Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

I have researched extensively on this topic. There are a couple of important factors:

1. It's important to know that even with the best setup, we must move/walk after around 30 minutes to take a very short break. The more comfortable the setup is, it actually can bring more issues if we stay stationary for longer hours.
2. The chair height is best to make our knees bend with 90 degrees. It should be without arms (or the arms will not obstruct your movement). That's why Tomo used gaming chair, but he sits at the farther front. We might have to elevate our feet using a guitar stand (something like Hercules) or if we can stick our toe up a bit to elevate the guitar, it will be great. However, be sure to change position every few minutes.
3. Drum thrones are actually great for guitar players (I'm using one). They are designed for drummers who sit for long hours but be sure to get a quality one (if you go for this direction). But honestly, any good chair with good padding/cushion (not too soft) is going to cut it. Whether a saddle seat is needed is personal preference.
4. Wearing a guitar strap is very useful in conjunction with a good chair (check out Tomo's videos).
5. Bar stools are not the best option because our legs are "permanently" angled. It is great for shorter sessions though.

I wholeheartedly recommend switching between standing and sitting while you play, if you really go for long hours and don't want to purchase other gears. It's good for health and it simulates live performance scenario.

I also use a separate guitar "performer" stand now and it basically eliminates most of my problems (because part of the guitar's weight is somewhat shifted to the ground and I can adjust almost to the optimal angle). However, it's quite expensive (search for "K&M").

Hugo

I use a gaming chair that has arm rests that you can lift out of the way (that part is important). Works well for me. For band practice, we usually go 3hrs or so - standing. For that I take a small, cushioned keyboard bench so I can sit during breaks. Super portable, which is nice. However, I'm 6'1", and it is too short even on the highest setting for me to use for playing any amound of time.

Thanks hugo some great tips there

Thanks for the excellent tips. I will add one more: I purchased a Manhassset sheet music stand that I rest my Leavitt book, picks, and sometimes iPhone metronome app or Tomo's videos. It is super sturdy. I adjust it at different heights if I am sitting or standing because I found it solved the posture issue of hunching over in both positions.

Yeah Marcus. Besides my suggestion of drum throne, "professional" piano bench are so great because generally their cushion is good, durable and they have height adjustment. In addition, we can choose how we sit on top of it and their legs are sturdy enough for us to lean our foot on it if needed. VERY solid choice if space allows.

Price-wise.. I guess a quality drum throne is similarly priced with your suggestion? Thanks.

Hugo

Great idea! I was planning on replacing my piano bench with a new artist bench, and the old one would be great for my guitar enclave. The storage under the seat would be really handy for lots of odds and ends.

I think it's cool to have several options, I don't normally play sat on the sofa but over the last week or so I have been. which is fine in small doses but I think for technique and posture im better off on a stool or chair of some kind. I suppose the body adapts to whatever we condition it to do.

I never practice standing up either I slaways practice seated , so maybe I should incorporate some standing practice too

D'Addario straps are really good!

Tomo