One of the things guitar students often don’t think about is how they’re sitting when they play. However, their seating position is actually very important, and a good position is one of the things guitar teachers will focus on early in a student’s lessons, so they learn good habits from the beginning.
But why is how you’re sitting so important while playing guitar? What is good seating position, anyway? Let’s take a look at this important guitar playing technique.
Why Is it Important?
As far as playing goes, proper positioning helps players develop a good technique. More practically, it helps students learn how to balance their guitar on their lap and lets them easily see and reach all of the parts of the instrument.
Those who usually stand to play may think that seating position isn’t that important, but they still need to learn the correct position. They may practice while seated, for example, or there could come a time when they teach someone else who does play mostly while sitting.
Those who play acoustic guitar especially need to be aware of their seating position. Acoustic guitarists almost always play in the same seating position. They sit towards the edge of a stool or chair without arms and elevate their left leg to hold the guitar.
For students taking up guitar lessons in Denver, using a stool for their left leg is very helpful at first, although later on, they may develop their own way of getting the left side of the guitar up a little higher.
The Right Position Enables Four Points of Contact
The correct seating position for a guitar player should put the instrument and the player’s body in contact at four different points. For right handed players, these include:
1. The guitar touching on the player’s left leg.
2. The lower bout resting along the right leg’s inner thigh.
3. The guitar’s back touching the player’s chest.
4. The right forearm touching the side or top of the guitar’s lower bout when playing.
By sitting in the correct position and holding the guitar this way, the player is able to angle the neck of the guitar upward, just as they would be able to do when standing. This makes it easier to move the hand across the frets. This type of seating position will work for anyone playing guitar regardless of the style.
It Affects the Player’s Mindset
Another great reason why students should learn the proper seating position for playing guitar is that it puts them in the right mindset. When a student sits down in the correct position, they know they’re going to practice guitar. It helps form a link between their muscle memory and their mindset. It can help students who have a hard time focusing on their playing concentrate better.
Can Players Switch Positions?
While this seating position is great for beginners, it’s not an absolute must for playing guitar while seating. As young students gain proficiency and become familiar with playing guitar, they can try sitting in different positions.
One of the first things they may want to do is to get rid of the footstool. Learning to play without this is not a bad idea since they may not always be able to find a footstool if they’re playing somewhere new. Learning to use the bottom bracing piece of a chair can be helpful.
Book Your Child’s Guitar Lessons Today
If your young one wants to learn guitar, there’s nothing like learning in your own home. Unlike some guitar teachers, we come to you, so your child can learn in the comfort of your home. Contact us today to learn more.
