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Posture problems
I keep going back to the early posture lesson but I keep finding that as a righty, with my GS Mini sitting on my right thigh and the neck parallel to the deck that neck is too far from my body for my left hand to fret properly. To open the gap between my palm and the bottom of the neck puts my wrist at a sharp angle. Root cause… my belly is in the way. Any suggestions? Thank you.
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8 Replies
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I would suggest not having the neck parallel to the deck. I hold mine with an upward angle, thus changing the angle of the wrist. I would also recommend a strap if you don’t play with one. A GS Mini is pretty small, and sitting on the right knee may make it lower than one would normally play. When I start to get slack in my strap, I know I’m bending over more than I should, and I then adjust my posture.
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Thanks Skyman, I use a strap but may shorten it a bit. The neck angled up is much more natural feeling and was the way I played until I saw Tony’s video.
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Hi @KnottyJim that’s a great question!! The way you hold your guitar can be very individualized for sure. I’d say there’s 2 basic sitting positions, one is with the guitar on your left knee (or on your picking side), and the neck horizontal. The other way is the more classical posture, with the guitar on your right knee (strumming side) and the neck tilting about 45 degrees. (Low E tuner should be about eye level). The classical posture is usually a bit more ergonomic, easier to reach notes and easier on your fretting hand. Also there’s playing while standing too. I would try them all out and use whichever way is most comfortable for you. Don’t forget to take frequent stretch breaks (helps as we get older, hehe)
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Many thanks Carol-3M-Stillhand.
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@KnottyJim I have to agree that angling it more as a classical guitar is held and played should be much more comfortable and will bring your arm in and will be closer to your body over all.
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I appreciate the feedback Loraine!
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I have a suggestion: It is a whopper but it will save your neck shoulders and back. Learn to play by feel not by sight. My posture problems (discs pushing on nerves in neck and back) went by the bye when is stopped looking at my fingers. This would allow you to move the guitar body (playing with a strap) under your right arm pit pushing the fret board and neck to the centerline of you body. Learning guitar is difficult. Finding the way to spend hours and hours in one position even tougher…take many breaks. Even standing and stretching is helpful 3,4 times and hour. The last suggestion I have is start working you finger flexibility. This includes wrist, elbow, and shoulder as they all relate to your hand. Your wrist break angle can be greatly reduced in that extended position you mentioned, by changing the break angle in your fingers. Ideally you would be able to touch the pads of your fretting fingers to that first joint between the finger and the hand. This will put you on the tips of your fingers, to be sure. There is a work around for everything. Keep us posted on what you find!
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Thanks Jumpin’ for the thoughtful response. Gotta keep pushin on.
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