How To Sit Correctly To Practice Guitar & Avoid Back Pain.

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How To Sit Correctly To Practice Guitar & Avoid Back Pain.

Рет қаралды 5,411

Adrian Farrell (Alexander Technique)

Күн бұрын

An in depth look into how to sit freely when practicing guitar.
A clear diagram showing the relationship of the sit-bones to the spine can be found here: www.alexander-...
Follow on Instagram for bite size top tips:
/ adrianfarrell89
Get in touch if you're experiencing playing related pain, online zoom lessons available.
Follow me on Facebook: / theembodiedguitarist
More on the Alexander Technique here:
www.alexander-...
Thanks to Luke Lewis for helping me out with this, he's a fantastic guitar player and teacher, why not check out his website: guitarvivo.com/

Пікірлер: 46

@AdrianFarrell Жыл бұрын

⭐⭐⭐I now have a full book on the Alexander Technique for guitarists published by GuitarVivo: geni.us/effortlessguitar Follow on Instagram for bite sized top tips for guitarists: instagram.com/adrianfarrell89 ⭐⭐⭐

@nationalsocialist8382 4 жыл бұрын

It's just a so much better approach for long-term. Well presented.

@ljhilluk 4 жыл бұрын

Yup, couldn't agree more, the classical style works well for me, so much more relaxed.

@AdrianFarrell Жыл бұрын

Btw, just to let you know, I now have a full book on the Alexander Technique for guitarists published by GuitarVivo: geni.us/effortlessguitar

@cesaralves2303 3 жыл бұрын

This is the best video on posture available on youtube (and I've seen them all 😅)

@AdrianFarrell 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, that made my day 🙂

@cesaralves2303 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Thanks for the content :)

@AdrianFarrell Жыл бұрын

Btw, just to let you know, I now have a full book on the Alexander Technique for guitarists published by GuitarVivo: geni.us/effortlessguitar

@shoutash 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. I have been unknowingly putting off playing the guitar since I get back pain every time I play even 20 minutes. I just tried this method and it feels very flexible. Definitely going to keep practicing since the position is still a bit awkward :)

@AdrianFarrell 3 жыл бұрын

The main thing is to too look for freedom in the movement rather than "correctness". Keep a mind of open exploration.

@taden2007 2 жыл бұрын

Yep same… 20 minutes in and shoulder blade pain and cramping.

@AdrianFarrell Жыл бұрын

Btw, just to let you know, I now have a full book on the Alexander Technique for guitarists published by GuitarVivo: geni.us/effortlessguitar

@lespicymaltod537 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!!, just watched this video, because my back aches like crazy, definitely will try this, hope it works and great explanation.

@AdrianFarrell 3 жыл бұрын

It takes a while to learn new habits so stick with it. I can also recommend bookending your practice sessions with 5-10 minutes of this Constructive Rest exercise: www.alexander-technique-online.com/2015/05/04/alexander-technique-exercise-semi-supine/

@AdrianFarrell Жыл бұрын

Btw, just to let you know, I now have a full book on the Alexander Technique for guitarists published by GuitarVivo: geni.us/effortlessguitar

@locadeva 2 жыл бұрын

lucky me having found this vid :) Im gonna giv it a try and see if it help my playing posture. and I will watch the promised vid on barre chords too! actually my fretting hand has been very sore with some mild cramps at times, so im looking for ways to heal. Thank you!

@AdrianFarrell Жыл бұрын

Btw, just to let you know, I now have a full book on the Alexander Technique for guitarists published by GuitarVivo: geni.us/effortlessguitar

@locadeva Жыл бұрын

@@AdrianFarrell taht's great! I'll go the the local book store soon :) thanks!

@roih2658 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this video! I feels less tense when playing the classical position and keeping a more open focus! But what can i do if just glancing at the left hand/neck is not enough?

@vancesnyder2426 5 ай бұрын

I like this video but the sound is not good. Please do another with good sound. It is worth the effort.

@AdrianFarrell 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Vance, it was recorded impromptu on my phone whilst visiting Luke. Unfortunately neither of us had an external mic to hand. In the intervening years Luke set up GuitarVivo publishing and has published some great books with top players. He also very kindly asked me to write an Alexander Technique book for guitarists, which is now available from Amazon. All the details in this video are in the book. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. geni.us/effortlessguitar

@vancesnyder2426 5 ай бұрын

Thanks, I went to your site last night and am looking at your book on guitar technique. What sets you apart is you are a good writer and are able to use these skills to improve your business.@@AdrianFarrell

@adamrizaledlirizal6044 Жыл бұрын

So playing the flying v position basically??

@effortlessguitarist Жыл бұрын

Lol, yes, maybe I should start calling it the V position.

