Classical sitting position

  • Thread starter Thread starter Codmate
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Codmate

Codmate

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Hi all,

When I started playing the guitar I had some classical lessons. I didn't take to it at the time and ended up playing jazz/blues/rock instead.

Now, many years later, I have picked up the classical guitar again, and have learned some lovely little pieces.

The only trouble is my sitting position. I can get through the pieces OK, but I know I'm sitting in a bad position for this style of guitar. Currently my guitar is either on my crossed right leg - or on my right leg with a footstool.

I've tried playing in the standard position, with my left foot on the footstool and the guitar on my left leg. My technique is definitly cleaner this way round, and it is easier to play the pieces as my left hand thumb can stay on the back of the neck much more easily.

The only trouble is that this position is very uncomfortable for me.
My lower back starts hurting quickly and my right leg seems really 'in the way'.
I find it really tough to keep my back straight like my guitar teacher taught me all those years ago.
I also find it hard to see the fretboard nicely, and find myself leaning forward from my neck.

I must be doing something fundamentaly wrong!
Either that, or you just have to get used to it? :(

I should take a lesson or two I guess, just to get this right; but I'd really appreciate any tips from people here too!

Many thanks for any help offered! :)
 
Years ago I saw a special chair that was ergonomically correct for classical guitar, but I wouldn't know where to look now. Hopefully XLR will see this thread and have some ideas :o
 
you could be sitting on a less than ideal surface ie a bed or an office chair or something. i find the best kind of chair is usually a straight backed unpadded chair, such as a kitchen table chair or even better, those one piece plastic chairs youd find in a classroom. when you sit in it, it should be low enough that your knees are bent 90 degrees or less when your feet are flat on the ground.

thats about the best advice i can give. the back pain probably just comes from man handling a little strat or LP for years. the full size classical is a totally different beast, but the technique is worth the time it takes to perfect.

good luck, and lets hear some recordings of those classical pieces soon!

Adam
 
I think that the straight back is going to be the best way to avoid putting undue stress on your back during playing sessions. You may have to practice posture as part of your technique.

I took flamenco lessons in college and it was a lot of fun. But I just didn't have the discipline for it at the time. It doesnt' appear that I ever developed said discipline either!
 
Many thanks for the replies :)
I think it's going to be a case of getting a lesson or two.
Sometimes there is no substitute for being shown something physically!

BTW - I saw that guitar chair, looks interesting!
http://www.theguitarchair.com/
 
This really isn't any advice, just thought I'd let you know that the "classical" position is unnatural feeling to a lot of people, especially those of us who are more used to playing electric. Like anything related to music, it takes a bit of getting used to.
 
After 15 years or so of regular guit style, I took a classical guit class in 1996 (and subsequently dropped out), but once I tried the classical position I was hooked. This is the only way I play fingerstyle. The freaking fretboard is right there in front of your face, and the tendonitus in my left wrist went away. I do experience some of the same lower back pain though because I slope forward (bad habit).

For strumming I still play reg style, though.
 
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