Justin is the best guitar teacher ever, period.

“Be happy that it might evolve,” is wise advice in general.

Justin, I’m really disappointed you didn’t include tips on how to play standing up with the guitar backwards and behind your neck like Stevie Ray Vaughan. Also, at what point will you teach us how to properly smash our guitar like Townshend or light it on fire like Hendrix?

I started watching Justin as a beginner in September of 2020. Everything about strumming, chords, picking angle, basic music theory, Justin is the man to go. Now as of November 2022 I reached an intermediate level and I cannot thank Justin enough for his lessons. I remember being stuck on the F chord for about 4 months but I just kept doing it and now it’s so easy. Keep practicing everyone don’t stop!

The first youtube guitar teacher pioneer. The legendary Justin Sandercoe. You've probably influenced millions of people worldwide to learn guitar. God bless you.

I realised way back (30 years ago) that it was no good practising sitting down as nothing was the same when standing and started doing all my scales, exercises and everything standing up. Made a huge difference pretty quickly to my playing whilst standing, for rehearsals and gigs. From then on I never practised sitting down again. Like you, I got the standing carry as close as possible to the sitting carry and tweaked it slightly from there so it was just right.

When I’m sitting with the guitar in the more “classical” position on my left leg, barre chords are a lot easier as there’s more room to move my elbow so that I can get my wrist into the right place. I’d definitely recommend it for anyone who’s getting discouraged trying to get an F chord to sound right.

I have been a teacher/instructor in several other categories other than music/guitar. Guitar playing has always been a love and hobby of mine. I am always wanting to learn and improve, yet perfectly ok with being an intermediate guitar player. If you want to enjoy playing guitar, whether you want perform or just work on your skills, Justin is the real deal!

Great Justin, thanks again, as usual. I'm 72 years old, playing for 50 years..... still gigging acoustic guitar and cello partner. Hands are getting tighter, so I'm finding different chord shapes to use. NEVER play barre chords anymore, too rough on thumb tendons. Using Drop D extensively, as cello partner likes keys of D, G, C and I can use that open D a lot. Plus it moves the F up 2 frets so I'm not struggling with the first fret F anymore.

I'm almost 3 years into this journey and I've taken to having the guitar on my left leg in the "classical" position. I just found that the guitar is more stable for me and all around just more comfortable on my arms and wrists. I admit though that I feel a bit like an "imposter" doing it this way as it's typically the really good technical players that do.... I try my right leg for the typical approach and I feel like I've taken 10 steps back in my playing. I don't stand much, but am wanting to start doing that with the ultimate goal of playing with others, in a band, or just performing in some way soon.

Many People Say That An In Person Teacher Is Better But u were the one period my guitar teacher took 100$ per month and he was able to teach me only three chords in 4 months and now after taking ur guitar lessons for a month i can play comfortably numb just a bit worse than the studio recording u are the best

Something that doesn’t ever get mentioned is playing the gig in full at home before the show. Excellent that you mentioned that. That is really important.

I have not heard of strap locks until this video ... Just replaced my regular pins and what a difference! I no longer fear the guitar dropping to the floor when I pick it up due to the strap being twisted - not that it ever happened, but I had a couple near-misses which got me quite spooked. Thanks Justin :)

Holy crap. This might be the only KZfaq lesson on earth about standing vs sitting guitar.

In the past 2 weeks I just learned playing standing up! frustrated for a few days but, once I found my personal guitar position and practiced at it. Now it feels like I've been playing standing up forever. I prefer to stand then sit when playing now. If I can just learn to talk/sing when playing!!!! Thank you Justin for your lesson lots of great info as always.

Me : always wanted my guitar real low like Green day 5 minutes after buying my first strap : well ... guess it's not meant to be xD

Thank you again for encouraging me to explore. That's so important. When I started playing half a year ago, I felt I should stand and I did although evrybody told me that would be to difficult. But it works for me and I concentrate much more on feeling and listening than looking. And I can sing along with an open voice and it feels like dancing with my guitar. I love it!

"You get a free beer with the strap lock" - well said Justin!

Practice as you intend to do it is soooooo important.

"Wanna learn guitar but don't know where to begin?!" Thanks Yousician it's not like I'm watching a video about learning how to play guitar or anything 😂

Justin, This tutorial was very helpful! I can begin to work on standing while playing! Still a beginner. Thank you!!!

