I can't understate how valuable for me this little tip was. I'd been forcing myself to play with the guitar on my right thigh as this was "how everyone did it". Although it never felt natural, I did it anyway - and now I've got elbow issues. This helps explain that injury! I'm "Liona Boyding" it from now on! Thanks!
I always play like this because when it's on my right leg, I simply can't reach the high notes. The classical position is the only one that works for me. Oh, and who cares about the looks? Well, I don't. I'd rather impress with skills rather than looks.
I'm starting back to learning guitar. This has been on my mind before, and I'm going to continue learning using the classical position from now on. I also have long arms so classical is just much more comfortable
I totally agree with all your points. I play on my left knee and I tried to put the guitar on right knee like most of the people but whenever I tried I feel uncomfortable and paid in my back. I just came back to play with the guitar on my left knee and to be I experienced all your advices.
Excellent! i am currently beginning to practice again and it helps me to hold the guitar in that position to get my little finger to reach the strings at th left hand. I dont find it nerdy to do that. What matters is that you can play the music you want and and relaxed in your body
I have been looking for a video explaining this for days. It is crazy how something that basic is not properly explained anywhere. Thanks for creating this video.
great lesson!!! very underrated topic!!! I have short fingers so I apply the LOWEST strap level(physical for me) possible to do my hardest exercises.Then I slow the metronome to agonizing slow paces like 55-60 non.After an hour I put the strap to a classical style position I find I have CONTROL over my technique.The lesson you posted is great cause LIVE PLAYLING means YOU CAN'T ALWAYS SEE THE FRETBOARD.....peace LOVE @ YA!!!
I actually made a very interesting revelation about this: by moving your guitar further to the left or right (which ever hand is your dominant) your picking hand muting is much much much more affective and movement is so much more fluid.
For people like me with long arms, it is mostly the position of the right humerus (upper arrm) that holds an awkward position when playing sitting down with the guitar on the right knee. Switching the guitar to the left leg, or simply play standing up, feels much better for both arms and wrists. I honestly do not know why I see the majority of people playing with the guitar on the right leg instead
I just started a month ago and all the online tutorials i’ve seen hurts my wrist so bad. I can def play and practice longer with the classical position. Also hides my gut well. Haha. Now is the era to be a cool nerd anyway.
Thanks for the video. It does address potential elbow injury concerns, but you didn't talk at all about other potential injuries due to bad/inappropriate posture/positions...I have a strained thumb that I keep reinjuring because of some technique problem that I can't quite sort out. I think it is two-fold...sitting & playing too close to my body and squeezing the neck, rather than trying to apply the correct downward, light, tip-of-the-finger pressure. I'd love to see a more thorough video on more potential problems, rather than just the one.
This is the position I learned to play correctly and useful. If you play weird shaped guitars like the Gibson Flying V, classical position makes it easier to play sitting down.
My first lessons were in classical guitar, and I learned to always keep the left elbow "out;" i.e. somewhat distant from the body. This was to facilitate keeping the thumb right on the back of the neck. But there are maneuvers in electric guitar (e.g. stretch vibrato) that seem quite difficult without wrapping the thumb up and around the top of the neck. Should I try to keep my thumb behind the neck, or accept that classical and electric are different styles?
You don’t understand how much this made me think on my playing, I always played on my right leg but it would always make my shoulder uncomfortable, but anytime I would go to the classical position I wouldn’t feel that anymore I always thought that I would always had to put my guitar on my right leg, but after seeing thing when I playing in the “classical” position it’s so much better so thank you lots 🤟🤟🤟SUBSCRIBED
Thanks man now i understand why my first electric guitar performance was a bust i know you might not have enough time but i am struggling with guitar effects help me my friend
I stand up to practice as much as I can. I'm not a classical guitarist, so I don't see the point of practicing sitting down when I'll be performing standing up. As for the strap length and playing position, I'll adjust the length of the strap so that the guitar feels comfortably balanced against my body. Seeing as though I'll be lugging it on stage for an extended period of time, it needs to feel as unobtrusive as possible. Suprisingly, this meant that I've strung the guitar way down low, with the result minimal impact on my elbows, wrists and joints. I can only suggest people absorb what Claus is saying and apply it until they find what works best for them -there isn't one single method that fits all. Cheers.
how do you do yhat at 1:55 / 2:05 ? i cant figer out that kind of playing its so fast im practicing 4 weeks now start knowing the barre chords and know the open chords and some scales.. and the spider practice i began with
Well, it seams you have unfortunately forgot the TWISTED spine (vertebral column), it starts to matter at least above 50 years, but then it might become very painful. Shoulders are the next problem and most veteran masters have one shoulder lover then the other one, this is also leading to more tension in spine.
