Hello,
I've just watched "TF Lesson 003 Grip & Strap". Tomo Fujita mentions that using the strap is really important, but doesn't dive into that during the lesson.
I am writing this to ask for a foundational lesson on body position, guitar position, strap length adjustment, how to balance the weight of the guitar, and everything around that - as I think these may be common problems.
I usually play sitting, without a strap. Big mistake? I didn't know :(
Thank you very much if you may
Hello Edw-partscaster,
I assumed the comment on using a strap was intended to be a lesson on good body posture while playing. There are lots of ways to sit or stand while playing the guitar. Any of them should work fine as long as you are comfortable and you enjoy playing that way. Where the strap suggestion fits in for me is that it helps considerably to hold the guitar in a comfortable position while using a strap.
Personally I switch between many different body positions while playing. Standing while using a strap, sitting (with or without strap), guitar placed on right leg or left (depending on the type of chair I am in). What I have noticed works best for me is when I am in a position that has the guitar neck slightly upright, so that my fret hand is raised a few inches higher than my pick hand. When I play sitting with my acoustic I guess this would be called more of a "classical style" posture (instead of the "rock style" posture that holds the guitar nearly parallel to the floor).
When I play electric I use the strap always, no matter if I am sitting or standing. This is recent for me and I think it helps. The strap makes it easier for me to hold the guitar at the angle I prefer, and allows more range of movement for my left hand. Also seems to help with wrist tension when I have the neck higher, which makes it more comfortable to play for longer.
So to really answer your question of "Big mistake?" I would say, no, it is not a mistake on your part. If you are playing comfortably and you like how it feels to hold the guitar in your hands that way, it seems like it is working for you. But if you notice any strain or physical discomfort then please stop playing right away and either take a break or try to figure out if there might be a more comfortable way to hold the instrument.
I hope this helps!
Thank you very much for the thorough answer. It was really helpful and put my mind at ease.
Fact is, when I play my electric guitar - which is pretty much the only thing I've been playing lately - I cannot really hold it between my legs because the offset lower bout is too large to fit in between my legs.
When I play sitting I thus have to place my guitar on my right-hand side leg, and there the guitar naturally sits at an angle. I'd say, around 30 degrees to the floor. I'm very lucky my electric guitar is balanced like that (it's an offset guitar) So in the end, after having thought about it, I think I don't really need to wear a strap while sitting, if at all.
If I had a Strat, well... That would be another story, and maybe - as Tomo Fujita said during the lesson - I would need to strap it even while sitting down to keep it at a comfortable angle - but sadly, no Strat yet!
Here is Tomo's comment:
"Thanks so much for subscribing to my Guitar Wisdom. Having good posture and using a strap properly are very important parts of guitar playing and practicing in general. There are other Guitar Wisdom lessons (not just Lesson 3) that mention these topics -- usually as quick tips or reminders. There will be future lessons that include tips on posture and use of a strap."
That will be awesome!!! Thank you so much
I totally agree with Tomo on this, having a strap for beginner guitar learner like me is very useful. I used to struggle change from C-Am-F (barred chord)-G , without a strap the neck was sticking to my left hand. With the strap, changing Am open chord to F barred chord was much easier because my hand is light , no need to hold the neck.
finding the right strap is challenging. Too long, scratches my neck, etc. Either way my back aches after an hour sitting, and I still fuss with the strap a lot. I will figure it out. It is part of my journey. I thought the strap I had for my old Les Paul would work for my new telecaster, but it is long no matter what.
sitting, the strap should hold all the weight of the instrument, or just keep things steady?
Feeling awkward, like I should intuitively know these things. But the back pain can't be right. No strap, no back ache.
Hi Marcus,
At the guitar show I went to last Saturday there was a fellow who patented a guitar strap, which I decided to give a try. You might want to check these out because they swing wide around your neck to re-distribute the weight, so the strap does not dig into your neck.
If you’re interested, go to contourstrap.com. I’ve been using mine and I think ergonomically speaking it is a good option. The leather is still a little bit stiff, but it will break in, and it’s not digging into my neck! Hope this could help you and others.
I’m not endorsing it, just saw it at the show and thought it was cool and worth a try.
Thank you for this information, Ken. I like that they are leather and no metal parts to worry about.
Hi! Marcus!
Some time I will feel some pain with my back or shoulder, but gradually , I find the posture and relax is so important!
Other way , exercise is very important foundation! Our community has post about exercise!
Other way proper stretching is really necessary !
If we have a right posture , That can relieve the most pain , more relax !:)
Thank you so much jiayang. I got value watching the videos you posted. I think I found a strap that will be comfortable and locks. I really like my wooden chair, but I think a cushioned one is better. I am adjusting to be able to move freely because I felt constricted.
Bearing in mind I have only had the guitar a few days. The guitar is the most comfortable I have played. It has cut outs like a Strat. I think a strap should enhance the experience, but my strap was just wrong. I ordered strap from Fender. When it is delivered, I will work with it. The Gibson memory foam strap I tried was beautiful but could not adjust short enough. The other strap was like sandpaper on my neck. I had never used a strap before. I didn't know if it was attached backwards or what. One end was thin and narrow and the other wider. Also, there were metal rivets one strap that worried me. I don't to scratch the finish of the guitar body.
I have the same type of struggle strumming on the up stroke. The type of thing that I know when I "get it" I will never need to think about it again, but some simple thing is my difficulty.
Thank you for you posts in these forums. I can learn from anyone here but you have helped me.
I'm so happy that post is help! Yes , strap is so important !
So happy you have your comfortable guitar!
I have one ErnieBall strap , can adjust the length . I am still searching for a suitable length for strap , if strap can adjust , that's so good !
Everybody 's height and body is different , so suitable is good:)
Don't worry , we can take our time , That's we can enjoy the journey , let's growing together! :)
Hi Marcus, so here’s a very brief video so you can see this strap. He uses different materials which you’ll see on his website.
Looks great Ken!! Thanks!
This strap seems so great , that cut design is so amazing! Thank you Ken !
I might even try the Alexander Method to correct any physical stress. I watched a video where Julian Lage recommends it: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5697a49725981d4c96887601/t/57ce15b5725e25df3e029ec4/1473123896523/alexander+technique+notes.pdf
Wow , such science ! Thank you Michael , Take some time to read maybe is good for health!