Hi Justin, Hope you’re well and enjoying life? This is very interesting topic indeed. I started learning electric guitar in 2004 through the services of a private tutor. From the outset I was taught to hold the guitar in the ‘Classical Position’, the instrument being fitted with a strap set short enough so as NOT to have it resting on my thigh when seated. For me (even from the outset) holding the instrument in this manner felt very natural, it was nicely balanced and my overall posture was one of comfort. When I was eventually ready to play standing up the guitar was already set in the correct position. I understand and fully appreciate that everyone is different, I guess it’s down to the individual(‘s) to decide their own preferences. 👍😎

This is so important, I hadn’t played / practiced standing up forever , when I started again, it felt so foreign, limeI never played guitar before, thanks Justin you always touch on the things that matter, that other teachers miss

I've been a professional musician for well over 50yrs. Many bands a lot of gig time, always standing. A guitar that has feel and balance is a must. Most of the gigs that I used to do were always 3 to 4 hrs. I always used a leather strap no less than 2 inches wide. A Strat was always my go to although I would take a Les Paul as a second and, I usually played it at least 1 or 2 sets never all night. The guitar has got to feel comfortable and, balanced when strapped up or you will not be happy and relaxed. I've owned and played everything from V to explorer but the Strat always was and is the best for being comfortable. Well in the last few years I've had a knee that started giving me problems to the point that it was affected my playing and, even my vocals and, it just wasn't fun anymore. Now I use a bar stool and, limit my standing time a lot. All the good has came back and, I actually love sitting way more than I ever did standing. You do what you have to do to get what you want. Justin is a heck of guy and, he is right in everything he says here. I've had some Great years playing out and still do but, making changes is just something that comes along like it or not. Good Luck to all and, keep making live Music 🎶 it's been a Great part of my life, wouldn't trade the experiences for anything. We are special people🎶💖.

Hi Justin, I watched this lesson again about standing up playing the guitar which is a great refresher because now I have joined a Band of retirees as Lead Guitarist ( at the Retirement age of Mid 75+) with other ex Pro musicians a dramatic change for me as up until now since 2015. Just a quick mention to you Justin, your Justin Guitar lessons and courses have been a great exceptional help to me, to progress to this level of Lead Guitarist for a Band. I have been learning guitar and playing as a Hobby/Home guitarist with a few electric guitars and 2 Acoustic Electrics, Amps and Effects pedals. Now it seems that I have to learn my AMP for sounds which is a BOSS Katana 50, What effects to use for multiple effects board, what Guitars to use that are light, check out my straps, practice playing the Gig guide of songs per set working out from Chords and songs How to learn the Lead guitar Fills, which songs can I sing etc. The band has given me all their songs for their last Gig in March 2024 to learn, plus they want me to add my songs. A Big Jump from Hobby /Home Guitarist to Band Lead Guitarist at the age of 75+ , I never thought this would happen. Many thanks Justin, Michael from Downunder in Australia

Hi Justin, After a year of acoustic (thanks for all your great videos), I just bought my first electric guitar (a Les Paul :-) ). I would love to see a video on how to have the tone and volume knobs to interact and how to create certain sounds with them. So, apart from the amp. Thanks, Jeroen

The recent lessons like this and "Play without looking" have really struck a chord (!) with me, I started learning with Justin 5 years ago and still keep finding inspiration, so thanks for that! I found when I started playing in a band the weight of the guitar was a big issue: my favourite for playing live is an old Ibanez I bought cheap, initially to take to lessons, but it is lightweight and has a thin and contoured body and over a couple of hours it makes a big difference to me. I tried a Tele but very quickly found the harsh edges uncomfortable, however much I liked the sound and style of it. I took up playing later in life so I am quite old ;-)

I have found that I am more comfortable with the guitar on my left leg when sitting down. I also use a strap sitting down. Then when I stand up, it all feels the same to me. So, I don't feel a difference as far as handling the guitar is concerned between sitting or standing. I might look goofy practicing that way, but no one else sees me practicing anyway.

Honestly I started in classical position because of how similar it looks to standing and it has made the transition to standing so much easier than others say it is for them.

