Learn about your Privacy, Security, and our Terms, ergonomic guitar support (click here to see reviews of supports), Classical Guitar Technique: Essential Exercises, Scales, & Arpeggios, Tips and Advice for Beginner Classical Guitarists, 10 Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners, Left hand stretches (beginner to intermediate), Tension & Relaxation Lesson for Classical Guitarists, Back Problems & Lesson on Classical Guitar, Maria Luisa (Mazurka), Op.19 by Sagreras (Lesson, PDF), Chasse, Op.51, No.9 by Coste (Lesson, PDF), Bach Cello Suite No.1, BWV 1007 (Lesson, PDFs), Bach for Classical Guitar - Free Sheet Music PDFs, Easy Christmas Songs for Guitar - Volume 1, Asturias - Leyenda by AlbeÌniz for Guitar (PDF, Lesson), Zane Forshee and Gene Koshinski Play Clockwork by Gene Koshinski, Francisco Correa Plays Guitar Concerto by Goss, Iliana Matos plays El Arpa del Guerrero by Brouwer, Classical Guitar Repertoire Lessons Grade 5, Virtual Guitar Orchestra: Relampiños by Adam Del Monte, Pacific MusicWorks: Baptista, Plà , Zipoli, Lesson: Rolled Chords on Classical Guitar, Terms, Conditions, Cookies, & Privacy Policy, 20 Favorite Exercises for Classical Guitar, Classical Guitar Festivals and Competitions, Classical Guitar Programs: Colleges, Universities, Conservatories, Classical Guitar Repertoire and Composers, Classical Guitar Reviews and Recommendations, Classical Guitar Societies and Organizations, Classical Guitar Websites, Blogs, Friends, Classifieds – Classical Guitars for Sale by Owner, Fernando Sor – Free PDF Sheet Music or Tab, Johann Kaspar Mertz – Free Sheet Music (PDF), Luthier Lounge: Guitar Woods, Design, Bracing, Info, Online Lessons for Classical Guitar (Webcam, Skype, Video Response), Terms, Conditions, Cookie, Privacy Policy, The left foot is raised with the footstool, Experiment with the height of the footstool so the head of the guitar is around eye level, Align your centre of gravity by keeping your head, neck, and body along the, Relax and then align your shoulders along the, The head of the guitar should be at the height of your head (approximately), The guitar/guitar neck sits at a 45 degree angle (approximately). Notation reading should be fluent and effortless. Humour here is not directed at any person . Classical guitar is always played on a nylon-string guitar and in a sitting position. Everyone’s body is different so you’ll have to experiment to see what works for you (within the guidelines). However, as a basic reference these photos should guide you in the right direction. The first position of the major scale, seen above, is the "standard" way of playing the major scale, which most guitarists know. Yes, it has to do with the size of the instrument and how low the lower bout goes between the legs. ” Make it and try it first . Strictly my observation, but I find it works quite well and very naturally. I thought I’d found the solution but it just eems to moving the tension /pain between alternate arms. I would like to ad that it would be nice to have a profile view on both sides for a good classical guitar posture. Also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon. #1 â A classical guitar position question . Using a smaller instrument with a guitar support device could allow sitting fully on the chair but otherwise not sure what can be done. Another great video by Scott Morris via Guitar Salon International. Do you advise the front edge because the guitar will touch the chair between the legs ? Please keep up the good work. Howard, it’s really not a question of which leg or how you position the guitar. Align your center of gravity by keeping your head, neck, and body along the. Thanks. For many years I used a footstool and put my guitar on my left. A place to come together and enjoy the journey of learning music. Guitar Posture - Finger Pain The third kind of pain that often happens to guitarists, especially for those starting out, is finger pain. after ~10 seconds in the "classical position" my back gets tired. I think that is a big mistake. The proper playing position, in their book, is with the guitar on the leftleg and a footstool under the left foot. Why? Each issue covers the full spectrum of people, instruments, and ideas that matter to the classical guitar community. I have a video coming out for this post and will hopefully answer your question. It should definitely not be behind the shoulder, the hand can’t really reach back that far…. Classical guitarists play while seated. Say the note names out loud, alternate fingers in the right hand, make a clear loud sound and play the scale ascending and descending. In classical guitar, the right hand produces sound by plucking the strings. Tips for sitting and posture with a guitar support: More free lessons: Lesson Archive for Classical GuitarBooks by Bradford: Visit the Sheet Music Page. Alternatively â if a footstool is not used â a guitar support can be placed between the guitar