The seating position is a basic concept many guitar teachers overlook, but how one sits with the instrument can be an essential part of a player’s development. Of all the styles of guitar playing classical guitarists have the most uniform position in which they hold their instrument. One of the reasons for this is that classical guitarists, as opposed to other styles, have a significant pedagogic tradition (the art or science of teaching). These players recognize that the proper seating position can help: develop technique, easily balance the instrument and give the ability to survey the guitar when playing.
A traditional classical seating position involves sitting close to the edge of an armless chair and elevating the left leg with a footstool while holding the guitar.
When the guitar is held correctly it will come in contact with the body at four points: (1) on the side of the guitar where it is placed over the left leg (2) the lower bout as it “rests” against inner thigh of the right leg (3) the back of the guitar as it touches the chest of the player (4) on the top/side of lower bout when the right forearm is in playing position. This playing position enables the guitar neck to be angled upward much like when one is standing and playing allowing more freedom of movement in the fretting hand - the footstool is an important part of the seated position.
The classical seating position works for any style of guitar playing, it also helps support a “structured” approach to learning for young students.Whereas, each time a student sits down to practice they know how to sit, rather than sitting in a different position each time - it helps create cohesiveness for practice sessions. I have all my students use this seating position until they have developed a proficient technical facility and then allow them sit in a manner which they like. If your students are not sitting this way already, have them try it. It may seem a bit strange for them at first, but in the end it will prove most beneficial.
A traditional classical seating position involves sitting close to the edge of an armless chair and elevating the left leg with a footstool while holding the guitar.
When the guitar is held correctly it will come in contact with the body at four points: (1) on the side of the guitar where it is placed over the left leg (2) the lower bout as it “rests” against inner thigh of the right leg (3) the back of the guitar as it touches the chest of the player (4) on the top/side of lower bout when the right forearm is in playing position. This playing position enables the guitar neck to be angled upward much like when one is standing and playing allowing more freedom of movement in the fretting hand - the footstool is an important part of the seated position.
The classical seating position works for any style of guitar playing, it also helps support a “structured” approach to learning for young students.Whereas, each time a student sits down to practice they know how to sit, rather than sitting in a different position each time - it helps create cohesiveness for practice sessions. I have all my students use this seating position until they have developed a proficient technical facility and then allow them sit in a manner which they like. If your students are not sitting this way already, have them try it. It may seem a bit strange for them at first, but in the end it will prove most beneficial.
