I have rotator cuff problems with both shoulders. I've had the right one operated on, but it can still bother me. Lately I've been having numbness in my fingers on my left hand due to my left shoulder. And trying to put my thumb on the back of the neck like it is supposed to be was practically impossible.
Then last night I tried something different. It was like a door suddenly opened.
I put a strap on my electric, and brought it up way high, B.B. King style. The neck angled up sharply. Oh. My. God.
Forget that "slung way down low" bit. Not even in the lap. I can now comfortably put my thumb behind the neck and finger just about anything, no strain what-so-ever. I'll try to take a picture soon and post it, but if you're having problems, get a strap, even when sitting down, and bring that puppy up on your chest, and angle the neck upwards. You'll see what I mean.
Woot!
:D
Learning requires a willingness to be bad at something for awhile.
woot indeed! you have discovered the most comfortable playing position. I play that way when I sit and practice. my face is practically in the fret board.
when I stand I sling differently and always had trouble. now I tip the headstock up and I can play with much more confidence; I can see things better, my hands are more relaxed, and my arm muscles can work better. I can play for hours and hours that way.
good for you!
Excellent! :D That's the way I generally hold my guitars, sitting or standing. Always strapped, always with the headstock pointing toward the heavens! My left shoulder used to hurt during and after playing until I figured that out, too! Now, I occasionally get pain, but not nearly so often and not nearly so bad!
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-:¦:- ((¸¸.·´ -:¦:- Elecktrablue -:¦:-
"Don't wanna ride no shootin' star. Just wanna play on the rhythm guitar." Emmylou Harris, "Rhythm Guitar" from "The Ballad of Sally Rose"
I always thought I looked like a dork doing that, but didn't care because it worked so well.
I always thought I looked like a dork doing that, but didn't care because it worked so well.
same here. it is a dorky position. when I have that position I make sure I never sway side to side...that would look like the Archie comic book band.
Ha! I'm really happy to see this discussion! My wife was chuckling at me the other day for the way I strapped my guitar up high, and I told her I knew I had seen it that way on some good guitarists (though I couldn't say who offhand), and that I did it because it worked really comfortably. In good company indeed!
I always thought I looked like a dork doing that, but didn't care because it worked so well.
same here. it is a dorky position. when I have that position I make sure I never sway side to side...that would look like the Archie comic book band.
Hey, I used to think The Archies were cool! :oops:
Oh well, I play in that position too. Comfort over style, thank you.
"...I don't know - but whasomever I do, its gots ta be FUNKY!"
After figuring out how to attach a strap to an acoustic :oops: , I played my acoustic last night. Body of the guitar sits about the center of my chest, mariachi style. When I sit, the body is between my legs, almost classical style. Wow! No pain, no straining, total relaxation. Maybe those classical guitarists know something after all...
:D
Learning requires a willingness to be bad at something for awhile.
Yep. Forget looking "cool." Do what works!
"A cheerful heart is good medicine."
very cool...are ya sure?
I'm in.
Can't get any cooler than that!
"A cheerful heart is good medicine."
notice how Archie is holding his guitar. the headstock is pointing upwards. it is a great way to see the fretboard.
just hope he does not sway side to side.
Just wait 'till those clothes come back in style... wait, they are already :lol:
"...I don't know - but whasomever I do, its gots ta be FUNKY!"
you will never see a green kerchief around my neck. :roll:
