Best for seated playing?

[jwoods986]

If you're sitting down 95% of the time, I would go with a Kelly or KV (I prefer the longer lower horn vs. the RR). Strat-shapes are fine but it sounds like you want something different, which is cool. Standing up is another issue, I played a KE2 months ago and was really digging it until I tried it with a strap - major nosedive! But it was fine sitting.

[DrDoug]

I think sitting with the RR in the classical position is very comfortable to play. I have a strat copy and a 12 string acoustic, and holding them in a classical position is not nearly as comfortable as with the RR. I rarely played in the classical position until I got my RR, and now I almost play the RR exclusively for my sit down sessions. I like the shorter lower horn as it just seems to fit for the way I sit with it. The classical position just feels right to me, and I wonder if that is why Randy liked the V style.

[Bengal65]

The key is using a strap. You can play any guitar with a properly adjusted strap. Next time you see Les Paul sitting down with his LP, notice the strap and the guitar position. When I play a LP seated, I found the same goes for me with the strap position. So, when I play the Charvel's, Jackson's; KV's, Kelly, Soloist, Dinky or RR1, I keep this in mind and adjust the strap accordingly. I have a strap for each guitar as well so I don't have to be constantly adjusting straps.

[Axewielder]

One thing you got to watch with the X-series bolt-on KV's and RR's is the ouput jack is on the lower horn. So, you pretty much need a guitar cable with a right-angle plug to play them sitting down comfortably, or the cable sticks out into your leg. USA versions don't have that issue.

[levantin]

Exactly. And the classical position is the correct one, not resting the guitar on your right leg. They teach you this in school too. When you play standing up, you have the guitar at about 30° angle...why not play it like that when sitting down too?

The thing about electric guitar is that there are so many styles and so many ways to play physically. When you hold a guitar like that you are eliminating your chance to hook your thumb over the top of the neck.

IMO there's no right and wrong, just what works for you in a given situation. Look at the way Marty Friedman picks. There's no way a "conventional" teacher would let a student play like that, but no one out there plays or sounds like Marty Friedman.

The way you sit and get comfortable with a guitar depends greatly on what you're used to. If you've played a strat for 10 years a Rhoads is going to feel uncomfortable. If you're used to resting your elbow on the back horn of a kelly, a strat will feel uncomfortable. It's totally subjective. As is everybodies' entire approach to Rock guitar.

[jk2171]

FWIW I found the warrior a really comfortable guitar to play seated, the mini horn at the back hooks right round your leg

+1 on that; the Warrior I had was easily the most comfortable guitar to play sitting down.

[Cygnus X1]

I prefer sitting down while playing.
That way I can avoid problems like this...

/Edit:
Sorry, Image was way too big.
I'm fine with sitting down with mod 88, but it is a bit heavy.
For some reason my vision gets blurry, even if
I'm not looking at the fret board. Strange.

[NextInLine]

The thing about electric guitar is that there are so many styles and so many ways to play physically. When you hold a guitar like that you are eliminating your chance to hook your thumb over the top of the neck.

IMO there's no right and wrong, just what works for you in a given situation. Look at the way Marty Friedman picks. There's no way a "conventional" teacher would let a student play like that, but no one out there plays or sounds like Marty Friedman.

The way you sit and get comfortable with a guitar depends greatly on what you're used to. If you've played a strat for 10 years a Rhoads is going to feel uncomfortable. If you're used to resting your elbow on the back horn of a kelly, a strat will feel uncomfortable. It's totally subjective. As is everybodies' entire approach to Rock guitar.

Agreed completely!
METAL BABY! just no rules

[JerEvil]

Actually, I still use my strap when sitting, I just bring the guitar up higher.

[Macchio]

Thanks for all the inputs. I am a classical guitar player trying to explore the electric world, so I guess I just need to learn some new habits.

I didn't make it clear in my initial post, but I bought a Kelly. It felt good sitting at first, but I noticed with some extended playing that there are a few things I don't care for. I get a little of the right arm numbness, and it seems I have to do just a little work to keep it from sliding around, detracting from the playing. Otherwise, this guitar is fantastic. I'll experiment with the strap while seated.

I am just wondering if there are some other Jacksons I should check out... I borrowed my friend's Strat, and it is really well balanced, but I really don't care for the way a traditional Strat looks. That's why I asked about the Soloist - seems like a more serious Strat for rock, without the ugly pickguard.

Thanks again.

[JerEvil]

I played my KE2 sitting down, but with a strap as I mentioned. It felt great. I never thought the guitar played very comfortably sitting down until I used the strap. Also, with my kelly I used a leather strap which helps with the whole neck dive issue.

[gregc]

+1 on that; the Warrior I had was easily the most comfortable guitar to play sitting down.

+ another 1 for the warrior.

[Cygnus X1]

As with so many other things, such as styles in sports...it's the early training.
I learned when I was very young. I would hang out on the couch and plink away at the guitar, doing scales, while seated. Then I would later on record stuff while sitting on my bed, for hours on end. Then the friend I taught, he always wanted to stand up. When we started a high school band, he could play better than I because I struggled with playing with a guitar slung over my shoulder. I got used to it, but learned my lesson. I still play better sitting down. None of my guitars have straps on them, because I don't gig out anymore.

[demeyes]

I really can't stand Rhoads or King v shapes sitting down. Even with it between my legs and with a raised leg I still feel out of position and it feels like I'm still holding the neck up, which I hate.
I like strat shapes for sitting down but it;d love to try a warrior sometime for it.

[Bob From Accounting]

I prefer Kelly and soloist bodyshapes and i sit in the classical position. The Kelly can slide around a little bit, so the Soloist shape is what i prefer when sitting down. Btw i don't use straps.

I can't play V shaped guitars well, sitting down. There's no horn below the neck or inward arch so you can rest the guitar on your left leg and no horn above the neck so you can't let the upper horn rest against your chest, because there is none. So you constantly have to hold/support the guitar with your fretting hand.

I suggest you look at the high end Soloist and Dinkys if the Kelly is bothering you.