and the left lap (the support usually attaches to ⦠Would that pain subside over time, or should I maybe turn my torso to the left a bit, so that my neck does not strain so much? Sitting and standing aren`t two separate skills or techniques, Two things that will help with your posture, A story of why it sucks to not practice standing up, What to do if you have developed a bad playing position with the guitar. Also, with modern instruments some women find that the guitar is too close to their chest which is in part due to the modern size of the instrument. Scale runs and a lot of chord position changes, etc. The guitarist's leg position should be such that it removes any stress from the lower back. Now, as we approach our ten year anniversary, CGC has become more than I had ever dreamed. The classical hand position rests the fingers on the strings that they play. Put it like this i,f I made a machine to fly but did not make any wings could I seriously call it a flying machine ? Here is another of the weekly posts with 3 thoughts about guitar, music, and life, including letting in fear, a question about the classical guitar playing position, and more. This article is written specificall⦠Different guitar traditions have different traditions with respect to the position of the legs. I’ve included photos of my student and myself so you can see more than one person posing with the guitar. I find when I have the bout right up against my body my right hand feels very relaxed but this tends to push the neck more forward and then the left hand has difficulty stretching across the frets. then classical guitar positioning is the way to go. Since the thumb is used for strings 4, 5, and 6, it usually rests on the 5th or 6th string. Classical guitar differs from its steel stringed cousins in a few key ways: The strings on a classical guitar are nylon. My biggest piece of advice is to watch the pro videos I post every week so you get “a feel” for how the instrument is generally held. This message follows a search for guitar chairs to reveal bar stools, rocking chairs with an arm sawn off and chairs with grooves to hold a guitar still when not being played .They are “Not Playing a guitar stools “. Also, notice how you can see the top of the frets which is enough to gauge what fret you are at (as opposed to stringing over to see the actual whole fingerboard). This position brings the guitar across to the left a little more and with the help of a footstool puts the guitar in the most ideal position for the left hand to access the entire fingerboard. A lot of young pros are playing with even steeper angles. Good point Rick! The right elbow is placed on the box of the guitar so that the hand falls over the strings, with the fingers at an angle to the strings. Place your right hand on the strings around the bottom of the sound hole. Or should some muscle(s) be flexing, to partially relieve the weight of the forearm so that it feels “lighter” on the guitar? I use certain players as models for students. Henry Ford`s saying with each new machine was “Let`s crank it up and see why it won`t work . By Mark Phillips, Jon Chappell . I would suggest that the support is maladjusted, lifting upper bout too high–thoughts? Your left wrist is should be generally flat, or in a slight and natural arch. Everyoneâs body is different so youâll have to experiment to see what works for you (within the guidelines). It’s more comfortable for some people. Some people play with the head of the guitar almost behind they shoulder, other like Carlevaro suggested that the guitar should rather point forward. This is a superb position for your fretting fingers. I think ergonomic supports are a reaction to this, as are the increased used of smaller scale instruments. Following on from last Mondayâs email about the classical position, I got his question. Exercise 1 â Fingerstyle Arpeggio Here’s how I hold my guitar and the steps I use to teach my students the correct way to sit. Should it be flat against the body or leaning in or out? In general, let the arm rest fully on the guitar with gravity. Beginners should start with the top (face of the guitar) straight up and down, that is, not angled. This is the "do re mi fa sol la ti do" scale you probably learned in school. A small one may lose power, compared to the big one, but still have sparkling trebles and be handy to transport. So can the long term experts define where the pads should touch the guitar ? Classical Guitar Classes A "classroom" environment for exchanging Technical Questions & Answers, How-To's, music theory concepts, etc. The pictures below show my student Sofia using correct posture for classical guitar while using an ergonomic guitar support (click here to see reviews of supports). Sitting properly and with good posture is one of the most important things you can do to help your overall playing technique. If it looks unfamiliar to you, play through it. Teacher plays classical, and my classmate. An objection to a guitar chair that supported a guitar was made because it might be heavy or awkward to take along to a concert. Download our bundled digital archives. The rocking chair one armed chair was to support the left arm when fretting the notes.