Sitting Position
Due to the obvious anatomical differences in each individual there has existed the opinion that every player’s sitting position must be different. Although there is some truth in this, you must realise that there are always certain rules which should be learned. When these rules are well understood they can be interpreted as desired. The end result should be for the guitar to be an extension of the player’s body and not, as is often the case, an object to be fought with even before one note is played.
Important Rules
It is most important for you to always practice with the same chair and footstool height and to place the footstool approx. 6" away from the left leg of the chair. Always sit on the front edge to avoid knocking the lower bout of the guitar against the chair. (see photo. 1).
The chair and footstool height should enable your left thigh to slope down at a slight angle towards the body (see photo. 1). The left leg should be at right angles to the floor (see photo. 2) and should not be allowed to be pushed away by the guitar.
Viewed from the side (photo. 1) the back should be straight, head relaxed and not leaning forward over the guitar.
Viewed from the front (photo. 2), the body should be straight and upright, the guitar resting at approx. 400 to the floor so that the head of the guitar is just below eye level but not too horizontal.
Photo 1
Left leg has slight downward slope (as indicated by dotted line).
Photo 2
Left leg is at right angle to floor. The guitar head just below eye level.
The right leg should be placed so that the foot is directly under the guitar (photo. 2). The foot should not be flat on the floor, as this upsets your balance by pushing you to the left, which may cause back· pains. Photo. 2 is a correctly balanced position. Photo. 3 is incorrect.
Photo. 3:
Incorrect Sitting Position.
Guitar head too far below eye level.
Right foot incorrectly placed. left leg not at right angles.
Diagram 1: Sitting Position from Above.
Viewed from above (diag. 1), the guitar must be placed at a right angle to the left leg. Your upper body should be turned slightly to the left from the waist, to enable the upper bout of the guitar to rest against the right side only of your chest, and not flat against it. This is vitally important as only this position will allow total freedom of movement for the left arm and hand.
The angle of the upper arm in photo. 4 is 90° to the floor. In photo. 5 the left arm is being forced back due to 1. not turning from the waist and 2. keeping the guitar flat on the chest.
Photo 4:
Correct
Photo 5:
Incorrect.
Elbow Forced Backward.
Photo. 6: Points of Contact
If you follow the rules outlined above, the guitar will be supported in four positions:
1. the left leg (raised)
2. the right leg
3. the right arm (on the lower bout)
4. the right chest
The correct sitting position will provide a fixed position for the guitar and allow complete freedom of movement for the left arm.
