There is both a lot of challenge and a lot of reward in learning to play the guitar, but first, you need to decide how you want to start playing. Is it harder to play guitar standing up? Certainly, it’s the best choice for rocking out. Looks aren’t everything, but they matter. After all, you won’t see many heavy metal, rock, or even pop guitarists sitting on a stool to play. That has always been more of a jazzy, bluesy posture. Ultimately, it’s always up to you, but your intentions and style should help guide your choices. I always recommend that you begin as you intend to go on, whether it’s easier or not. Still, I will walk you through the mechanics and details to help you decide.
Is it harder to play the guitar standing up? Playing the guitar while standing up is not harder. Although your feet will feel it after a while, it is typically less of a strain on your back. Unfortunately, most guitar players’ assume a hunched-over position when sitting down that puts tremendous pressure on the back and spine.
How To Hold A Guitar Standing Up
There are three basic rules to play while standing. Breaking any of these basics will make it harder to play your guitar standing up. When you first begin, it is more important to learn how to play correctly than it is to look cool.
The three things to keep in mind are posture, guitar height, and range of motion. Once you have the basics down, you can change and adapt these to suit your personal comfort and entertainment style.
Posture
Posture might seem like something finishing school girls worry about, but even rebels should avoid back problems. Good balance and stance will help you play better. Just as football players can benefit from ballet lessons, rockers can take a page from a model’s book.
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart or a little wider. Remember to pull your shoulders back slightly and keep your spine straight. Also, your toes should point directly ahead of you.
Your guitar should rest against your body. The wide end of your guitar will be lower than the neck and fretboard. Begin at a forty-five-degree angle and adjust for your body.
Guitar Height
Doubtless, you have seen famous musicians like Slash, who play the guitar slung super-low. Don’t try to emulate this. Developing your own comfort and style will happen in time. For now, you should focus on developing the skill.
Get a good, wide, adjustable strap. It would be best if you always have your strap on when playing anyhow, but a wider, padded strap makes it easy to play while standing. Three inches is ideal for most players.
To adjust your guitar, first, sit down with it. Start by adjusting the strap so your guitar sets in the same place it would if you were sitting. Once you master the basic position, you can easily use that adjustable strap to move up or down a few inches to suit your own comfort level.
Range Of Motion
Before you begin playing, it’s also important to check your range of motion. Make sure that neither your chord nor your guitar is in the way. You should be able to walk around freely.
Check your strap for any twists, and generally, make sure nothing is caught on anything else. Tie your shoes as well. You’d be surprised how often minor distraction has led to a broken instrument. Taking a few seconds to do a quick motion check can prevent painful and expensive accidents.
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Why Is It Hard To Play A Guitar Standing
If you are having more than usual difficulty playing your guitar while standing, it may not be the style that is the issue. People with movement problems or physical hindrances such as medical conditions may find it harder playing guitar while standing. Plus, when you learn sitting down, the change means your muscle memory doesn’t quite fit your stance.
Once you get past the differences, it’s not any harder for most people to play standing up. Moreover, many musicians tend to hunch over while sitting. Resultantly, a standing position is much easier on the back.
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Should I Learn To Play Guitar Sitting Or Standing
It’s not harder to play guitar standing up, so is it harder to play sitting? For some people, a seated posture causes slouching. Inevitably the bent-over posture causes back pain and muscle aches. Plus it takes away the range of motion and slightly changes the sound of the music.
Your ability to control your own body will determine which of these works best for you. In a standing position, you have more leeway to adjust your guitar’s location and height. Still, preexisting physical issues should always be a part of your decision-making process.
Realistically, it’s important to learn both styles of play. Since you never know what will happen, you will almost certainly need both techniques at some point. That said, start with the one you intend to use most often.
Those who haven’t yet decided their style adopt the play style that best suits the music you are learning first. If you’re playing flamenco (not an easy starting choice) or bluegrass, jazz, blues, or even country music, then have a seat. Alternatively, if you want to rock, or play punk, bang your head, or otherwise strut the stage more than anything, learn to do that from day one.
Should You Practice Playing Guitar Standing Up
It is absolutely vital to practice playing while standing. Unless you cannot or refuse to play in this position, you need to develop it. Unfortunately, your seated skills do not immediately translate to this change.
When you work on both styles, you become a more proficient and versatile musician. All the heavy metal dreams in the world won’t stop you from breaking an ankle and needing to sit awhile. Similarly, a jazzy, seated player could show up to a gig or jam session only to discover there’s no available seating.
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Most Comfortable Guitar To Play Standing Up
Some things were meant to go together, like electric guitars and playing standing up. Luckily, it’s not hard to learn this dynamic play style. However, when you have the right guitar, it will help.
Being on your feet for a long time can be a bit tough. As anyone who carried a heavy backpack on one shoulder in school can tell you, a balanced weight is crucial to your comfort. If you want to rock for hours, you need a well-balanced guitar.
Of course, it also helps to have a wide, comfortable strap. Look for something at least three inches across. More padding makes it easier to distribute the weight well, and you’ll be able to jam longer.
Unlike bulky classical guitars or wider, hollow-bodied acoustics, an electric is smaller. As a result, you get more freedom of motion. The ability to go where the music takes you is essential to a good performance, and all musicians are performing. Whether it is for your empty room or a sold-out arena, music is an entertainer’s art.
The Best Electric Guitar for Stand-Up Play
Ultimately, the classics are often the best version. Stand-up guitar playing is no exception. Thus, my nomination for the best guitar to play in this style is, without a doubt, the Jazzmaster.
I could wax philosophical and extol this guitar’s virtues for days. However, the Jazzmaster is one instrument that speaks for itself. Not only has this style stood the test of time, but when you hold it, you’ll understand why it’s a superior design. The weight, around eleven pounds, and feel of this electric are made for pacing a stage.
When you play on your feet, you need a six-string Squier by Fender Classic Vibe Jazzmaster Electric Guitar. This throwback, inspired by the rockers of the 1960s, is a piece of art on its own. However, the balance and shape of this superb, one-hundred-percent Fender-designed axe is just right for stand-up play. To get this superb instrument from Amazon, click here.
Final Thoughts
Play in the position that feels right to you. While standing up versus sitting down to play the guitar can impact how you feel at the end of long practice, the decision is yours. Great musicians should never limit themselves based on what most people do.
If you have trouble with your knees, feet, or ankles, sitting may be a better choice. However, standing up to play the guitar is likely the best path for those with back problems. When you have no particular health concerns, make sure to keep your posture while you play in any position.
I strongly suggest learning to play both standing and seated. After all, you never know where or how you may need to play in the future, so having both skills is a boon.