I agree the comment on the back twisting. Also, I can't figure out how to have the neck steady in this position without a strap. And with a strap, the neck sits back to my shoulder, which means more twisting to see what I'm doing. If it wasn't for the neck issue, it seems like setting it on your right leg is a nice compromise.
+Lewis Stanford Take that back about the right leg. If you put on right leg, your elbow angle is below 90 degs - not that it matters because of the neck issue anyway.
Great video on technique, its how I'm going to learn, However most of my Rock Metal heroes, mostly I find the upper cut of the guitar usually lines up, with the bottom of their ribcage, make a strange ovalish shape. Older 80,s did the thing the NWOBHM era
When you play with the guitar on your left leg you are forced to turn you body to the left and your picking arm is also extended around. Shortly after playing way you get pain in your right arm shoulder blade, any ideas how to fix this?
I now keep changing positions, because after training many hours for months with the guitar on my left leg, it kinda injuried my leg muscle and it really hurts. So I keep chaning positions so it does not strain my leg blood flow again.
*its's a Mahogany Super Strat, but with a round and very thin profile. So it very strong pressure where it sits. Not enough to hurt in the beginning, but after hundreds of hours it got really painful... So keep it safe, guys! :)
Great video! I'm kinda struggling with my playing position but with my back.I play with the guitar in my left leg but my back starts to hurt and make me feel unconfortable when I want to play with my back straight (which I guess is the right position).I don't know if you have some advice to me, I'll thank you a lot man, please!
I use a bar stool because it's cushioned, and it has cross-bars halfway up which I use to put my left foot on. You'll need to elevate your left knee. But in general, don't use anything that slants back, like a comfy chair.
I found a really comfortable office chair at my local OfficeMax- it's great because it is totally adjustable and the arms of the chair both flip up out of the way so it's like a stool- can adjust the tilt, the hight and it can lean back too. Mesh back and seat- you'll be able to find something similar at an office supply store- just remember the arms have to flip out of the way.
Or... and bear with me for a min... you can practice not giving a shit if others think you look funny playing the guitar in the classical position. I would rather have a long and healthy playing lifetime with the guitar, free from pain, than to bend to the expectations of others in how I'm supposed to look.
Always remember we must repent of our sins (sin is transgression The Law Of Yahuah The Father in Heaven. The Law are The Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy). We must repent of our sins and Have Belief On Yahusha The Messiah. HE Died and Rose three days later so that we can be forgiven of our sins! Come to HIM Today. Much love!
I have been looking for a video explaining this for days. It is crazy how something that basic is not properly explained anywhere. Thanks for creating this video.
![Tee Grizzley - Detroit (Feat. 42 Dugg) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/aeKfTtt0x14/mqdefault.jpg)
I can't understate how valuable for me this little tip was. I'd been forcing myself to play with the guitar on my right thigh as this was "how everyone did it". Although it never felt natural, I did it anyway - and now I've got elbow issues. This helps explain that injury! I'm "Liona Boyding" it from now on! Thanks!
I always play like this because when it's on my right leg, I simply can't reach the high notes. The classical position is the only one that works for me. Oh, and who cares about the looks? Well, I don't. I'd rather impress with skills rather than looks.
Just hit this now, I moved my guitar to my left leg and the difference was night and day
The propped up left foot was the piece of the puzzle that I was missing. Thanks, man.
I'm starting back to learning guitar. This has been on my mind before, and I'm going to continue learning using the classical position from now on. I also have long arms so classical is just much more comfortable
I totally agree with all your points. I play on my left knee and I tried to put the guitar on right knee like most of the people but whenever I tried I feel uncomfortable and paid in my back. I just came back to play with the guitar on my left knee and to be I experienced all your advices.
Excellent! i am currently beginning to practice again and it helps me to hold the guitar in that position to get my little finger to reach the strings at th left hand. I dont find it nerdy to do that. What matters is that you can play the music you want and and relaxed in your body
I have been looking for a video explaining this for days. It is crazy how something that basic is not properly explained anywhere. Thanks for creating this video.
great lesson!!! very underrated topic!!! I have short fingers so I apply the LOWEST strap level(physical for me) possible to do my hardest exercises.Then I slow the metronome to agonizing slow paces like 55-60 non.After an hour I put the strap to a classical style position I find I have CONTROL over my technique.The lesson you posted is great cause LIVE PLAYLING means YOU CAN'T ALWAYS SEE THE FRETBOARD.....peace LOVE @ YA!!!
