. How do you hold it seated, and do you have any suggestions or thoughts? Thanks!
MartyGrass Posted February 3, 2012 Posted February 3, 2012 The guitar faces forward at an angle. Watch BB King. The guitar is half way between vertical and horizontal. It's draped over his belly. I suggest that you always use a strap. That will help keep the headstock up. Many jazz guitarists sit on stools so that they were less flexed at the hips. That makes a longer lap for the guitar to set against. Sitting on a couch is difficult if you want to point the neck skyward. There are those who hold the guitar like it was a classical. That is, between your legs with your legs held apart.
sonar Posted February 3, 2012 Posted February 3, 2012 ...I suggest that you always use a strap. That will help keep the headstock up..... +1 I set it so the guitar is the same sitting or standing.
DetroitBlues Posted February 3, 2012 Posted February 3, 2012 +1 I set it so the guitar is the same sitting or standing. I was going to say the same... Get some sort of stool you can sit on, dangle your legs down, and play like you're standing up.
Hfan Posted February 3, 2012 Posted February 3, 2012 Back when I played classical, we had to use a small foot stool that raised your left foot (assuming a righty guitarist) and the bottom curve of the guitar body sat on the left leg. Kind of an ergonomically correct position, allows for proper right hand finger picking position as well, comfortable and less stressful for the wrist. Heres a link that shows classical and other positions using the foot stand. http://www.guitarprinciples.com/Guitar_Technique/sitting.htm
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