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What type of chair do most of you use? I'm having back muscle issues. I use an office chair without arms. I've tried playing with a strap and sitting against the back with good posture and at the chairs full height. I've sat on the edge of the chair keeping my back straight. I've played without using a strap and lowering the chairs height, and I've even tried a foot rest. Does playing an archtop seated torque the back more than a solid body would? I'm sure a lot of it is due to my age, taking a decade off and starting back up with my first ever archtop a year ago. In the past I've used metal folding chairs or the old wood classroom chairs, but that was a long time ago. It's more than frustrating. I'll play for a couple weeks, then I need to stop for a bit. I didn't think the pain was being caused by the archtop until recently. I eliminated the other things I was doing and, now I know it's the cause of the back issues.
Thanks
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05-03-2019 10:30 AM
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Office chair without arms, and using a strap. Sometimes I put a cushion between my back and the chair for extra support.
As far as I know, the best posture is to keep the back straight, no slouching or twisting the spine. This is why I use a strap.
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Mostly a straight wooden chair. I sometimes use an office chair, but raised as high as it will go with a cushion, so that it's almost like a high stool. I do not like office chairs for playing.
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Depends: at home just sitting on the couch (not the best ergonomic option...). At gigs - if I'm not standing up I use a bar stool with the legs cut off a good bit and using a strap.
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There's always "the guitar chair". It's more for classical playing and a raised left foot, admittedly.
Google Image Result for https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/910Q0esk2JL._SY741_.jpg
Another possibility. Have you tried a really high quality piano bench? I've switched to that after seeing a number of classical players use them. If you go that route, don't go cheap.
And has been said, good posture, straight back, shoulders back, guitar tilted up, and play strapped.
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It sounds to me like you would get at least some benefit from a good physical therapist. I am old and this has helped me a great deal. It is amazing how many bad habits that we don't even notice sneak in and make life less enjoyable.
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When I was gigging I used a steel-framed kitchen chair for many years. It was perfect in every dimension for me, rock solid, and upside-down on the passenger seat of my car provided storage for gigging essentials. One more thing to lug around, but having a consistent playing environment was very helpful. I hope your back issues can be resolved ( I found wearing the instrument at chest height really helped [for me]). Good luck!
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I found the Pick N Glider to be sturdy and comfortable. It glides silently if you want to. It is not as portable as some.
Pick N Glider Musician's Chair Navy Blue | Guitar Center
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Why do you need to glide? Just curious
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You don't need to glide, but you can if you'd like. It's like rocking in a chair but more stable.
Originally Posted by p1p
The had the chair by our TV as a general purpose sitting place. Quite a few people would start gliding a little while talking or watching TV. It's relaxing.
I don't glide when I'm playing. That's worse than walking and chewing gum.
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Thanks everyone. I think once I get out walking again I'll be fine. The weather here is a lot better now. I had issues like this before. Walking made a huge difference. Actually I had been running 3+ miles / 2.5 K a day. Then on 11/8/16 (election day) I unexpectedly lost one of my younger sisters. I haven't done much (got fat
) since then. But I'll get there again. I also need to remember to take breaks. I can hyper focus and before I know it a couple hours can pass by and I'm still seated and working on the same thing. 
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Me too with the strap. I use a metal gray folding chair. It is not particularly comfortable but beats playing on the floor. Originally Posted by grahambop
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Isn't that good for the legs, though? It's not a lot of movement (it's not exercise) but perhaps enough to keep the blood flowing? (Keeps the legs from going to sleep if one plays for a long time.) Originally Posted by Marty Grass
I've never used one of these but have long thought I'd probably enjoy it.
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I use a Nota Posture chair from Wenger. It's designed for musicians and I can sit in for a long time without any back strain. I think it cost around $100 and I've never regretted paying that for it.
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Roc n Soc. Best chair/stool ever.
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i slump into a couch and get as comfortable as i can with no regard for posture. When I need to sit normally or stand I just use a strap to get the guitar into that same position
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SoundSeat
Welcome to SoundSeat
Cincy
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What type of seating used when playing?
Everyone not dancing is sitting in chairs at tables, with drinks and maybe dinner.
Oh, you mean me?
I always stand; only way to play comfortably through a three hour performance.
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A chair without arms. I use a metal folding chair at home, which is fine. I don't like to sit on a stool, because I play with my foot on a volume pedal at all times. I'd rather stand that use a stool.
If I'm singing for an audience, then, for some reason, a stool feels better than standing, but I don't do it that often.
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Originally Posted by Cincy2
Approximate cost , pls ?
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There are different options available that contribute to the price. Follow the link, "build your own" and you'll find out the price. Originally Posted by Dennis D
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Old thread, however wanted to add that I have been using a simple Drummer's Throne for the last 15+ years. I play with a strap always. And play 99% of our gigs seated. It fits in my gig bag, never have to worry about finding a chair at the venue, adjustable, and inexpensive. When I get home I just set it back up in my practice room so it's very routine and consistent.
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I have a Sonus https://brianboggschairmakers.com/sonus-guitar-chair/
The height is custom made for optimum ergonomics. A very fine piece of furniture. I should sit in it more often.
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I use a Mighty-Lite Mesh One foldable chair. Most comfortable chair ever (short of a La-Z-Boy lol). I can't help with back pain issues, I just wanted something the right height for me (so my feet were flat on the floor, most stools are too high), I don't find stools comfortable, or office chairs honestly... and arms just get in the way... this may not be the most elegant solution but it's comfy, clean, and easily stowed when not in use. If it broke, I wouldn't bother looking at others, I love it and it works.
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A wooden piano bench I bought for IIRC 25€ off FB Marketplace. Looks nice for the price, but I already broke it twice, once reparaible with a couple of messing plates that make it look cooler and once in a more permanent way that means it now has blocks to keep it at the proper height for me.
A lumbar support would be great, pref. of the more invasive sort that helps you not slough in order to remain seated. I may get one of those NadaLalawhatever slings mentioned on a parallel thread but even that will probably not keep me from hunching my upper body over the guitar.
The days before lessons I switch to a Walkstool 55, as they only have kid chairs at the school I go to and I don't want to spend the entire lesson figuring out why my strings aren't at the place I expect them to be.
That stool is actually pretty comfy and ergonomic once you get used to and learn to deal with the fact it's probably a lot more ergonomic for women and eunuchs.
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