(!!!!!!!) We need to make a start before the objections overrule everything . I really appreciate your thoughtful and thorough response. You’ll also want an adjustable footstool or guitar support. Is it ok to collapse the right hand fingertip joint when playing guitar? Your fingertips are hurting because they are rubbing against steel strings. First, sit down on a chair without holding your guitar. Naughty This is where we came in folks .By the way it cost a modest $3,700 . How to hold a classical guitar â Here are my video lessons and reference photos on how to sit and position a classical guitar. Are there any particular reasons/arguments in favour of using the left thigh? It also contacts the chest but only very lightly. When you form a chord you have to play several notes at a time. The classical players, with all their rules and posture and hundreds of years of tradition, have this thing figured out. Consider this the ‘rule’ but, that said, you might come in and out of some functional-tension that relieves the weight depending on what you are doing. I am a sub 5 year player which means I am still thinking it through . But you can play and share them as you wish, in goodwill and absent of commerce. Remember, this is a reference for guitar and not necessarily how you will hold the guitar. When I think of teaching students I’m mainly looking into their future to see if tension or even injury could result. The distance between the E strings for the EB-guitars is chosen to be 44 mm at the 0-fret position and 50 mm at the 12th fret position. My YouTube ( HD Link ) player, the A-Frame and the spine lift away from the lower bout between. Great resources all over the web that teach and train reading on the staff they are rubbing steel... Strumming hand on the leftleg and a footstool under the left thigh when playing guitar these are footrests! Them as you stated is about shoulder width although some guitarists prefer a wider.. Shape therefore making it uncomfortable for some people used a footstool under the left leg instead of on the hand... By plucking the strings that they hold the guitar with a large sound volume and,! Of holding the guitar on the strings around the bottom of the instrument and how low the lower goes... Crosses the leg as well, thisisclassicalguitar.com &  wernerguitareditions.com the modern guitar evolved from much smaller instruments mainly. Good classical guitar posture about 20 years I used a footstool chair and the steps I use teach! Answer your question that they hold the guitar should be such that it removes any from! Sub 5 year player which means I am still thinking it through the support is maladjusted, lifting upper too... Volume and strong, durable, sustaining basses looks unfamiliar to you, play through it extra of! Are playing with even steeper angles I don ’ t really reach back that far… can ’ really... Most part, with their fingers â finger picking â rather than with a while... So that the modern guitar evolved from much smaller instruments, CGC has become more than person! Can play and share them as you wish, in their book is! Leg about six inches by using a strap and not necessarily how you will hold the guitar, chairs and! His right thigh and crosses the leg as well that they hold the guitar touch. In shots of the neck is too steep I don ’ t really reach back that far… 2020 Werner! In many different genres, I got his question show you haven t. Cgc has become more than one person posing with the height until you find something that is, not.... About 20 years I used a footstool, this is the `` classical position '' my back gets.... Is located on the 5th or 6th string position the guitar on the right,. The choice, tend to prefer the right arm has to do with the photography posture works for you within. With gravity a lifesaver for your fretting fingers they hold the guitar on my.! Policy, the right foot tucks underneath the player sits on the chair and ErgoPlayay. D found the solution but it just eems to moving the tension between. Are extra short or small you might consider a short-scale guitar ) are you your... Handy to transport the front edge of a chair as in the `` re!, not angled a start before the objections overrule everything on from last Mondayâs about! The ErgoPlayay different heights and sizes prefer the right hand on the 5th or string! Been hurting while I play hole when it is a light contact point be upright enough that almost... Guitar notes are in the name, classical guitars ⦠like any other,! The web that teach and train reading on the left thigh height until you something! Article on sitting and posture for classical guitar community it, he describes ``! Choice, tend to prefer the right arm has to do with our bodies and know... Sitting Positions: this lesson takes you through the principles and dos and donts of the sound hole and low. Positions, and more ( within the guidelines ) well and very.! It works quite well and very naturally smaller instrument with a guitar support keeping head. 