Classical Guitar Posture

[BowserGriff]

I can't find a thread on this, although I know there MUST be something on this deep in the vault somewhere.

I work at a computer all day, so I'm wary of my posture. I usually play my bass while sitting, with the bass on my right thigh. I've been doing this for 20 years, and it has served me well, but I've come to find that I'm starting to slouch and get a bad back.

So I've tried to go all out on the 'classical guitar' posture, which I've seen Janek, Paul Mann, Hadrien Feraud, and many, many top top players use. It really does help keep your back straight and upright, which is great for when I'm reading and stuff. But my fretting arm is just uncomfortable. I come away from playing with a T-Rex arm and I've actually got an ache under the shoulder blade.

I searched YouTube for a video on the correct posture for this, but I can't find anything that goes beyond "You can play your bass like this".

Anyone got any tips? Or links?

 

[JonathanPDX]

I can't find a thread on this, although I know there MUST be something on this deep in the vault somewhere.

I work at a computer all day, so I'm wary of my posture. I usually play my bass while sitting, with the bass on my right thigh. I've been doing this for 20 years, and it has served me well, but I've come to find that I'm starting to slouch and get a bad back.

So I've tried to go all out on the 'classical guitar' posture, which I've seen Janek, Paul Mann, Hadrien Feraud, and many, many top top players use. It really does help keep your back straight and upright, which is great for when I'm reading and stuff. But my fretting arm is just uncomfortable. I come away from playing with a T-Rex arm and I've actually got an ache under the shoulder blade.

I searched YouTube for a video on the correct posture for this, but I can't find anything that goes beyond "You can play your bass like this".

Anyone got any tips? Or links?

I adjust depending on what part of the fretboard I'm working with. Up high classical position is 100% easier and more comfortable. If I'm working in the lowest register I shift the instrument a bit to the right so I have easier access without stretching. How upright the neck is, and which part of the body rests against your thigh, can make a difference, too.

 

[Rocket Queen]

Thread 'Classical position - how to keep your bass stable?'

Jul 13, 2025

I adjusted to classical position to ease tension in my plucking hand wrist and I use a yoga block as a footstool to raise my left leg. I sit in a stool and wear my strap at a height so my bass is in the same position sitting and standing, with the middle of the fretboard at around my bellybutton.

The problem I have when sitting is, my bass moves around a lot unless I rest my plucking hand forearm against the shoulder of the bass. Any tips on how to keep your bass stable without resting your forearm this way?

I tried gently pinching the bottom of the bass with my legs but that creates...

• Stagelab
• Replies: 26
• Forum: Technique [BG]

• 

 

[BowserGriff]

Thread 'Classical position - how to keep your bass stable?'

Jul 13, 2025

I adjusted to classical position to ease tension in my plucking hand wrist and I use a yoga block as a footstool to raise my left leg. I sit in a stool and wear my strap at a height so my bass is in the same position sitting and standing, with the middle of the fretboard at around my bellybutton.

The problem I have when sitting is, my bass moves around a lot unless I rest my plucking hand forearm against the shoulder of the bass. Any tips on how to keep your bass stable without resting your forearm this way?

I tried gently pinching the bottom of the bass with my legs but that creates...

• Stagelab
• Replies: 26
• Forum: Technique [BG]

• 

Legend! Thank you!

 

[Brad Maestas]

I studied classical guitar before I took up the bass. The traditional posture with the left foot (if you're right-handed) raised on a footstool actually comes with its own set of idiosyncrasies and ergonomic pitfalls. Raising only one foot puts the pelvis out of alignment and then you have a whole other set of chiropractic issues to deal with. I started using a stand for the guitar that raises it up off my flat leg(s) so your pelvis stays level to the ground.

Bass guitars were first designed to be comfortable on your lap (Fender P, Ken Smith BT) and then refined themselves to not neck dive when on a strap (Fender J, Ken Smith BSR). We're now seeing some new designs come out that have a cutout to be ergo in the classical guitar position (Fodera Monarch Crescent).



