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Bill Campbell
Akahai
USA
90 Posts |
 Posted - 02/15/2003 : 12:18:56 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by jwn
Hmmm. I see we're headed into the "comfort vs. technique" realm. Don't get me wrong, that's a good thread unto itself (but I'll keep it here) but the hand/arm position is only the half of it.
So, a thread-in-a-thread: what body position, when playing, do you all maintain?
I can't remember where I first heard this (no, I'm not the author) but someone codified three or four body positions for guitar players: 1. classical (I think that means where the lower bout is between the legs); 2. guitar centered over right thigh (for righties); 3. guitar supported by shoulder strap; or 4. (my personal choice) decedent.
For those who don't know, decedent would be lying on your back, propped up slightly with cushions stolen from the sofa, one leg hiked up on an ottoman (or chair, or sofa), watching TV, eating chips and slurpin' on a brew. My favorite position. Hell, I can't play sittin' up... especially on a chair.
So what says you all? What's your preferred technique for gettin' that gorgeous slack key sound?
Gads... I hope I not the only positionally-challenged slacker out there. 
This is a very good subject and one that should be continued. I play some songs with thumb and index, others with thumb, index, and middle, but more often than not, especially if the song requires all of the strings to be played, I use the classical style of p-i-m-a because the key to any smooth playing is the minimization of motion required. But... the reason I am replying to this posting is because jwn has brought up a very interesting, and seldom discussed topic, that of 'how to hold the sucker'. When I first started playing in public, I was very self-conscious about keeping the lower bout between my legs, like ol' Chris Parkening and the other classical stars do. But, then, that didn't seem very comfortable. So I sort of migrated to the country position of centering the body over my right thigh. But, worse than that, in order to get comfortable enough to get the sound I really wanted, I found that I had to cross my right leg over my left thigh, with the guitar resting on the elevated right thigh. A few times I have been playing and couldn't figure out why it wasn't sounding as good as I thought it should sound, and, each time, I found that the reason was because I had both feet on the floor. Once I got my comfortable stance back, the nahenahe-ness returned. So, it might not work for everyone, but that is how it has evolved for me. Three fingers and a thumb, right leg crossed over the left thigh, guitar bouts straddling my right thigh. If you are having problems getting the sound you want, try it. I like jwn's position #4, but it doesn't go over too well on stage. |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2003 : 12:39:49 AM
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This is a good topic. Thinking about it, I have as much confusion about how to sit as I do with not know if I should be playing with 3 fingers or 4. Man, do I have problems.
I definitely feel comfortable crossing my right leg too. Well, at least until my foot starts falling asleep. Bill does hit the important point of doing what feels comfortable while aiming for the best sound. Anyone ever see Roland Cazimero perform? No teacher I know ever advocated sitting Indian style while playing. Classical guitarists must cringe at the thought.
Got this photo from http://www.alohajoe.com/photo.htm
WHITTIER COLLEGE CONCERTS |
Andy |
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ohanabrown
Lokahi
281 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2003 : 07:21:59 AM
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Aloha T.P. Ohana's
Which position is better?...I think like everyone else, it's what ever feels comfortable on your lap.
It's like how everyone has a different feel for different guitars. Playing at a comfortable position helps you to play and perform at your best. Again that is just my thoughts on this subject.
Back to the real subject, How Many Fingers?
Rotation on your strings is very important!
If your singing or playing an instrumental, Of course the bass lines is a must! Depending on the rhythm and beat of the song, So it does'nt sound empty, you need to play several strings so you don't leave any gaps in the song.
And what you really like to do also is, Rotating your major keys. For example if your playing in G you want to rotate and play a different G so it won't always sound the same.
When you play your D7 you want to rotate your D7's too.
If your playing a song that is 3 min.long, You don't want it to sound the same for 3 min.
By rotating your keys you can actually trick the human ear! Like holding a G chord and D7 chord, next time around, Try holding the same chords but in a different position, just so it doesn't sound like your repeating the same thing over and over.... And again I bet I didn't even have to explain it because all of you must be rotating your chords already.
Just wanted to add to this topic.
Aloha, A Hui Hou!
Kevin
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 02/15/2003 : 9:21:53 PM
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I've written this many times before, but obviously find it important enough to repeat. Playing guitar is an extreme form of athletic movement - but on a micro-muscle level. I know extremely superb talen whose careers (plural) have been cut short 'cause they were using good body dynamics. Don't get taken by the images of rockers doing what they want -- or the idea that the guitar is a folk instrument -- Especially if you are going to play a fingerpicking style. More fingers can give you more versatility and a little less strain on any one finger -- but if you hold your wrist incorrectly -- or your elbow, for that matter, you can still damage your muscles, tendons and nerves. I don't know about you, but I have a hell of a time playing nahenahe when I'm in pain. In addition, incorrect posture can put lots of stress on your back and on the nerves going from your back down through your thighs. At least one slack key Master has lots of back and nerve problems. The classical "adjustable foot rest" is ergonomically bad for you. One of those cushions or stick on supports is ergonomically better.
As to getting a bad teacher. Hearing that bothers me -- but I guess guitar playing is like any other human discipline - their are levels of quality and expertese. I would suggest to anyone starting out with a teacher to "interview" 2 or 3 teachers and find the one who is a best fit for you and who seems to know what he/she is talking about. Ask questions, including those about ergonomics and safety. If they get defensive - run. If they look at you as if you're speaking a foreign tongue. Run. If you are near a university with a large music department you can often find someone who will teach you the basicsa of good ergonomics.
Raymond Stovich
San Jose
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kamalu70
Aloha
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 02/18/2003 : 4:51:18 PM
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Aloha:
When I first started playing guitar, I knew I wanted to fingerpick. I started out playing with 4 fingers (and thumb) on my picking hand, not because I was following any kind of classical technique...I just didn't know any better. I could never get a real good sound plucking a string with my pinky, and when I got into kiho`alu, that short coming became even more apparent. I now play mostly with thumb and three fingers, but I find that certain left hand fingering positions in certain tunings just fit better using two fingers and I find myself switching back and forth, sometimes in mid-song. I agree the bottom line is what is comfortable and works for you. I knew a guy once who had six fingers on each hand...unfortunately he didn't play guitar...but think of the possibilities!
play on,
kamalu |
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cpatch
Ahonui
USA
2187 Posts |
Posted - 02/18/2003 : 7:25:49 PM
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Thumb for bass and ima (index/middle/ring) for melody for me, although sometimes my ring finger gets distracted and the other two have to fill in.
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Craig
My goal is to be able to play as well as people think I can. |
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