How to Stand Up & Play Guitar

Many guitarists grow accustomed to playing while sitting down---playing while standing is a different feeling altogether. To stand up and play the guitar, you will need some practice to get used to handling the guitar without resting it on your lap. Performing with your instrument requires not only control over what you are playing, as does strumming and sitting, but also forces you to be aware of your body. The goal is to be able to play the guitar while standing just as well as you do sitting down.

Things You'll Need

• Guitar
• Strap

Instructions

1. Attach the strap to your guitar. One end of the strap should be at the bottom of the body of the guitar. Attache the other end either where the headstock meets the neck or where the neck meets the body. Fasten the strap tightly.

2. Place the strap over your head and right shoulder. The guitar will hang from your left shoulder (for left-handed guitarists the right and left sides will be opposite for you).

3. Adjust the strap if necessary. The top curve of the guitar body should rest anywhere from around the middle of your chest to the top of your ribcage.

4. Adjust the way your guitar lays against your body. The back of the guitar should lay flat across your front.

5. Play your guitar. Your right and left hands should be relaxed, and your wrists should not be bent; tension in your limbs can result in pain. If you experience wrist or arm pain, stop playing and adjust the guitar strap so that your arms and wrists can be relaxed while you play.

Tips & Warnings

• Start by practicing with the guitar sitting higher instead of lower.

• Try putting on the guitar while sitting down, then move to a standing position.

• The strap should securely hang on your shoulder but not on the edge of your shoulder, where it can easily fall off.

• Standing up and playing guitar too low (i.e., if the guitar hangs close to your knees) can cause wrist pain. It may be more rock-n-roll to play with the guitar at your thighs, but playing this way too much can cause problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

References

• Guitar Noise: Beginner Guitar FAQ
• Instant Guitarist: How to Play Guitar Standing Up