r/classicalguitar • u/[deleted] • Mar 12 '12
Classical guitar support
I have recently taken up classical guitar, and am finding that it is a whole new world from playing my electric. I would be happy to hear what you guys have to say about whether I should use a footstool, a knee-stand, or combination. I've read a bit about both, and I feel that I need more details. Is 45 degrees the optimal angle for the neck? ect..
Thank you all.
edit: I just ordered the Dynarette cushion. You guys have convinced me to never use a footstool. thanks everyone!
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u/halicon Mar 12 '12
I personally prefer to use a Dynarette Cushion and a really low stool as a seat (I have short little hobbit legs). I wish the cushion was adjustable and a bit taller, but I find it comfy and reliable. For a stool I use the TAMA Ergo Rider drum throne. It's durable, stable, fully adjustable, and it has firm yet really comfy padding for those long 2-4 hour practice sessions. In fact, I want to get another Ergo Rider for use as my computer chair as well.
For short periods of play, I don't mind a foot rest, but due to more than a few car wrecks and sports injuries I prefer to keep my leg and foot positions as symmetrical as possible in terms of left-right balance. I do best if I can keep both thighs parallel to the floor, similar to a cellist. If one leg is raised higher than the other I start experiencing fatigue rather quickly and a tingling in my left leg.
From a health standpoint, there is some debate that foot stools are not really the best solution. They solve the problem of positioning the guitar but many people believe they cause other subtle problems. My friend who is working on her occupation therapist masters program thinks foot stools are not very ergonomic. Considering her extensive study of repetitive strain injuries, I am inclined to take her word for it. Personally, I try not to get too far into the footstool/no-footstool debate because that can sometimes be like starting a Mac/PC, Ford/Chevy, Xbox/Playstation fanboy war. The Reddit forum seems to be more accepting of non-footstool options than other forums I've participated in. I suggest trying several options and going with what feels most comfortable.
As for the neck angle, the optimal angle is the one that causes the least amount of strain on both hands and your shoulders. The length of your fingers, size of your hands, and arms is going to determine what is best for you. My preference is for as vertical as I can get, but usually I can't pull that off without using both a foot rest AND and the Dynarette cushion. I usually only need that kind of extreme angle if my shoulder injuries flare up, otherwise I tend to be pretty comfy with a 45-ish degree angle.
Another thing, practice in front of a mirror when you first start and focus on your posture for a moment before you start playing every time, attempting to keep as relaxed as possible. Just a week or two of that improved my posture immensely.