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Interestingly, forward sloping chairs are very difficult to come by (can somebody say
Quick Tips on Sitting with the Guitar
1. EXPERIMENT! EXPERIMENT! EXPERIMENT!
ex. Experiment with a forward sloping chair or a forward sloping posture (by means of tucking your feet underneath a horizontal chair, heels off the floor). The easiest way to have a forward sloping chair is to place a piece of wood under the back legs of your chair. You probably want to avoid backward sloping chairs. Seat cushioning should be comfortable but not too soft. Be wary of extremely hard chairs with no cushioning and overly cushioned chairs. Experiment with using and not using a backrest.
Sitting Trick #1: If you have a horizontal chair and don't like sitting with your legs tucked underneath, then just initially tuck your legs underneath until your upper torso swings forward like a pendulum. You spine will reach a more natural curve. Then bring your legs back to the untucked position by only moving your feet foreword; do not let your upper torso move back to a slumped position, although it may swing back a very small amount.
Sitting Trick #2: To figure out a good placement for your feet and thighs try this: Sit with your feet touching each other. Do the same with your knees. Now, let go of the tension in your legs. Your knees and thighs will naturally move away from each other and point outward. The result is about the angle and placement you want for you thighs and knees. You can then move your feet under their respective knees/thighs. Point your feet in the same direction as your knees/thighs.
2. Try to sit with the entire body in a symmetrical position while still making minor movements and adjustments. Sitting well yet too rigidly makes for poor pressure distribution. Also, try wearing loose clothing as to allow for easier movement.
3. Foot stool users can experiment with a flat footstool or forward sloping footstool. If you use a strap, try tying one end to the headstock, not the upper bout, as this will take weight off the left shoulder.
4. Be careful about where you place your music stand. Don't place it so that your head must tilt either forwards or backwards; tilt the music stand rather than the head. Music stands should not be too far away or too close, as to strain the eyes.
5. If you must see your hands while practicing experiment with looking straight into a mirror as opposed to manipulating the body in order to see your hands.
6. Get out of your chair and move! Take breaks, walk around, walk in place, stretch, etc. The human body does not like monotony.
7. Ask yourself: "Do I really need to sit as much as I do?" Writing in fingerings, visualization, and having deep and mischievous thoughts about guitar technique don't need to be done while sitting. Try them standing up or lying down.
8. Eat well and exercise. People in good shape are less likely to have back and neck problems.
9. Be happy. People who can reduce the amount of stress in their lives are less likely to have back and neck problems. Exercise can also alleviate stress.
10. Don't let impatience be your master. Often guitarists feel that they must be making physical contact with the strings in order to be progressing. Taking a day to work on your sitting position with and without the guitar is just as valid as spending a day working on your rest stroke, composing, reading, writing, watching a film, and thinking about special people. Guitar isn't everything (I believe it's a reflection of life, so you have to understand life and humanity -ironically, many musician's don't have a clue) and you will actually play better as soon as you realize that. But, that's not an excuse to not practice!
מקווים אזרנו במשהו.