A few points to add to Justin's great tips: I had a very bad experience at an open mic a few months ago. Bar chords just didn't work (acoustic guitar). On reflection the various issues were: I practiced with a different guitar, it was a cold day so I wore a jacket which put some pressure on my watch band and hindered wrist flex, and over time my guitar had increased action height (subsequently fixed under warranty by Taylor via a neck reset).

Justin, Rick Beato, Dale the ToneDr, and ShutUpAndPlayYourGuitar are my favorite teachers.

2nd comment! My first time! Big fan of yours Justin! You were the one who started my guitar journey!

I measured my performance on all metrics (speed, accuracy, stress, ...) for 12 months and the left leg position was always about 20% better except for strumming for which it was about 50% worse. In the end the better ergonomics was worth it and I switched to the left leg classical position when sitting and have never looked back. Plus I practice 50% of the time standing so everything is always the same.

You’re awesome, Justin. Great energy, attitude, and expertise. I have the opposite issue in that I always play standing up and am practicing playing seated. I purchased a Farmer Foot Pedal drum kit (a whole kit played with one’s feet) and am boning up on bass so one day I could be someone’s seated one-man rhythm section. Thank you for your informative and inspiring content! Blessings in 2021!

Great info. A subtle but noticeable difference for me was moving the strap from the head stock to the base of the neck on my acoustics. It tends to equalize the load on the shoulders. For a really heavy guitar (I had a Peavy Bass) I tried the Sliders Dual Should Strap and it really made a difference, though you have to sort of climb into it, not just throw it over your head. Last I will echo your advice on how you practice....the Marines have an adage, "Train how you fight and fight how you train!"

Today, after several purchases, I set up a kind of in-home open mic setup. A Shure SM-58 mic on a K&M mic stand, a Fishman Loudbox Mini amp, a K&K Pure Mini pickup installed on my acoustic guitar, and a cable to connect the guitar to the Loudbox (the Shure mic came with a cable). Sitting down, *and* looking my fretting hand form chords, I can play and sing "Greensleeves" pretty well, pretty well for a guy who's been playing for 15 months that is. So... what happens when I both stand up *and* not look at my fretting hand forming chords... just stand and look straight ahead and sing right into the mic. Well, I'm glad to break the ice doing this, like the first day trying to form simple barre chords, most everything sounded really, really bad. Standing up and just looking straight ahead and singing, I'd say my chord-forming success rate was maybe 15% (down from 99%), and my singing rate of success decreased from say 95% to 50%. But. I'm not thinking about today, I'm thinking about a year from now. Maybe, maybe, a year from today, I'll look back and think to myself it was good I took that first step a year ago. Sounded really bad today... a year from now, who knows.

Wow great point. Glad im only 4 months into study. From here on out i wil practice standing up .thank u!

What a lovely, generous man you are!

Grolsch! Beer from my hometown, nice to hear that you enjoy it too!

Man info about the strap height was awesome thanks alot!

Thank you @justinguitar you’ve changed my life and music career. Keep it up.

Great video. I am a fan of (when sitting) practicing with the guitar on the right leg (10:15) like you said it better simulates the position when standing. Plus for me it takes a lot of pressure off my thumb and wrist. I've had a fretting hand thumb injury and this position got me back playing a lot quicker. The injury also prevents me from playing with my thumb over the top.

I like it in the same position as sitting. Makes it easier for me to remember where the notes are.

Solid advise. I loved the tip about the strap distance for being sat down. This will save you alot of money on chiropractors. I only practice stood up now and my back problems disappeared.

One of the nice things about being a guy with a fat belly: it tends to tip the guitar so you can see the frets better when standing! And drinking the beer that it takes to get the big belly is not so bad, either! :)

+1 on a good strap. First time standing I had a seatbelt style nylon. Dig into my shoulder and was 1000% uncomfortable. Plus on my SG it amplified the neck dive. Went with padded leather, 3” to 3.5” with a rougher backing. No neck dive and worked out for all my guitars including my LP.

