Posture, Seating, Etc.

[Danno]

Tried a couple of searches but didn't seem to turn up much, so apologies in advance if this is a topic that's been beaten to death.

Anyway, just curious: do you practice standing or seated? Do you work on keeping a good posture? I always play seated because the sciatica in my left leg gets bad if I stand for too long. I have a tendency to hunch over, too.

Anybody have any recommendations for guitar stools or practice chairs, etc? I looked around a bit on the net and a lot of the products didn't strike me as being all that comfortable (like a lot of bar stool style stuff, with a rung around the lower portion instead of a foot rest surface). I use an old office chair (without arms) which is far from ideal.

It's also occurred to me that this is one of those posts you write when you're old. Sigh.

[Newc]

I try to practice standing up, but many times I'll sit (getting older )

And yes, I hunch over, but then I've done that since 4th grade (I was the tallest kid in class, teacher made me slump down so I wouldn't tower over the other kids - thanks for 30 years of back trouble, ignorant cow).

Unfortunately, playing guitar sitting down does not conform to the idealogy of ergonomics, so you'll have to figure out what works best for you.

[Jayster]

when I practice sitting down I'll rest the guitar on my left leg (vs. the right as most players) I feel more comformtable that way ,espicially for scales and speed picking - however 85% of the time standing
I feel that posture is very important to be aware of - long term sloppy habits can lead to different injuries.
When I'm sitting I use a regular bar stool .
hope this helps

[Tim]

If I'm noodling around on my Pod, then I sit cross-legged on my bed (well, technically it's just a mattress on the floor) so I'm a bit hunched over then. When I'm playing through my amp I stand up, because when I do go through the amp I'm normally using a load of pedals or playing along to songs.

I don't really keep an eye on my posture, if I'm uncomfortable I move, but apart from that I don't bother.

[thetroy]

I practice standing 95% of the time. Sure it's easier to play sitting, but I don't sit on stage.

[jdr94]

I practice standing 95% of the time. Sure it's easier to play sitting, but I don't sit on stage.

+1

[Danno]

Thanks all for getting back!

[Newc]

I practice standing 95% of the time. Sure it's easier to play sitting, but I don't sit on stage.

Since I haven't been on a stage in years, it doesn't matter to me

Though I do prefer to stand to play. When I sit I find I'm raising my right shoulder and then come away with muscle strain. As well, my right leg goes to sleep on me

[Soap]

Learn to do both, play sitting down and standing up.
Unless, someone has medical reason/s for correct posture while sitting, they are thinking way too much about it.

[thetroy]

Though I do prefer to stand to play. When I sit I find I'm raising my right shoulder and then come away with muscle strain. As well, my right leg goes to sleep on me

yeah mine does that too. If I play sitting down I have to get up every couple of minutes anyway - might as well just stand up in the first place!

[wilkinsi]

I prefer to sit down. I get too tired standing up. I'm getting old before my time.

[OnlineStageGear]

I position my guitar while sitting and adjust my strap snug. Then whenI stand up my guitar is still in the same place on my body.

[guitarsjb]

I mostly practice standing up also.

[horns666]

I always lay down while practicing or jamming..its more comforatble this way!!

[kalapoka]

if you have back problems (i do) and want not to aggravate it, play in the "classical" position...sit on a straight backed chair, and if you are right handed player then raise your left leg with something underneath it (maybe a small tool or box)...this is the best 'healthy' position....
However, i've found out (IMO) that this style often prevents me to really DIG in into my playing and be expressive or emotional...i've seen that my bends, vibrato becomes a bit robotic...so what i do is combine the two postures...if my back starts to hurt i go back to the classical position. May be you can try it too.
hope this helps.