2:01 that face tho 😂😂
Haha yeah that was great
I feel like this is one of this guy's most under rated videos
I actually made a very interesting revelation about this: by moving your guitar further to the left or right (which ever hand is your dominant) your picking hand muting is much much much more affective and movement is so much more fluid.
Super helpful! This is exactly what I needed!
Great tutorial
Totally correct mate
Man you look a bit like Brad Pitt
Yeah, he's Brad Britt 🤔
i was abt to say the same lmao
and elon musk
For people like me with long arms, it is mostly the position of the right humerus (upper arrm) that holds an awkward position when playing sitting down with the guitar on the right knee. Switching the guitar to the left leg, or simply play standing up, feels much better for both arms and wrists. I honestly do not know why I see the majority of people playing with the guitar on the right leg instead
I just started a month ago and all the online tutorials i’ve seen hurts my wrist so bad. I can def play and practice longer with the classical position. Also hides my gut well. Haha. Now is the era to be a cool nerd anyway.
Hey man! Love your advices and the approach of your lessons, keep going! :)
Thanks for the tip about the right arm elbow. I have experienced some tight sensation after playing and now I know why!
Thanks. This is very helpful. I just started really practicing a lot for the first time and so this may have saved me an injury. Peace.
Thanks for the video. It does address potential elbow injury concerns, but you didn't talk at all about other potential injuries due to bad/inappropriate posture/positions...I have a strained thumb that I keep reinjuring because of some technique problem that I can't quite sort out. I think it is two-fold...sitting & playing too close to my body and squeezing the neck, rather than trying to apply the correct downward, light, tip-of-the-finger pressure. I'd love to see a more thorough video on more potential problems, rather than just the one.
Thank you Mr. Brad Pitt Jr, that helped me a lot!
Great teaching ! decisive and to the point !!✌🏼️✌🏻️🎸🙏🏻💯
This Position is good when you want to play while standing. The guitar have a similiar postion
This is the position I learned to play correctly and useful. If you play weird shaped guitars like the Gibson Flying V, classical position makes it easier to play sitting down.
Thanks, valuable info for sure. Hint to young people - nerding is usually a good thing. 😎
Thank you for your insights!
I know this video is 7 years old but I found it for whatever reason. I wanted to say that guitar is gorgeous!
Thank you!!..🤠👍
i completely agree . thanx for sharing. this is why im a subscriber
Great explanation!
My first lessons were in classical guitar, and I learned to always keep the left elbow "out;" i.e. somewhat distant from the body. This was to facilitate keeping the thumb right on the back of the neck. But there are maneuvers in electric guitar (e.g. stretch vibrato) that seem quite difficult without wrapping the thumb up and around the top of the neck. Should I try to keep my thumb behind the neck, or accept that classical and electric are different styles?
David Bradley keeping left elbow out....important tip.
The greatest youtube guitar teacher! 💪💪💪
You don’t understand how much this made me think on my playing, I always played on my right leg but it would always make my shoulder uncomfortable, but anytime I would go to the classical position I wouldn’t feel that anymore I always thought that I would always had to put my guitar on my right leg, but after seeing thing when I playing in the “classical” position it’s so much better so thank you lots 🤟🤟🤟SUBSCRIBED
Ritchie Blackmore didnt hold the guitar low when he rocked, and he was the coolest looking guitarist on the planet.
Interesting and useful advice that certainly should help my practice. Thanks.
Thanks man now i understand why my first electric guitar performance was a bust i know you might not have enough time but i am struggling with guitar effects help me my friend
Always practiced that way TBH. The "off the hip" position has always felt horribly uncomfortable.
Thanks for lesson
Funny that the "classical" position is the same when we're standing up :)
When I sit down it is comfortable but when I stand up I can't play past the 12th fret very easily
I stand up to practice as much as I can. I'm not a classical guitarist, so I don't see the point of practicing sitting down when I'll be performing standing up.
As for the strap length and playing position, I'll adjust the length of the strap so that the guitar feels comfortably balanced against my body. Seeing as though I'll be lugging it on stage for an extended period of time, it needs to feel as unobtrusive as possible. Suprisingly, this meant that I've strung the guitar way down low, with the result minimal impact on my elbows, wrists and joints. I can only suggest people absorb what Claus is saying and apply it until they find what works best for them -there isn't one single method that fits all.
Cheers.
Great info.