Really nice video. Not sure if anyone else mentioned this, but actually playing with your guitar on the other leg (so having the guitar's body between your legs) would be more "correct" and there's a simple reason to that: You don't engage your rear deltoid muscles as much, which means less strain on the picking hand. To make this easier to notice, look at yourself in this video while holding the guitar both ways, and check your elbow position. That being said, I still prefer resting the guitar on the right leg 😂

Practice like you play and play like you practice it develops muscle memory I remember when I was first learning to play guitar at night I would play my electric guitar off the amp in the dark so I would not disturb anybody I think that develops a natural feel

Thank you Justin. I read recently a comment by someone claiming the problem these days to be internet lessons where - for clarity's sake - the instructor has the guitar quite high and that really it should be right down as low as possible. But I agree with you - it is where it is comfortable. Personally, if it is really low, good fingering is practically impossible.

Very thoughtful lesson and very well presented. Thank you Justin.

I already can play standing up but these vids still give me things I didn’t know

This video is very helpful. I recently have resumed live gigging after many years, plus I'm older (72) and am having a hard time adjusting to the "view" of my fretboard while standing. So used to being able to slant the guitar back while sitting and see the whole fretboard. I have to play some challenging stuff that is not necessarily in my wheelhouse, so, this is sort of a hard transition. Back in my 20's I'd think nothing of it, but now it's a struggle I am still working on. Thanks for the tips!

I lowered my guitar quite a bit because I started having some right hand shoulder pain and this helped. Now my right hand hangs lower and is way more relaxed. As I have been playing standing up for months I am used to it and lowering guitar didn’t cause any problems for my playing. Sometimes lower can be better.

From the start I always practised standing up. Although I admit it never occurred to me to sit down while I played, it pays to practise how you mean to play. Once I had gottten to a stage were I felt I was able and willing to play with others, and perhaps gig, I practised in front of a mirror in an attempt to stop looking at my fretting hand while playing.

Great video, Justin. Perfect for me, a novice graduating to intermediate and starting to gig. I've got some work to do.

I've been playing for like 5 years and I blow at standing up because all I do is sit down and play hopefully these might help

Justin thank you for all the great work you do for us guys..... I love the way you teach ....you break it down in a way for all to understand.....thankyou pal

the neck angle is what I prefer because it makes barre chords easier for me anyway. Not at 3 oclock but closer to 2 oclock or 1:30.... rock on Justin

I learned playing standing, and he's correct, I play with my thumb wrapped around the neck. But, I would say that's mainly to mute the top string.

One of the many downfalls of having a gut is that the guitar is most comfortable either above it or below it, either too high, or too low.

I been playing 15 years I just now decided to use a strap 😂 never been to a gig but and it definitely feels weird but I also usually always rest it on my left leg when sitting so the neck is always elevated either way. Im going to keep it the same height as when I’m sitting because it feels comfortable but some songs I like to have it a bit higher to my chest as I broke my wrist way back when so it can really bug me when playing at a lower height 🤷🏽 So really I just need to get better at looking at the side of the neck and playing notes without staring at my fretboard thank you for this video although I could have just practiced and figured it out myself, you gave me key points to consider🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

Thank you. Great tips. I never stop learning.

Nice one!! You're right. There's no right or wrong. What-ever-floats-your-boat however. If you're doing metal then having it slung high around your neck is a no-no. Also, if you are a lead guy then slung low will make the higher (near the neck pickup) low E frets almost impossible to get to (not that you would, but I am trying to illustrate a point). I haven't even got that far!!! I've also learnt how to do palm muting with my little finger instead. But I am still having fun trying to walk around whilst still keeping the rhythm going!! Or dancing along. Or anything other than nailed to the spot .... or even pretending you're flirting with the audience. That kind of multitasking is not easy!!! ...... but I am a bloke, so I have an excuse. :-)

when i first started learning last year all my free time was spent on the guitar. If i had a day id play or practice from sun up to sun down. took me longer then i care to admit to figure out why everything was hurting all of the sudden. thought it was just getting close to 30 lol

Another quick tip for guitars that are neck heavy like SGs is to get a strap that is rough like leather not nylon etc this just helps with neck drop. Great advice though justin

I changed to my guitar on my left leg from the typical right leg position. I find the guitar is more stable in the left leg position and as you said stays in that position when you stand up to play. Great lessons by the way Justin.

Justin's the best, hands down.

Justin please also consider using Alternative video platforms. Many of us are leaving KZfaq due to mass censorship and election meddling. Bitchute and LBRY are growing fast, LBRY lets you synce your channel super easy also! Keep up the great work

John Dwyer of the Ocees. I’ve never seen anyone with a higher guitar. He’s a beast of a player in an insane band.

