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Why do so few use the classical guitar position?
Seems like it very uncommon for players, other than classical guitar players, to use the classical guitar position. I’m referring to having the guitar pointed up more and on the left leg if you’re right handed.
Is there a reason for this?
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11 Replies
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@NW7 I play classical, so I understand your question very well. Especially since I adopt the same style even when playing my steel string. The reason why is just because of comfort as I have 2 bum shoulders. But another good reason is that with the neck at a 45 degree angle (The classical position) it’s a little easier to fret those difficult chord shapes. So it’s whatever works best, for whatever reason.
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Good answer @Carol-3M-Stillhand.
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It’s mostly a comfort thing but I also think the fact that players of more popular music styles tend to stand and play to their audiences may be part of it. Try both ways out and you’ll see which works/is more comfortable to you @NW7 .
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When I started playing guitar, @NW7 , I knew nothing about guitar. I had never seen anyone playing guitar in the classical style. But I had seen literally thousands of performers with the guitar held horizontally. Then, when I started playing guitar as an adult, I learned from a book. That book very clearly showed the “correct” way to hold the guitar, and it was horizontally. I played over a period of 20 years before coming to TAC and learning about other ways to play guitar, including classical. So why wouldn’t I change once I heard about this way that seems superior? Because there is not one single guitar player whose music I love that plays that way. If it’s good enough for George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, oh, and then I learned about Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, yeah, it’s good enough for me.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. 😎
PS, no single person can give you any other story than their own, even if that includes a lot of information they got from other players. So, you asked an opinion question. My opinion is that most people had an experience similar to mine, they imitate what they have seen. But again, I can’t say I really know the answer to your question because I don’t know why other people do what they do.
MG 😀
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I don’t have a box readily available to raise my leg so I generally don’t. But it is easier on the body so I wish I wouldn’t be so lazy.
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@albert_d just scrounge around for an empty Amazon shipping box of the appropriate size…. Or a stack of books? I think once you try it you’ll find it quite comfortable.
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I find that I can only play in the classical position comfortably at this point after 9 months of playing. I think this is due to the fact that when I tried playing 30 years ago I had a Gibson Explorer I bought used from a friend. You basically had to play in the classical style when seated. So I am pretty sure that is why it felt natural when I decided to start playing again. I do try playing with the guitar on my right leg as well after I have something memorized just to change it up.
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Books or boxes are fine but an adjustable guitar foot stool is only a few bucks.
Some rockers have their guitars hanging around their knees, but some pros use a much more classical position even while standing. Experiment, whatever works!
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The dreadnaught is the best selling body size guitar and its a bit big for the classical position. Most classical guitars are a bit smaller and easier to hold that way
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Good question @NW7 I’d guess that the “folk” style is the position that most of us see popular players using. Lately I’ve been watching for this and have seen a number of excellent flat pickers including Ron Block of Union Station play in the classical style. There is a very popular book by Jamie Andreas “The Principles of Correct Practice For Guitar”. in which she strongly advises that everyone should begin learning guitar using the classic style.
Which to choose? Like so many things with guitar & life….it depends 🤠
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So interesting to find this after a longer than I like break. I developed shoulder pain…I hate to say it but I think I worked to hard on bar chords and it exasperated something. I am quite sure I was throwing off my posture a lot. Anyway, the PT suggested I hold the neck up. I will be returning soon and will try. I know there is one member on here that holds his guitar like this that I remember seeing. Careful of working too hard!! Double edged sword!! Happy Holidays!
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