Get up Stand up, stand up for your rights :)

[Heybopper]

Hi
so for nearly all of my time playing as a Jazz guitarist, I have always sat down. It feels comfortable but I think deep down it is laziness. I used to practice sitting down but I think in terms of presentation standing is way better.
Jonathan Kriesberg says that as he incorporates more pedals it would be easier for him to sit down but he thinks that standing is visually better.
I tried standing for the first time in a long while today. I can't play as fast as when im sitting down. Not sure why that is but im going to continue standing in preparation for a gig thats coming up.
Ive had to practice all my tunes at 100bpm so that there is no tension playing different rhythms. and im hoping that in a couple of weeks ill get better. Its hard to do your warm ups standing but I found playing tunes much more enjoyable and I think once you have done three to four hours practice sitting, you can start falling asleep.
Here is me taking it slowly. I used to be able to play this tune much faster but I had to dial back the tempo quite a lot today

[sgosnell]

Classical guitarists don't stand while playing, so why should we? I've done it, and can do it, and don't find it that different from sitting, but at my age standing for a long time becomes tiring. I don't have to, so why punish myself?

[Kirk Garrett]

I never looked at a video of Wes Montgomery or Barney Kessel and thought, I only wish they were standing up.

[Heybopper]

Hi, yes that is very true I had forgot about those videos. I sometimes have to use real pro and when im sitting the audience can't see my guitar or fingers so that was another reason for standing

[Bobby Timmons]

It can also help your body get into it better rhythmically to stand. So I think it's beneficial to at least do some standing, don't have to do it all the time.

[pamosmusic]

Seems to be better for my wrists to be standing, but that's probably different for everyone, given body shape and guitar etc

[JazzPadd]

Used to stand on stage often, but mostly sitting these days, partly to use pedals, partly for comfort, partly cause it’s easier to be consistent with practicing.

Sometimes, when things got really cookin’ on stage, almost bounced right outta the chair!

I get the optics thing, but then I just think of Wes and Barney. Good for them good for me.

[Average Joe]

If the rest of the band is standing, it feels odd to be the only one seated imho. I like to sit though, preferably on a barstool or something like it. A regular low chair or standing is just about equally uncomfortable on stage

[jazzshrink]

Does this mean the drummer and piano player will be standing as well?

[JazzerEU]

You will perform how you practice. In my professional career days, I would practice standing up and sitting down so if I had to stand up playing it wouldn’t feel foreign or uncomfortable. I do prefer to sit over the two. Also having the guitar strap set as so the guitar doesn’t drop too far when standing versus setting can be helpful.


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[jazznylon]

Classical guitarists and pianists have nerves of steel... iron booty

[RJVB]

Classical guitarists don't stand while playing

At times I wish it were more of an option, as it means you can adopt the same ergonomical relationship to your instrument no matter where you play. Put me on a chair of even a slightly different height or seat inclination and I'll need time to re-align both hands with the strings.

[jeremiahzellers]

I feel like when I’m standing up it forces my body into a position that allows me to access higher notes easier and the angle of my hand on the fret board seems more comfortable. Though, I’ve got very broad shoulders and (unfortunately) a fairly gloriously large belly. So that may be part of the issue while sitting down.

[RJVB]

a fairly gloriously large belly. So that may be part of the issue while sitting down.

Ever seen Richard Smith play?

EDIT: this is of course why you need to stand while playing

[BMoore]

Depending on how long your playing sessions are, it's probably best to vary your position frequently (sitting, standing, strap/no strap, putting guitar on right or left leg).

[Tim Clark]

Put me on a chair of even a slightly different height or seat inclination and I'll need time to re-align both hands with the strings.

That's why I always bring a stool with me when performing--I want to be sitting at exactly same height as during practice and rehearsal.

[RJVB]

That's why I always bring a stool with me when performing--I want to be sitting at exactly same height as during practice and rehearsal.

I do the same to lessons (I found a Walkstool tripod of suitable height) because they're short enough as it is. For rehearsals I suppose it depends on how long they are, how many you get for a single performance, and of course if you'll be on the same seat during the performance(?)

I wonder if Jonathan Stout (and/or Freddy Green) found a position that works for just about any normal adult-sized chair

[Christian Miller]

I do think it looks better, I’ve got into a bit of a sitting thing and actually it just looks rubbish for me. Others may be able to pull it off.

See the aforementioned belly issues lol

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