Thank you so much for this video! Answered all my questions❤!

But seriously, great video full of helpful advice. So true about guitar weight, the sit/stand transition, the strap...thank you. I love my mahogany Tele (Bay Custom, Jakarta) but it's like wearing a tree trunk.

Say, I study alot of your tutorials and I think they're all very good. In this one you spoke of how the guitar should hang when your playing, standing up, along with alot of other things. Iwas just wondering if that's where the saying," how's it hangin, " came from. I'm aware of the better known meaning, I just thought the saying may have been started by a guitar player. This learning guitar is surely just to much fun...L8rG8r...

My favorite strap is a Fender baseball glove strap. It's made out of the same leather a catcher's mit is made from. A suede back, so the guitar moves when you want it to. Not when gravity takes over. And it smells SO GOOD!

Justin, Thanks as always for all your tips and suggestions. Donning my Captain Obvious hat for just a moment. If you are switching to standing up, it might be good to make sure your gigging cable is plenty long enough. Even though you may not walk around your practice room, I'm betting that at some point in your live performances you will need or want to be able to move around more and don't want to be tethered. Your comment on the angle of the the guitar when standing is a huge help. When I first switched to standing up, the view of the neck was at quite an angle because the neck was almost level. By slightly raising the neck, I could more easily sight the neck in a perpendicular fashion. But also to your point I'm not facing the fret board up. I think it's important that we become comfortable with the neck to the point that we can play without looking at it, except when we are learning something new. Captain Obvious hat is back in the box... Thanks again Justin

justin sir ftw! more like these Justin, thank you.

You never cease to amaze, Justin. This video is very helpful. I remember looking up how I should use a strap. And you just paint the whole picture, with respect to personal preference.

I used to practice with my guitar on my right leg. I switch when Petrucci recommended it. I hated it, but stuck to it. After 6 months I couldn’t go back to my right leg. It feels weird and I don’t like it. It has also helped me tons playing standing up. And I’m not a technical player.

Having a disc polapse in the cervical spine is an excellent opportunity to learn how to play standing up - when playing while sitting isn’t simply not an option for two years...

Awesome explanation of strap height topic!

...and remember, when you stand and play your body reacts to the pulse of the music ( as opposed to tapping your foot )and your body ( and of course your hands)gets into the pulse ( or core beat ) of the song. Do a little dance and feel the pulse...

This is a really great video. I just don't think too many people have done lessons on standing up before. Cheers.

I always play standing up, just feels better on the picking hand having the guitar so close to the body

Great as always- thank you , Justin!!!

Love love loved this video - spoke directly to me. How’d you do that??!

Brilliant advice from Justin!

I always enjoy your enthusiastic content👍

Justin is my favourite teacher

I wish they made a pad that mounts on the lower rear of the guitar So it slants out a bit (Like you had mentioned beginners do while sitting) I see standing dobro sliders using such things And it could offer another mounting point to stabilize the instrument I’ve been sitting for the last 3 years recovering from a surgery

Dunlop strap locks are the best imo. I have them on all 3 of my guitars

thanks, iam from Indonesia❤

I had an instructor that insisted that I tried playing with the guitar in the classical sitting style. In doing so I found it much easier to fret barre chords because it allowed my elbow to stay away from my body.

Really great insight & tips. Thank you.

I'll never forget the first time I played standing up. It was a show at a community gathering, and everyone played standing when they got their turn on stage. I don't remember how many songs we did, but I thought my strap was cutting through the bones of my shoulder. It hurt like hell, just like my fingers had done in the very beginning. But I got through it and was playing standing up with a much heavier, solid-body guitar later. Decades ago, but I remember.

Could you show us your guitar collection please also thank you for your lesson

whenever i learn something, i play it both sitting and standing. also i prefer standing.

What a great subject. Wouldn't have thought of it.

excellent lesson, thanks Justin😎

Best guitar teacher on the planet

Look at how classical guitar players sit using a foot stall. Years ago I changed to this position over having the guitar resting on my left leg. Not only does your left arm have more freedom but when you stand it won't feel so different.

My biggest problem when standing up is that I have trouble picking the e and a string, It's really specific but I have no idea what to do about it