weird question (first lesson)

[jmack]

I've been playin for 6 months now and I had my first guitar lesson last night. the guy plays classical but says he teaches different styles. I get there and play something for him and first thing he tells me after the song is to put the guitar on my left knee instead of my right. wtf.

I told the guy i wanted to learn different styles including fingerpicking and blues but do i have to put the damn thing on my left knee? Does anyone else play like this?

i realize that's the classical way of playing but should I politely ask the guy to let me play the way I was? (keeping in mind I have no intention of becoming a pure classical player. At all.)

[sunglassesatnight]

Playing in a semi-classical position will help you play a lot of things. It is a good position for freedom of motion, and it will definitely help you with fingerpicking, considering it shares a shitload with classical playing.

[brian_ok]

I am not much of a classical player, but holding the guitar in a classical position will help a lot with posture, and ease of playing. It might be uncomfortable at first, but I'd recommend doing it. That being said, I'm standing up 75% of the time that I play guitar.

[dmfollower]

I suggest playing on the left knee, i think you'll find that you'll be able to play for longer periods of time and you will also feel less strain on your wrist when busting out those stretchy dave chords. It helps me with my back pain as well. Sometimes something different can be a pain to teach yourself when you've already taught yourself a different way.

[jmack]

thanks for the tips guys, ill give it a shot

[i like tictacs]

I say it's preference. Obviously for classical music and banjo, i think the left knee with the soundhole facing up is the best, but I could never rock out to heavier or more poppy music holding it like a classical music snob on my left knee.

[jmack]

do you find it hard to transition back and forth? because i mostly play dmb so if I'm going to lessons learning scales with the guitar on left knee and then at home playing dave on the right knee or standing up i dont know if its worth it.

[fede]

I recommend playing on the left knee every time you play and you are sitting.

I had a problem doing the change, but it's much better for your posture, your singing and left hand comfort.

It is also better to play in the high frets, since the neck of the guitar is further from your torso.

Fede

[iha]

I've been playin for 6 months now and I had my first guitar lesson last night. the guy plays classical but says he teaches different styles. I get there and play something for him and first thing he tells me after the song is to put the guitar on my left knee instead of my right. wtf.

I told the guy i wanted to learn different styles including fingerpicking and blues but do i have to put the damn thing on my left knee? Does anyone else play like this?

i realize that's the classical way of playing but should I politely ask the guy to let me play the way I was? (keeping in mind I have no intention of becoming a pure classical player. At all.)

I just started taking lessons with a classical guitar player as well. It is my understanding that the reason you sit like that is because classical guitars are smaller than steel string guitars. It also helps you align your fingers/joints/etc better so that you can play longer with out hurting something.

When I first took lessons I just had some college guy teaching me how to play random songs and crap. I REALLY wish I had a guy like this first. If I were you I would stick with this teacher. Learning the theory involved in playing classical guitar will help you play any other styles that you want.

[MattyTrane]

I recommend playing on the left knee every time you play and you are sitting.

I had a problem doing the change, but it's much better for your posture, your singing and left hand comfort.

It is also better to play in the high frets, since the neck of the guitar is further from your torso.

Fede

I find myself playing a lot of improv based stuff and the difference really is pretty noticeable in how much more comfortable my right hand feels. I agree that its a very big change, but definitely a good habit to make early on.

[DrumsFoDaSoul]

Never heard of that. But of course, I'm not a classical player.

[mlb1399]

It is significantly easier to play in that position. It may not look as cool as playing the guitar on your right leg and horizontal but your range of motion with your hand and arm allows you to play a lot of chords. I would suggest you use it until you develop enough flexibility and technique.

I did the same thing and still use it for some songs today. It will help you out with a lot of dave's songs that involve long stretches like Captain or #41.

Just pull out your guitar and see the difference in range of motion. When it's on your right leg and horizontal you maybe have 10-20 degrees of movement from your playing arm. In classical style you have 40-50 degrees. Then check how much easier it is to move your wrist.

[sfmartins]

IMO, it's easier to play with the guitar on the left leg. You just have to try a couple of songs for 10 minutes. The main disadvantage I see is that you really need to be on the edge of the bench, so the guitar doesn't touch it.

I guess the issue is with the akward position of the body. For a classical player it is quite normal, but to the non-classical player it seems strange. Anyway, if one plays standing up, like Tim, it's easier to control the position of the guitar (more to the left or more to the right), so you can adapt your playing.

Personally, I play with the guitar on my right leg and never felt like needing to change. Maybe one day I will...

[Ross420]

I say it's preference. Obviously for classical music and banjo, i think the left knee with the soundhole facing up is the best, but I could never rock out to heavier or more poppy music holding it like a classical music snob on my left knee.

Aaron Lewis of Staind play on his left knee, he's not much of a jammer or anything, but he rocks it when he played acoustic solo show.

It's obvious not comfortable and harder to relax while playing. but you have alot more movement.

[jmack]

thanks guys, I've been working on some scales lately and i'm getting the hang of the left knee thing.. felt REALLY weird trying to play dave stuff for the first time on the left, im getting there though