Question: How does sitting position affect my classical guitar technique?
Your sitting and guitar position affects all aspects of your classical guitar technique. It is essential to succeeding in classical guitar studies. Whenever I examine any technique skill in a student I always start by inspecting their sitting position and guitar angles.
Here are some common playing elements that are usually improved by small adjustments to positioning:
- Wrist and Posture Ergonomics – Healthy positioning can be much more ergonomic and stop dangerous bends in the wrists, should and neck pain, spine and back issues, and more.
- Horizontal Stretch or Reach – With a proper position students can ofter accomplish much further reach and stretches.
- Vertical Stretch – Playing on the 6th and 1st string can be difficult but is much easier when the guitar is angled properly.
- Barre Chords (using gravity) – A good position allows gravity and the weight of the arm and hand to help with barre technique.
- String Clearance – Combining finger curvature and good guitar positioning will allow for better clearance.
- Perceived Scale Length (guitar size) – A steeper guitar angle can make your guitar feel closer and even smaller.
Tips and Lessons Regarding Guitar Position
Check this this lesson on: 6 Common Technique Problems Solved with a Better Guitar Position (video below).
You might also want to see my full Lesson on Guitar Position Classical Guitar Position (How to Sit and Hold the Guitar).
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