Standing or Sitting While Practicing?

[Paul]

As this link points out:


http://sixstringveteran.hubpages.com/hub/Sitting-or-Standing-The-Best-Way-to-Play-Your-Guitar


Jazz is usually played sitting down, certainly partly
due to the heavier hollow body guitars.

But I play a Strat, exclusively, and sometimes standing up
is better for putting on a bit of a show, or even to get into
the music a bit more.

But I'm finding some of the things I can easily reach while sitting
down, are a bit harder while I'm standing, even with the guitar
high-strung like I've seen Pat Martino do. I can actually get
used to standing up though, and I find if I can play something
while standing, I can easily play it while sitting. I'm sure
this is all due to my smaller hands, but it wouldn't surprise
me if even bigger-handed people have a preference too.

So do most of you pros, or semi-pros out there, practice
sitting down, and end up sitting down for the paying gigs?

Because we've all seen Jazz guitarists perform standing up...

[TD]

Mostly sitting, but I mostly stand up when I pee.

[Docbop]

My teacher says practice the way you play out so if you sit then sit, if you stand then stand. I find that makes a lot of sense. I've heard similar statement for other endeavors.

[ott...@hotmail.com]

Standing up for me, but I'll lean back against the kitchen counter or something if I'm feeling Lazy, I Always gig standing up for a regular gig.
If it's a marathon, 4 or more hours, I'll bring a folding bar stool to sit on for a bit.

I don't find Pat Martino's playing position High strung at all, my guitar headstock is about my eye level or so with an archtop.
Bg

[ott...@hotmail.com]

> > > > Because we've all seen Jazz guitarists perform standing up... Mostly sitting, but I mostly stand up when I pee.

For me Peeing while practising is mulpee tasking :-)

Bg

[Gerry]

On 2012-10-02 02:13:03 +0000, Docbop said:

> My teacher says practice the way you play out so if you sit then sit,
> if you stand then stand.

I concur. Particularly if you can sit on the gig.
--
Music is the best means we have of digesting time. -- W. H. Auden

[Paul]

On 10/1/2012 7:38 PM, ott...@hotmail.com wrote:
>>>>> Because we've all seen Jazz guitarists perform standing up... Mostly sitting, but I mostly stand up when I pee.
>
> For me Peeing while practising is mulpee tasking :-)
>

Yeah, but can you whack off on the Internet to some girl getting
naked in Russia, while practicing the Altered scale in all 12 keys
around the circle of fifths, while singing all the notes, while
picking your nose, ALL while sitting down??

It takes some practice....

[Paul]

On 10/1/2012 7:13 PM, Docbop wrote:
> My teacher says practice the way you play out so if you sit then sit, if you stand then stand. I find that makes a lot of sense. I've heard similar statement for other endeavors.
>

Yeah, that makes obvious sense. Again, I find if I can play it
standing, I can always play it easier sitting, but not the other way
around.

So I'll be standing for most of my practicing....

[Paul]

Well, he's certainly not Jimmmy Page low-slung! Damn, that dude
has long, skinny arms! haha!

I keep mine pretty high too. It's closer to the sitting down
position...not exactly the same angle, but closer.

[David Raleigh Arnold]

It is easier to play sitting, but you want to be able to
play standing too, for showmanship's sake. Regards, daveA

--
Guitar teaching materials and original music for all styles and levels.
Site: http://www.openguitar.com (()) eMail: d.raleig...@gmail.com
Contact: http://www.openguitar.com/contact.html"

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

I adjust the strap so that the guitar is at the same height whether I sit or stand. This way, the guitar feels the same no matter how I decide to play. Often times I prefer to stand while I practice since I practice after getting home from a sedentary job. If I worked construction or was a professional marathon runner, I would probably practice sitting down more often than not.

> Contact: http://www.openguitar.com/contact.html"

[lukejazz]

I sit when I practice - it helps me focus on the music better, rather than devoting energy to standing up. I don't really need to practice standing up - I've been doing this kind of thing way too long to worry about that.

In performance - standing does give me more energy, but sitting gives me more accuracy.

I've got both stand up and sit down gigs.

For concerts/festivals when I'm leading, I usually stand up. I'm not usually doing much reading on those and it helps me to be able to lead the group if I'm standing. All others (restaurants/side man) I sit down as it's either more casual or I have to to read some of the music.

I wear the guitar in such a way as it's the same or very close to the same either standing or sitting.

Luke

[TD]

We sit when we sit and we stand when we stand. After a half century of playing guitar, we should be able to play just as well, sitting, standing, or lying on our backs. It's *what* and *how* we play that is important. Is it not? I would imagine so.

-TD

[Carl]

While the article you posted was very thorough and covered many guitar
styles, to my surprise it missed a significant guitar style actually
apparently coming into vogue now: gypsy jazz.

Gypsy jazz players generally use acoustic archtops, most of which are
extremely light in weight (averaging at around 4 lbs) partly because they're
built more like flattops, I think.

