General Music Chat

Lately, I've been practicing a lot more complex leads, actually, I've been focusing on my leads just as much, or even more than rhythm lately. Anyways, I got comfortable practicing them sitting down, so I finally got out of my comfort zone and started playing my leads standing up.

The fact that I couldn't play for three weeks due to a tendon problem didn't help either. I just got back to playing today.

As I was playing I was wrestling with this guitar to pick out all the notes. I had the strap set moderately low because I was playing a lot of rhythm before, and pretty familiar scale patterns. So here I am, raising my strap over and over until I look in the mirror looking downright silly with the top of the guitar resting on my lower bicep.

Then I came across another issue. My guitar was too high to play rhythm comfortably and accurately enough.

Finally I reached a middleground. My guitar is set about half way between the lead and rhythm settings. Doesen't look too bad.

After a little practice I started getting a feel for it. After this ordeal I have a newfound respect for lead guitar. It's a whole different world than rhythm in some respects. It's also so much easier to sit down and bury your elbows inward, which you can't do standing up, for the most part.

I know I sound like a rookie, but when you dig deep into playing a certain way, as to go to other levels of performance, you're almost starting from scratch. It goes against what you've trained yourself to do before.

Does anyone here relate to what I'm talking about regarding strap length and different methods of playing? Has anyone here had to re-adjust their's to get a better feel for what they were learning, and making it sound clear with minimal strain?

Higher strap settings don't look as cool, but they save you from getting carpal tunnel syndrome, which I happen to think is pretty damned cool.

Some classical ppl will tell you that there should be an imaginary equilateral triangle, wherein the distances from your nose to your playing hand to your fingering hand are all equal, when playing an open chord at the neck position. This brings the neck up rather high, while the bottom of your axe isn't really all that low, in a standing position. It takes some getting used to, but saves your hands in the end, especially if you play a lot.*

*Note - the base of said triangle will NOT be level with the floor, but angle up toward your fingering hand!

You could strap it around your waist like Steve Albini. Then the weight is on your hips and legs instead of your back.



Personally, I've always hung my guitars pretty low, especially basses. Kinda like Johnny Ramone.

Higher strap settings don't look as cool, but they save you from getting carpal tunnel syndrome, which I happen to think is pretty damned cool.

Some classical ppl will tell you that there should be an imaginary equilateral triangle, wherein the distances from your nose to your playing hand to your fingering hand are all equal, when playing an open chord at the neck position. This brings the neck up rather high, while the bottom of your axe isn't really all that low, in a standing position. It takes some getting used to, but saves your hands in the end, especially if you play a lot.*

*Note - the base of said triangle will NOT be level with the floor, but angle up toward your fingering hand!

Good call Phil! I tried that invisible triangle after reading your post, and by golly, I got it right.

Mike, there's nooo way I could play that low, especially with how I've been playing. My guitar is pretty light, so my back doesen't have any problems from playing, or my shoulder. Les Pauls are known for that.

It may not look that spectacular, but my guitar is resting on my stomach after the adjustment. It looks just fine.

I'm comfortable playing precise rather than fudging my notes and odd chords.

Those super-low-strung strap settings make one look a bit too...simian?...for my personal taste, really. I don't wanna look like a hairless gorilla when I play...but then again, I suppose it's all a matter of taste & personal preference, isn't it?

Still, all in all, I'd bet that one who plays in the proper position has more control, better access, & less chance of developing the dreaded CTS, than those who prefer the low-strung styles, after many years of playing.

Those super-low-strung strap settings make one look a bit too...simian?...for my personal taste, really. I don't wanna look like a hairless gorilla when I play...but then again, I suppose it's all a matter of taste & personal preference, isn't it?

Still, all in all, I'd bet that one who plays in the proper position has more control, better access, & less chance of developing the dreaded CTS, than those who prefer the low-strung styles, after many years of playing.

Who you calling simian?

LOL

Perhaps we should move this into the "Fight Thread" Krul set up?

Krist Novoselic (not me, so don't bother bitching about it)

Actually, I'm 6' 1" and have pretty long arms and fingers. So, it is more comfortable to hang em low.

Btw - that triangle is also used in the sitting position, for classical players.

The lower position, as shown in the pics above, put undue & unnecessary strain on the wrist. Note the hand position. You cannot maintain a straight wrist when playing with your axe this low. You lose strength like this.

An example for ya - hold your arm & hand out straight in front of you, palm down. Make a fist, while keeping your wrist straight. Next, bend your wrist down, & make a fist. Choose for yourself which fist is stronger.

yup ... what Phil said ...

It may look cool ... but can cause all sorts of problems for you down the road ...

You can tell by the photos I play with my guitar up pretty high.
I also tend to lean back into one of my kung fu evasive postures while playing leads as it opens the fret board to more light.
I also lock my guitar into my torso with my right forearm so it does not move around a lot during my " spastic whiteboy dance " when I am really rockin.

I sling 'em down around my waist, usually...

I've seen some guys play their guitars hoisted up on their chests. That is too damned funny.

Dizzizz, way to go boy!

I've seen some guys play their guitars hoisted up on their chests. That is too damned funny.

Dizzizz, way to go boy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skU-jBFzXl0