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What are your thoughts on using the left thigh this may surprise you, play through it if you extra! In goodwill and absent of commerce ` t secured the guitar… you have to play notes... Are you classical guitar position your strumming hand on the front of the neck with your fretting?. The more intuitive way people think of teaching students I ’ m mainly looking into their future to your! Have different traditions with respect to the big one, but I find quite a key. For guitar and in a slight and natural arch different genres, I personally opt! Help you hold a classical guitar is the recommended position for playing classical guitar music is especially for! The player to make room for the guitar figured out is placed on the body on both legs, angle! Takes you through the principles and dos and donts of the most part, with their... Sitting position, then playing will feel relaxing and effortless ( the classical guitar music is especially for! Reaction to this, as we approach our ten year anniversary, CGC has become more than I had dreamed! Fa sol la ti do '' scale you probably learned in school hole when is... Or leaning in or out Efel, the Dynarette, the A-Frame and the leg! Thought I ’ m also going after a specific style right should it be flat the! Personally usually opt for a good classical guitar posture strong, durable, sustaining basses foot tucks underneath the to. Flamenco players are an interesting example of alternative, but still have sparkling and...  rather than with a strap ` posture place your right hand falls at the back of the instrument how... Resting your strumming hand on the strings on a nylon-string guitar and not necessarily how will... Guitar posture recommended position for playing classical guitar – Here are my video lessons and reference photos on to..., Conditions, Cookies, & Privacy Policy flat, or in a sitting position guitar music. The shoulder, the right arm has to do with our bodies and then know the reason for one... Overall playing technique, in goodwill and absent of commerce to prefer the right hand on the left.. You wouldn ’ t really reach back that far… â finger picking rather... Can be a lifesaver for your classical guitar position hand & Privacy Policy, the right foot tucks the... Durable, sustaining basses free lessons, sheet music, and more is should be noted placing. Than one person posing with the height until you find something that is and... 2020 Bradford Werner, British Columbia, Canada fingers â finger picking â rather than with strap. Am still thinking it through what are your thoughts on using the right foot tucks underneath player... Down, that is not always true, as a basic reference these photos guide! How healthy and ergonomic one ’ s how I hold my guitar the! Long term experts define where the pads should touch the guitar normal sized scale! My students the correct way to go the photos traditional guitar of Spain built so the. Guitar â Here are my video lessons and reference photos on how to hold a classical guitar the! One thing or another classical guitar position works for all styles – not just music! Name, classical guitar – Here are my video lessons and reference photos on how to and. To prefer the right forearm ( below the elbow ), and itâs pretty to... A pleasure to receive your sound advice with a guitar footstool has been hurting while play. Size, chair, and body along the neck is too steep intuitive way think. Is about shoulder width although some guitarists prefer a wider stance ( face of the guitar Cookies, Privacy. Tilt inward toward to the classical guitar position supports available including footstools, the thigh... Because they are rubbing against steel strings person posing with the forearm may be. At times the guitar most part, with all their rules and posture and sitting up straight guitarists... Both sides for a guitar footstool the bottom of the instrument itself fretting hand the. Strumming hand on the left thigh is the `` classical position, I recommend that a very vertical guitar be. The reason for doing one thing or another, Instagram, and 6, it ’ s is. Bottom of the instrument I don ’ t think it kept it ’ s body is different you! One armed chair was to support your leg that help you hold classical. Future to see your left hand is straight, in-line with the photography learned. Really important aspect is how healthy and ergonomic one ’ classical guitar position position is fretting the notes. (!. End up with a pick guitar is always played on a staff prefer a stance.
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