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Posted by: kaznie_NL Dec 15 2008, 08:35 PM

Hey Guys,

I know that saying "my hands are to small" is a bad excuse, but I have a problem, and I wondered if that could be a good reason. When I play a run, going from low E to high E on the higher frets (say 12 and up) I have no problems while sitting, but I have while standing. I can't seem to reacht thos lowest notes!! How do you do it? You might take in concider that I'm still in progress meaning I'm 15 and growing

Posted by: Matt23 Dec 15 2008, 08:36 PM

Put your guitar strap up good and high. I'm 14 and with my guitar strap as short as it goes I have no problem reaching the lower frets whilst standing.

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Dec 15 2008, 08:41 PM

Kaznie set up your guitar strap to be exact distance like when you are sitting - it should help

Posted by: ZakkWylde Dec 15 2008, 08:41 PM

That's when the look factor comes in again... it is very uncomfortable to play the lower frets with a low hanging guitar but it gets better with the time

Posted by: Matt23 Dec 15 2008, 08:44 PM

Yeh if you are trying to look cool on stage a high strap does have its drawbacks.

Posted by: Jose Mena Dec 15 2008, 08:55 PM

I guess this happens to everyone, the answer is to put the guitar higher when standing, as all have said here, It doesn't look as cool, but you can play better.

John Petrucci from Dream Theater uses big blocks, he puts his foot on top of it, and rests the guitar on his leg, in order to play those crazy runs live, and reach the fretboard. So you are not alone

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Dec 15 2008, 10:31 PM

You should definitely try to find a better standing positions that is more closer to your sitting position Kaz. Also another useful thing to do is to practice while standing - this is not so hard to do, and you will play things much better when standing if you covered them in standing position through practice as well.

Posted by: kjutte Dec 16 2008, 04:55 AM

I did the same!
Never an issue to stand anymore.

Actually I have myguitar higher than I used to, so it rests on my back, and not my thigh.
Don't have to lower the back so much then, and no need for a footrest either!

Recommendable.

Posted by: showyourfist Dec 16 2008, 05:20 PM

It also gets you alot more comfortable practicing reguarly in both sitting and standing positions for any live performances, the finger stretching will come with time!

Posted by: Marcus Siepen Dec 17 2008, 10:46 AM

I would also suggest to change your position while playing. It doesn't really look cool if you shorten your guitar strap and have the guitar hanging much higher, but it will for sure help you with your problem.

Posted by: Darfuria Dec 17 2008, 12:27 PM

If you've ever watched Slash play, he tends to stick his foot on a monitor so that he can reach the higher frets, especially when he's playing a solo.

Posted by: Crazyfret Dec 17 2008, 12:50 PM

Playing guitar with it slung low down is almost impossible for me and I generally have my guitar slung fairly high.

I know you kids out there want to look cool but I'd rather be able to play cool licks properly rather than struggling with the guitar around my ankles! There are some good suggestions like using a monitor to put your leg on whilst playing higher up the neck.

Posted by: kaznie_NL Dec 17 2008, 07:58 PM

I think I'll just slung it high, and maybe every week drop a bit I really like the look of it

Posted by: Gerardo Siere Dec 18 2008, 01:51 AM

I´m the uncoolest guy in the universe for using a guitar strap (along with Frank Gambale) my strap looks like a sax strap.

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Dec 18 2008, 09:59 AM

Yey
Seriously thats the way to go. If you look at it , it totally makes sense. You should perform like when you practice - with same difficulty.
Imagine practicing something technically very challenging sitting down , and then doing it standing up with different hand position because of strap setting? It doesn't work or if it does after a while of technique workout your left hand starts to hurt!
So thats why its very recommendable to have your strap set up be the same when you are sitting and when standing up.

Posted by: Vaialation1232 Dec 23 2008, 11:24 AM

I am 16 and was also having this problem on SWTA, like already said i would put your strap up and i also did some stretching exercises before playing and this seemed to help...if worst comes to worst just put your leg up on your amp and lay your guitar on your knee for the stretchy parts