I think being ergonomic is incredibly important. I am currently still quite comfortable with my basses on my right leg or on a strap. I occasionally will put a bass in CG position to access the upper register a lot but playing in the lower register is uncomfortable given the 34"+ scale length of most instruments.

 

[Les Fret]

I studied classical guitar before I took up the bass. The traditional posture with the left foot (if you're right-handed) raised on a footstool actually comes with its own set of idiosyncrasies and ergonomic pitfalls. Raising only one foot puts the pelvis out of alignment and then you have a whole other set of chiropractic issues to deal with. I started using a stand for the guitar that raises it up off my flat leg(s) so your pelvis stays level to the ground.

Bass guitars were first designed to be comfortable on your lap (Fender P, Ken Smith BT) and then refined themselves to not neck dive when on a strap (Fender J, Ken Smith BSR). We're now seeing some new designs come out that have a cutout to be ergo in the classical guitar position (Fodera Monarch Crescent).

View attachment 7343440

I think being ergonomic is incredibly important. I am currently still quite comfortable with my basses on my right leg or on a strap. I occasionally will put a bass in CG position to access the upper register a lot but playing in the lower register is uncomfortable given the 34"+ scale length of most instruments.

I started as a classical guitarist too. Because I started having problems with the 'normal' sitting position after 30 years of playing bass (raised right shoulder for example is not so ergonomic when playing without strap seated) for the last year I play mostly in classical guitar position. I like it. The only down side is that it makes slapping harder, I slap a lot. I used a foot stool (still do sometimes). But I also play with guitar supports on my bass. For example the Guitar Lift and Dynarette cushion for example. Each support has it pros and cons and it takes time to getting used to them. But it's worth it.

I don't see how that design above is practical for the classical position. Because the shorter body on the right makes it less handy for the right leg I think (although i never played such design). And 18.000$

Here I play with another guitar support:

 

[enricogaletta]

I don’t have a specific link to share, but I really appreciate how you’re actively looking for solutions to ease your pain — that’s already a big step forward.
The truth is, we all draw inspiration from other bass players or musicians, but in the end, we each have to find what works for our own body. I’m glad you’ve found a posture that’s helping you, at least partially.
What I suggest now is: take a physically demanding bass line — ideally one that still gives you some discomfort — and try approaching it with different micro-adjustments in your posture. Try with and without a strap, change the angle slightly, shift your position just a bit, and pay close attention to when the pain is less noticeable. I’m convinced there is a sweet spot for you — you just have to discover it.
As a cyclist myself, I think of it like a bike fitting. Every rider pedals differently, which is why we get a biomechanical fitting to find the most efficient position for our own body. The same goes for bass posture. What works for Janek or Hadrien might not work for your anatomy — and that’s totally fine.
One last thing: when I play for long sessions and feel back tension (whether sitting or standing), I find it really helpful to do a few basic yoga stretches, like the Child’s Pose or Cat-Cow Pose. They help release muscle tension caused by long periods of holding the bass.
Hope this helps!

 

[BowserGriff]

Its getting more comfortable. A few things I've come across though ( keep in mind im right handed):

1. Dead left leg!
2. Tension in my fretting hand thumb. I've always floated my thumb around the middle of the neck, I've never been someone who 'holds' the neck.
3. Left shoulder tension. I've found that im sometimes moving that shoulder back, almost like twisting my body. Without a strap it's easier to solve this problem because I can just drop the bass forward a bit.
4. My right hand has never been happier! Im also able to move that hand a lot more freely. I always play band on the bridge pickup but I've enjoyed moving around a lot more in this position.

Still experimenting around, I've tried with and without a strap. I've actually lowered my strap when standing to go hand in hand with the sitting position.

 

[enricogaletta]

That’s awesome, sounds like you’re making real progress and becoming more aware of what works for your body. Love hearing your right hand is happier too, that freedom is a great sign! Keep experimenting and listening to what your body tells you. You’re on the right path.