Practice standing up?

Brand new guitar guy here...got my $300 green Samick Tele-copy and a cheesy little amp. Very thankful for the website and supportive community so far.

My question is...should I be practicing, at least part of the time, standing up with a strap? I've tried this a little and I find it a lot different than sitting, especially the view. How low you wear the guitar seems critical too (for good playing and to look cool!)

Thanks,

Zogg

Hey Zoggy, congrats on your purchase. Personally, I play sitting down. If you're planning on playing gigs sometime soon, definitely practice standing up. Theres a world of difference between the 2. I have found, for example, its difficult for me to use the low E string far down the fretboard while standing, but I can do it sitting down. (I get lazy and don't learn how to effectively use the fretboard. I just go up and down the scale on different strings.) So to say the least, I screw up much more standing. I'd also recommend keeping your guitar strapped tightly, as opposed to having it loose and hanging low. You won't look as cool, but you'l play better.

Have fun man. :cool:

you should practice in the same position as you'll be playing.

For that reason, I recommend playing with your guitar strapped on your shoulder, and high enough that it's not restiing on your leg when you're sat down. That way, it's in the same poition whether you're sat down or standing up...

Originally Posted by: renyou should practice in the same position as you'll be playing.

For that reason, I recommend playing with your guitar strapped on your shoulder, and high enough that it's not restiing on your leg when you're sat down. That way, it's in the same poition whether you're sat down or standing up...

Absolutely, but also remember to pay close attention to your posture. Make sure that your back is straight at all times and that there is no tension anywhere in your body WHATSOEVER. This is really important as not only will it help you to play easier but playing whilst tensing up can cause serious damage.

Hi Zoggy,
I've been playing for about three years now and for the first two I always played sitting down. About a year ago I got a chance to play a bit with a band that I know and when I tried to play standing up I could'nt play a single lick. I was totally embarrassed. All thumbs, so to speak. Now I practice playing standing up at least part of the time even though I have no intention of joining a band. Hope this helps.