In any case, you would be hard pressed to find a gypsy guitar with even a
rear strap button on it, leaving no way to attach a strap at all. Gypsy jazz
is always played sitting down despite the light weight of the guitars.

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

That's a very good point. I suspect that one of the reasons for this is that gypsy guitars tend to be quite deep, much like flattops (as you noted), and I find that the deeper the guitar the more uncomfortable it is to play while standing.

Something else that comes to mind is that a lot of the gypsy traditions including flamenco, feature dancers, so the musicians are complementary performers that don't want to be featured by standing.

[Gerry]

On 2012-10-02 13:31:42 +0000, Klatu Verata Necktie said:

> I adjust the strap so that the guitar is at the same height whether I
> sit or stand. This way, the guitar feels the same no matter how I
> decide to play.

Pretty much my view: I play with no strap while sitting, but use a
strap while standing to keep the guitar at the same height it is when
I'm sitting.

[Gerry]

On 2012-10-02 15:14:36 +0000, Carl said:

> In any case, you would be hard pressed to find a gypsy guitar with even
> a rear strap button on it, leaving no way to attach a strap at all.

There's the the style of strap used by classical players.

> Gypsy jazz is always played sitting down despite the light weight of
> the guitars.

Which makes the buttons and straps irrelevant.

[GuyB]

Would you agree that a lot of players, including myself, use a guitar strap to hold the guitar in position while seated.

Also, this may seem esoteric, but I think there is a difference in the tone of the guitar between seated and standing, this also depends on how the guitar is held against the player's body. Record yourself playing and hear for yourself.
Guy

[Gerry]

On 2012-10-02 17:15:43 +0000, GuyB said:

>>> In any case, you would be hard pressed to find a gypsy guitar with even
>>> a rear strap button on it, leaving no way to attach a strap at all.
>>
>> There's the the style of strap used by classical players.
>>
>>> Gypsy jazz is always played sitting down despite the light weight of
>>> the guitars.
>>
>> Which makes the buttons and straps irrelevant.
>

> Would you agree that a lot of players, including myself, use a guitar
> strap to hold the guitar in position while seated.

Can't say what "a lot" might be, but I know some who do. And I
certainly agree that you do, as you just told me so!

> Also, this may seem esoteric, but I think there is a difference in the
> tone of the guitar between seated and standing, this also depends on
> how the guitar is held against the player's body. Record yourself
> playing and hear for yourself.

I agree: esoteric. I play hollowbody almost exclusively these days but
have played a lot of nylon and archtop over my lifetime. I've not heard
any notable change in timbre with guitars played with/without straps.

I suppose avoiding contact with an acoustic would be possible. When it
comes to any change of timbre, I can't really say from a personal
experience. I think it would be quite awkward, sitting or standing, to
avoid the back resting against the torso. I know on very hot summer
days I've attempted to put the guitar on my thigh and outward a few
inches to avoid contact, but it isn't feasible. I don't know how it
would work standing up, except by bending over 10-15 degrees.

Relative to an aural difference, this strays dangerously close to the
infinite debate on whether the back and sides provide significant tonal
contribution to the soundboard, and which I wouldn't involve myself
again.

[ott...@hotmail.com]

I suppose avoiding contact with an acoustic would be possible. When it comes to any change of timbre, I can't really say from a personal experience. I think it would be quite awkward, sitting or standing, to avoid the back resting against the torso. I know on very hot summer days I've attempted to put the guitar on my thigh and outward a few inches to avoid contact, but it isn't feasible. I don't know how it would work standing up, except by bending over 10-15 degrees. Relative to an aural difference, this strays dangerously close to the infinite debate on whether the back and sides provide significant tonal contribution to the soundboard, and which I wouldn't involve myself again. --

I'm playing a Heritage H575(non Lam) and the other day I moved the back of the guitar away from my body to see if there was a differen and Wow, the was a huge difference acoustically in mid and bottom end when I did that.
I didn't bother to check what difference there would be when amplified, since I never use an amp at home, I'll check it out on my next gig tomorrow.

I guess that damping the back issue is why Freddie Green kept his guitar at the angle he did, to cut through the band.

Bg

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

The same goes for me. When I play acoustically, I hear a great difference when the guitar is up against my body and when it isn't. The difference in sound isn't quite there when played electrically.

[Gerry]

On 2012-10-02 19:44:45 +0000, ott...@hotmail.com said:

>> I suppose avoiding contact with an acoustic would be possible. When it
>> comes to any change of timbre, I can't really say from a personal
>> experience. I think it would be quite awkward, sitting or standing, to
>> avoid the back resting against the torso. I know on very hot summer
>> days I've attempted to put the guitar on my thigh and outward a few
>> inches to avoid contact, but it isn't feasible. I don't know how it
>> would work standing up, except by bending over 10-15 degrees. Relative
>> to an aural difference, this strays dangerously close to the infinite
>> debate on whether the back and sides provide significant tonal
>> contribution to the soundboard, and which I wouldn't involve myself
>> again. --
>
> I'm playing a Heritage H575(non Lam) and the other day I moved the back
> of the guitar away from my body to see if there was a differen and Wow,
> the was a huge difference acoustically in mid and bottom end when I
> did that.

