Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Playing Height
Posted by: Ctodd Jul 21 2008, 10:28 PM
Just another one of those poll-like questions I like asking....
How high do you wear your guitar when playing?
It's sort of hard to gauge this so post a picture if you can.
I personally don't have a picture but I have heard people say that John Petrucci plays pretty high, and I play my even higher than that!
so that When I'm sitting down it doesn't even toch my lap. I've tried going lower but then I find it impossible to play, and frankly... I don't see how its possible to play when the guitar is much lower than the way I have it. I guess I became accustomed to this by playing alot while sitting, and I always foind it a hinderance if it was laying in my map so i raised it...
anyway because of how dorky/unusual I look when playing, it be a long time before I have the confidence to step up on stage 
anyway,
your thoughts?
-Chris
Posted by: Tolek Jul 21 2008, 10:43 PM
Just check out my album: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?autocom=gallery&req=user&user=1402&op=view_album&album=96. You can see somewhat how high I´m holding my JEM. (Is the word "somewhat" used correctly here? 
)
Posted by: Smikey2006 Jul 21 2008, 11:20 PM
i keep my guitar right below my chest, so the body covers the stomach, i do string it lower sometimes but only when there is no need for really technical playing, usually when its lower its just at my waist and then i angle the neck to make it easier to fret.
Posted by: Canis Jul 22 2008, 12:40 AM
I have my guitar way down on my stomach, so my bellybutton is just where the neck begins. It's perfect in my opinion ^^ Both comfortable, and looks cool
Posted by: Ctodd Jul 22 2008, 01:31 AM
cool: yes
comfortable: NO!
I know, I know it's a matter of preference. I just don't see how it's possible though
Posted by: ZakkWylde Jul 22 2008, 01:54 AM
I have my guitars right in front of my balls (edit for spelling if neccessary), as low as possible before it looks whack. It is quite comfortable to play and you can always put the guitar straight up onto your knee when it comes to soloing. Talking about uncomfortable is just a lame excuse for not practicing with your guitar a a low height... It takes some time but the outcome is a cool look combined with a relaxed playing stance.
Posted by: Ctodd Jul 22 2008, 02:11 AM
ok but can you practice the same stuff sitting down?
for me that was the deal breaker... I've played for 8 months or so sitting down... then the moment i go to stand up this one day, and let the guitar hang down.... there was just no way it was going to happen... it is a totally different feeling...
Posted by: ZakkWylde Jul 22 2008, 02:20 AM
Ofcourse it's diffrent because it's a totally diffrent angle from where you looking/fretting/picking. You just have to practice it like everything else and remind that this is how you will play live so practice,practice,practice
Posted by: Ctodd Jul 22 2008, 02:35 AM
haha not if i walk up on stage with my guitar at my chin!
but seriously, I will try and heed the advice and work my way down. We'll see how it goes...
thanks
Posted by: Scott Gentzen Jul 22 2008, 03:23 AM
I'm actually struggling with this one. I've done almost all of my practice/playing sitting down with the guitar resting on my left leg.
I started adding some goof-around time in my practice routine...cranking the amp up, make some noise, feedback, etc. Trying to have more fun with it. I noticed that I can hardly play at all when I'm standing. It's like learning how to play all over again when I try to do my normal practice routines when standing.
I still keep it fairly high when I'm standing to keep it close to how I have it when sitting...mostly above the waist. Still looking for a comfortable, natural position
Posted by: RIP Dime Jul 22 2008, 03:37 AM
How do you play it that high? I play mostly Vs and they are pretty low, like Zakk said, right in front of the cash and prizes. I'm still not as good as when I sit down, but I need to practice while standing more. It takes time, and practice just like anything on guitar, so don't get discouraged.
Posted by: swingline Jul 22 2008, 03:44 AM
Me too.
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 22 2008, 11:15 AM
I don't like the guitar too low, because it doesn't feel comfortable to play at all. Perhaps if I would do some riffing and that's it, then it could pass maybe. If I wanna have the sound, I put the guitar slightly lower than what it would be when I sit down and practice.
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 22 2008, 02:15 PM
I have it in the middle, resting comfortably on my stomach 
I guess I could bring it a little up with not problem though...I adjust the strap for guitar to be in the same position when sitting down and standing.
Posted by: kjutte Jul 22 2008, 03:17 PM
How high do you wear your guitar when playing?
It's sort of hard to gauge this so post a picture if you can.
I personally don't have a picture but I have heard people say that John Petrucci plays pretty high, and I play my even higher than that!
so that When I'm sitting down it doesn't even toch my lap. I've tried going lower but then I find it impossible to play, and frankly... I don't see how its possible to play when the guitar is much lower than the way I have it. I guess I became accustomed to this by playing alot while sitting, and I always foind it a hinderance if it was laying in my map so i raised it...
anyway because of how dorky/unusual I look when playing, it be a long time before I have the confidence to step up on stage
anyway,
your thoughts?
-Chris
So high that I can fret high without straining. I'm not Paul Gilbert
Posted by: Shadow21 Jul 22 2008, 03:19 PM
I have it like if i was sitting down, because I don't feel confortable with it too low.
Posted by: Henry Dietzel Jul 22 2008, 03:35 PM
For me guitar weight and the style of music is usually a factor. When playing leads I usually like it waist level and playing straight rhythm I like it real low
Posted by: mattacuk Jul 22 2008, 03:54 PM
Im pretty tall and i have long arms and hands, so i generally have my Pgm around my belly/waste area and its comfortable for me. I could never get used to haveing the guitar up high or over my left knee, as muris put it "feels to offical"
Its all about what suits the induvidual player
Posted by: kaznie_NL Jul 22 2008, 08:22 PM
I normaly sit, but if I stand up, I'd say just a bit lower then Petrucci. I'd like to have it like Zakk said, around the b*ll area.
Posted by: sigma7 Jul 22 2008, 08:23 PM
When I play its at my hip area. But I much prefer sitting down. It gives me more accuracy.
Posted by: Enucleation Jul 23 2008, 01:07 AM
I liek to wear mine high. I think it kinda looks cool high, not like normal 'cool' but I just really like the look of a high guitar. I don't know how much sense that makes but that's all I can think to describe it now.
I play a Xiphos so it's a goofy shape so I think i can describe it as the lowest horn/point is around the crotch area and the highest point a few inches from my collar. I also think the headstock is a bit above my head.
(It's been raised since my avatar picture was taken)
Posted by: Daniel Robinson Jul 23 2008, 08:09 PM
Lol, if i had my way i would have my guitar on a necklace around my neck if they made something like that.
Generally speaking i wear my guitar quite high, i have an RG 120, and when standing up the bottom of the guitar is just at the top of my belly button.
Daniel
Posted by: Matt23 Jul 23 2008, 08:32 PM
I have my guitar with the pickups at the top of my stomach. Dunno how else to say it. I don't see the point of having your guitar low unless your on stage.
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 23 2008, 11:17 PM
I don't think its necessary on stage too..But people are different and maybe they feel comfortable playing guitar really low...I don't think its all just for show off...
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)