How to play standing up?

[DJMonty]

Hey everyone.

I have played sitting down since I started learning guitar. Now, the time has come for me to start playing while standing up.

However, when standing up and playing, I'll often end up hitting the wrong strings. How would I train myself to stop doing this?

And is there anything else you'd suggest that would make my experience easier?

[Space Pickle]

Practice standing up!

[gearhead1972]

Originally Posted by Space Pickle

Practice standing up!

Yup, it really is that simple. As a matter of fact I don't really ever practice sitting down anymore.

[Gringo13]

Originally Posted by Space Pickle

Practice standing up!

Yep. I usually sit down to "write" and then stand up to practice what I wrote.

[DonB52]

Practice, practice and more practice!

[Joe-Bob]

First, wear a strap.

Set it so that when sitting, it holds the guitar.

Then when you stand, the guitar stays in the same place, but just shifts to the left a little bit.

[Breen]

Not to insult paraplegics everywhere, but you first have to have a pair to stand on. The rest is entirely up to you.

[PinewoodRo]

Originally Posted by Joe-Bob

First, wear a strap.

Set it so that when sitting, it holds the guitar.

Then when you stand, the guitar stays in the same place, but just shifts to the left a little bit.

+1 Take some time to get the strap right and it'll be easier. Then practice!

[DickensCPA]

I started taking lessons at 6 and was a bedroom strummer until 36. Maybe the odd garage band in high school but predominantly a sitter. Started playing in front of people and it was trial by fire. Showed up and was given some charts of songs I didn't know and we were live in an hour.

By song two the nerves were gone and the anxiety of playing standing was gone. I'm 40 now and in VERY short time it became uncomfortable to practice at home sitting. LOL!

It's amazing how I was crippled with fear and nerves about playing in front of people and how quickly that was gone. By gig two nerves were a non issue. If I'm basically playing rhythm, I could play in front of stadiums and never blink an eye. The only time I get sweaty is if I have a difficult solo that I'm sure the audience will know note for note and that's going away too.

[Thorpey]

Originally Posted by Joe-Bob

First, wear a strap.

Set it so that when sitting, it holds the guitar.

Then when you stand, the guitar stays in the same place, but just shifts to the left a little bit.

I'd say that this is your best bet...

... Unless you want to be the next Jimmy Page and be an elderly hunchback!

[Arbiter]

This is honestly a question I'd never contemplated, I was taught from the start to play standing up. And sitting down. And then a couple of years later, to be able to play while marching in formation. About the only thing I haven't done is play upside down, which would be admittedly quite difficult.

But still, I think everyone here's right, practice it, it won't take long for you to get used to it. I also REALLY like the tip about playing with a strap whether you're sitting down or standing up. I've always done that as it holds the instrument in the same place.

[6Shotsdown]

I have a feeling the next post will be titled "How do I play and sing at the same time."

[mohair_chair]

You'll see a lot of guys standing up and the guitar is practically at their knees. I guess it looks cool to some people, but it's hard to play well like that. You have to adjust the strap so the guitar is high enough on you to play it well. How high is up to you, but at the knees is definitely too low!

[greggorypeccary]

Originally Posted by Arbiter

This is honestly a question I'd never contemplated,

The questions that show up on forums never cease to amaze me. As I said in another thread, it's amazing we learned how to play at all back in the 80's ( or before...). :)

[Brett Fuzz]

I have yet to graduate to standing while playing.

Having played drums for over 35 years I guess I have an excuse ?

I only ever play at home and although I own a nice Fender strap, I have never used it.

Guess I'm in for a shock when the time comes !

[Lunchie]

Im one of the lucky few... I miss the same amount of notes whether I am standing or sitting so it does not matter a whole lot

[Brett Fuzz]

Originally Posted by Lunchie

Im one of the lucky few... I miss the same amount of notes whether I am standing or sitting so it does not matter a whole lot

That will be me too

[Brett Fuzz]

Come to think of it, seems a lot of jazz guitarists probably don't own a strap ?

[Finster]

A few months ago, my neighbor invited me over to play with a group he was putting together. He had a lead guitarist, so I was just coming along for the ride. Well, the lead guitarist didn't show up, so it fell on me. Lot of firsts for me that night, including the first time I played standing up. It was like I was re learning guitar. Kinda a rough night, but I really learned a lot. Well, I learned what I don't know, and I will be better prepared for next time.

[telex76]

Like everything else in life; you just have to do it until you can do it.