It doesn't surprise me that there would be a difference for the
guitarist playing the guitar, but I'm unsure about a listener sitting
20 feet away.

> I didn't bother to check what difference there would be when amplified,
> since I never use an amp at home, I'll check it out on my next gig
> tomorrow.
>
> I guess that damping the back issue is why Freddie Green kept his
> guitar at the angle he did, to cut through the band.

[ic]

"Paul" <quill...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:k4d6tu$l7s$1...@dont-email.me...

> So do most of you pros, or semi-pros out there, practice
> sitting down, and end up sitting down for the paying gigs?

I had some shoulder/nerve problems I traced back to lengthy playing time
whilst sitting. Now I try to always play standing, or if sitting, for a very
limited time.
--

icarusi

[Klatu Verata Necktie]

Why would your shoulder pain be caused by playing in the seated position?

[Docbop]

>
>
>
> Why would your shoulder pain be caused by playing in the seated position?

I sit mainly and do get the shoulder/neck pain occasionally, but usually its because my strap has be riding up on shoulder or I've shifted position. So I move my strap down my shoulder and check my seating and pain goes away usually the next day.

[Mr Maj6th]

On Fri, 5 Oct 2012 12:36:15 -0700 (PDT), Klatu Verata Necktie
<solj...@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Tuesday, October 2, 2012 6:41:51 PM UTC-4, (unknown) wrote:
>> "Paul" <quill...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>
>> news:k4d6tu$l7s$1...@dont-email.me...
>>
>>
>>
>> > So do most of you pros, or semi-pros out there, practice
>>
>> > sitting down, and end up sitting down for the paying gigs?
>>
>>
>>
>> I had some shoulder/nerve problems I traced back to lengthy playing time
>>
>> whilst sitting. Now I try to always play standing, or if sitting, for a very
>>
>> limited time.
>>
>> --
>>
>>
>>
>> icarusi
>

Maybe he isn't using a chair.

Maj6th

[Bill Williams]

> >Why would your shoulder pain be caused by playing in the seated position?

> Maybe he isn't using a chair.

Exactly! Most doctors agree that paying attention to such apparently minor details can have a very significant impact on guitar-related discomfort.

[charlieguitar]

When playing gigs I've noticed that I have a lot less back troubles if I stand up rather than sit in a chair or on a stool. My theory is that you bend over farther when sitting down. Charlie

[TD]

For the higher intervals and then vice versa? Still the guitar accrues weight per time standing. Yet, I wouldn't want to be some stoolie.

[charlieguitar]

Lately I've been compromising by doing both, sitting on some and standing on others or just standing while soloing. I notice that Joe Pass did that also.The downside of standing is that your legs start going out on you. I guess that's why those rock cats danse around all night.
Charlie

[TD]

They danse around thinking it attracts chicks. What they do is to go on stage knowing that they need to take a leak.

[rpjazzguitar]

Partly depends on the guitar.

My Godin Multiac nylon is awkward sitting down because of the short lower bout and bridge in the middle of the body. The nut is way the hell out there to the left, and if you pull the entire guitar to the right, you find out what I meant by short lower bout. Not that it's so much better standing.

With Les Paul and L5S types, it made very little difference. I like the feel of the Strat sitting, but I think it could be comfortable either way.

The D'A EXDC felt more comfortable sitting.

[Gerry]

On 2012-10-08 01:39:29 +0000, rpjazzguitar said:

> My Godin Multiac nylon is awkward sitting down because of the short
> lower bout and bridge in the middle of the body. The nut is way the
> hell out there to the left, and if you pull the entire guitar to the
> right, you find out what I meant by short lower bout. Not that it's so
> much better standing.

That's a shame. Some guitars simply don't work for everybody. Let's
face it, you probably just got screwed on that Godin. It happens to all
of us sooner or later. You can wash your hands of the thing; just send
it to me and finally get a good night's sleep! Hell--I'll even pay
shipping so you won't feel you were taken advantage of!

[charlieguitar]

One should not confuse dansing with dancing they are completely different art forms. Charlie

[Mr Maj6th]

One should not confuse dansing with dancing they are completely
different art forms.

Charlie

I tried dansing a couple of times but I just couldn't understand the
concept and I couldn't find a good pair of dansing boots.

Maj6th

[TD]

You guys never hear of Danse Du Ventre? I bet y'all thought you had me.

[ott...@hotmail.com]

I tried dansing a couple of times but I just couldn't understand the > > concept and I couldn't find a good pair of dansing boots. > > > > Maj6th You guys never hear of Danse Du Ventre? I bet y'all thought you had me.

Ah, google Is my friend, thanks for that.
Bg