Great! Thanks.
how do you do yhat at 1:55 / 2:05 ? i cant figer out that kind of playing its so fast im practicing 4 weeks now start knowing the barre chords and know the open chords and some scales..
and the spider practice i began with
That is a sexy strat
Well, it seams you have unfortunately forgot the TWISTED spine (vertebral column),
it starts to matter at least above 50 years, but then it might become very painful.
Shoulders are the next problem and most veteran masters have one shoulder lover then the other one, this is also leading to more tension in spine.
Good lesson! Abrupt ending!! Hehe
this is really case by case Guthrie govan always locks his arm
I agree the comment on the back twisting. Also, I can't figure out how to have the neck steady in this position without a strap. And with a strap, the neck sits back to my shoulder, which means more twisting to see what I'm doing. If it wasn't for the neck issue, it seems like setting it on your right leg is a nice compromise.
+Lewis Stanford Take that back about the right leg. If you put on right leg, your elbow angle is below 90 degs - not that it matters because of the neck issue anyway.
You know. I have been trying to switch back to "proper" right knee position and it is so painful and restrictive. I'm switching back.
Great video on technique, its how I'm going to learn, However most of my Rock Metal heroes, mostly I find the upper cut of the guitar usually lines up, with the bottom of their ribcage, make a strange ovalish shape. Older 80,s did the thing the NWOBHM era
When you play with the guitar on your left leg you are forced to turn you body to the left and your picking arm is also extended around. Shortly after playing way you get pain in your right arm shoulder blade, any ideas how to fix this?
Hi Sean. Place your guitar on your left leg. Classical style. Or stand up with a strap or a stand.
I now keep changing positions, because after training many hours for months with the guitar on my left leg, it kinda injuried my leg muscle and it really hurts. So I keep chaning positions so it does not strain my leg blood flow again.
*its's a Mahogany Super Strat, but with a round and very thin profile. So it very strong pressure where it sits. Not enough to hurt in the beginning, but after hundreds of hours it got really painful...
So keep it safe, guys! :)
God bless this man for giving answers, with reasoning. Not just the usual "do whatever works lol plzratecommentandsubscribe"
Great video! I'm kinda struggling with my playing position but with my back.I play with the guitar in my left leg but my back starts to hurt and make me feel unconfortable when I want to play with my back straight (which I guess is the right position).I don't know if you have some advice to me, I'll thank you a lot man, please!
Get an MBrace to hold the guitar for you! Your back will thank you for it! Also get a lighter guitar when playing on stage.
Please, what pick are you using? I have been struggling with this myself. Thank You!!
YES!!
Its best to PLAY the part
Dude the problem i have is tha if i have the guitar on my left leg i feel pain in my back and i can stay like this a long time😥
Can you have this position with less paul?
I learned on a classical guitar, and I can’t play guitar on my right leg.
I was going to thumbs up this video but then realized it was at 666 thumbs.
Testosterone Face 😂😂 You rock man!!
Man, there is a new world out there... you dont have to choose a position.
Try dropstrap, a guitar and bass strap adjuster
can I apply this for my mandolin playing position?
Oh, so that's why my elbow hurts!
any suggestion on comfortable chairs?
I use a bar stool because it's cushioned, and it has cross-bars halfway up which I use to put my left foot on. You'll need to elevate your left knee. But in general, don't use anything that slants back, like a comfy chair.
I found a really comfortable office chair at my local OfficeMax- it's great because it is totally adjustable and the arms of the chair both flip up out of the way so it's like a stool- can adjust the tilt, the hight and it can lean back too. Mesh back and seat- you'll be able to find something similar at an office supply store- just remember the arms have to flip out of the way.
Me: laughs in flying v
Or... and bear with me for a min... you can practice not giving a shit if others think you look funny playing the guitar in the classical position.
I would rather have a long and healthy playing lifetime with the guitar, free from pain, than to bend to the expectations of others in how I'm supposed to look.
Awesome advice. And who cares about "nerdy"? Hogwash... just observe Polyphia. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me!
Not how Johnny Marr does it…. LOL:-)
Calling all other guitar youtuber! Watch this video.
Gotta play low…man:-)
Always remember we must repent of our sins (sin is transgression The Law Of Yahuah The Father in Heaven. The Law are The Books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy). We must repent of our sins and Have Belief On Yahusha The Messiah. HE Died and Rose three days later so that we can be forgiven of our sins!
Come to HIM Today. Much love!
Oh yhea i dont want to look like a nerd holding the guitar like that, no thanks.
I have been looking for a video explaining this for days. It is crazy how something that basic is not properly explained anywhere. Thanks for creating this video.