Hello
This might seem a bit of a daft question, but here goes....I've been playing bass guitar for around 30 years (ages, since I was 15) and got on very well with it. I've played it in concert/gig/performance situations both standing up and sitting (orchestras, etc) so I'm obviously comfortable holding it and playing it. I've just done a check and my posture standing or sitting is basically the same, as it relates to hand positions, angle of neck, etc etc. (Its a Fender Jazz Bass).
Now, today I bought a Les Paul (copy), I originally learnt how to play the (6 string) electric guitar before I switched to bass and for a little while I've wanted to return to playing it. I went to a couple of music shops and tried a number of guitars, including an SG (copy) and a Telecaster but I really wanted a Les Paul. And based on the sound, I bought one. When I was in the shop I didn't have any issues getting comfortable and playing it, albeit badly because I haven't played one for about 30 yrs!!! But now I'm home, for the life of me I can't sit down and get into a comfy posture with it. Standing up, its fine. But if I sit down, its curve at the bottom is in the wrong place. If I put it on my right thigh (nearest the bridge) its too far to the right; and if I put it on the other, too far left and it slides off too. Or I can kinda prop it on my thigh with the outlet socket directly on my leg (with a right angle cord) and tilt it in the air, to about 60deg or so. Imagine like a Spanish guitar technique/player might do it.
Any solutions to this issue, or am I resigned to playing it stood up all the time? Or should I just buy a Telecaster LOL (lovely guitars, but not the same, or desired sound for me, unfortunately).
Comments
Les Pauls are probably the best looking solid guitar there is - but an ergonomic nightmare for me....
I guess I could just always play it stood up? I can't see a situation where I need (rather than want) to play it sitting, unless there's a nearby orchestra who are doing the "Bond theme tune" or something and they're desparate for someone to do the guitar riff on that - That would be a lot of fun, I'd jump at the chance to do that!!!
Or maybe I could ignore the advice to develop a "correct" posture, and simply learn to play it in a number of different postures - but it kinda goes against common sense, and goes against making life easy & comfortable for yourself so you can concentrate on other more important aspects of playing and enjoy it more etc.
It was just a little thing I'd not really properly noticed, until I looked on Youtube for guitar lessons (after having dismissed the absolutel rubbish eMedia lessons which come free with the guitar!!!) and found an informative video. He mentioned that the posture should be the same standing/sitting - which makes sense.
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