@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782 3 жыл бұрын

I suffered 4 broken disks in my neck which prevents me from playing for any long period of time, really anything over a half hour. I have tried all of the sitting position's shown in all the video's I have watched, this video has given me some relief and allowed me to play for a little while longer. I think I am going to need a brace so my neck won' keep causing my chin to want to almost touch my chest while playing, it's VERY annoying and is putting a strain on my learning. I am wondering if anyone knows of a brace that would keep this from happening without making it too hard to play.

@AdrianFarrell 3 жыл бұрын

That must have been painful! Glad to hear you're able to play a little longer now. Can I recommend you have a look at some additional videos of mine that explain how the spine and neck are supported through gravity? I'll link to them on my website as there's some supplementary text that may help with clarity: www.alexander-technique-online.com/2020/11/06/the-gravity-myth-how-it-affects-your-posture/ www.alexander-technique-online.com/2021/05/14/using-gravity-to-help-your-posture/ In addition, try this simple lying down procedure before and after practicing to help relieve your neck: www.alexander-technique-online.com/2015/05/04/alexander-technique-exercise-semi-supine/ Do let me know how you get on, can't bare the idea of someone not being able to fully enjoy their guitar!

@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782 3 жыл бұрын

@@AdrianFarrell Thanks a whole lot, I'll check these out.

@JakeSavich 4 жыл бұрын

Great fellas

@AdrianFarrell 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jake, appreciate it.

@pedrodias5166 Жыл бұрын

What do you think about other supports that dont raise your leg? Do you find them better than the footstool?

@AdrianFarrell Жыл бұрын

Hi Pedro, those other options are great too, and many people prefer them. I'm fine with a footstool, but don't let that deter you from other options. Btw, I've just created a new KZfaq channel just for guitar related stuff with regards to the Alexander Technique: youtube.com/@effortlessguitarist And I have a new book out on Amazon: geni.us/effortlessguitar

@irawhitlock1084 Жыл бұрын

Helpful vid! 😊. But It’s a little hard to understand and to hear you.

@AdrianFarrell Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Yes, it was done spontaneously whilst visiting Luke and neither of us had a microphone on the day so it's just filmed on my old phone. Luke has since set up GuitarVivo publishing with an impressive roster of guitar educators contributing. My own book with GuitarVivo, Effortless Guitar is now available on Amazon: geni.us/effortlessguitar It's essentially the Alexander Technique for guitarists.

@austinpowers8089 3 жыл бұрын

I have osteoarthritis of the hip and 2 lower vertebrae, so I can no longer use the "classical" position (opening my left leg out results in a lot of pain), and have had to move to resting the guitar on my right leg (playing right handed). Obviously this is not ideal. I have found that a firm (not hard) chair, with judicious placement of memory foam for support, and a footrest has allowed me to carry on playing, but my technique is all over the place. It's almost like learning again. Thankfully, I can still have the neck raised while standing. If anyone has any advice for the sitting position (left hand) I would very much appreciate it.

@AdrianFarrell 3 жыл бұрын

Have you considered a guitar support cushion like this? They come in different heights: www.thomann.de/gb/hopf_dynarette_high.htm You place it on your leg in a normal sitting position and the guitar rests on top.

@austinpowers8089 3 жыл бұрын

@@AdrianFarrell Thank you, that's a great suggestion. In fact I can probably make one with memory foam and duct tape, exactly to the height and shape I need. Thanks again :)

@AdrianFarrell 3 жыл бұрын

@@austinpowers8089 surely any self respecting musician would use gaffa tape?! 😉 Just kidding, sounds like a great idea. For electric guitar I use physiotherapy rubber sheets to stop it slipping on my leg. Whatever it takes!

@austinpowers8089 3 жыл бұрын

@@AdrianFarrell dude, duct tape is gaffa tape lol. Anyway, I shaped a rest and tried it out, made a few modifications, and got it comfy. It is so good to be able to play like this again. Thank you :)

@AdrianFarrell 3 жыл бұрын

@@austinpowers8089 oh! 😁 That's great, so pleased you've found your solution. Especially that you can tailor it to your own needs.

@maJastoL 9 ай бұрын

Classical position gives me back pain after 5 minutes

@AdrianFarrell 9 ай бұрын

Do you get the same problem just sitting for 5 minutes?

@maJastoL 9 ай бұрын

@@AdrianFarrellNo I have no problem with sitting. It's cause the guitar doesn't feel central I have to lean to my left slightly to play when it's on my left leg

@AdrianFarrell 9 ай бұрын

What type of guitar do you have? An alternative, and one I recommend generally is to set the strap length so it's possible to have the guitar in the same position whether sitting or standing. I have it just low enough that my leg will take some of the weight when sitting so the shoulder has a bit of relief too.

@maJastoL 8 ай бұрын

@@AdrianFarrell it's an ibanez S. The strap does help a bit