Learn How To Stand Up When Playing Guitar

I've got LOADS of tips on how to start standing up when you play. :)

I often get asked how to transition into playing the guitar standing up and what's so difficult about it. Playing standing up is different in many ways than playing sitting down.

First, your guitar neck will be all wobbly the first time you try and stand up to play. When you sit down, your arm is resting on your guitar - so you're going to want to make sure you've got a guitar strap to do this.

And - your neck is going to feel a lot looser when you stand up for the first time! It's normal this feels awkward at first. In this lesson - we'll look at why this feels different, and I'll give you 10 tips to make this change a bit easier for you. :)

9 Reasons Why Playing Standing Up Is Different

If you already gave this a go - you might be wondering why it feels so different.

Beginners guitar players tend to have their guitar leaning over to see what they're doing. If you're used to looking at your fingers when you play - you'll have to adjust to this new position.

Here's why playing the guitar standing up might feel different than sitting.

Your neck moves around.
Your neck is likely to be at a different angle. It might even be at a better angle!
Your view is very different - and hard to angle the neck!
There's more focus on the side fret markers rather than front ones!
If your picking hand is not anchored, it might pick the wrong strings.
The thumb position on the neck will change. Placing it over the top often feels better!
If you stand up - you're likely to move differently.
Tapping your foot might move your whole body. Personally - doing this technique makes me sway. See what feels good for you!
More technical guys tend to have it higher - more feel players have it lower - but there's a balance for the rest of us!

10 Tips For Playing Guitar Standing Up

If you're planning on performing in front of people one day - or expanding your guitar mobility - you'll need to practice doing this! To help you get started, follow these 10 tips to practice playing the guitar standing up.

Secure your strap correctly & get strap locks if you can!
Practice how you intend to play!
Experiment with strap height. Whether I'm sitting or standing, my guitar strap is at the same height. Slash / Hetfield style looks cool - but you'll have to practice that way too!
Playing a gig? Make sure you practice standing up for long periods, not just short practice sessions. You need to get your muscles strong enough to last the gig!
Try putting the guitar on the left leg when seated - how does it feel? What is different?
Use a lightweight guitar. For example, my Gold Top weighs a ton, and it's more challenging to use at gigs.
Get a comfortable (wide) strap.
Explore fretting hand position (When is thumb over better? Bends, bass notes, blues?)
A Kneel seat option can be helpful if you like to play low but standing for long periods gets uncomfortable.
Relax your arms, explore your anatomy, and see what works for you. We're all made different, and you want to find what is best for you!

Again - SECURE YOUR GUITAR STRAP! :)

💭 Have any more helpful tips? Log in to your account and share your thoughts in the discussion area. You might help a felow guitar player out and learn some cool tricks. :)

Next up - learn how to get started on home recording - an awesome way to assess your guitar playing!