When watching a classical guitarist play, a viewer might be struck by the strange sitting position. The guitar is moved to the left leg and it's really pretty high up compared to a standard position. Let's face it: it's just not a cool.
But the classical guitar way of sitting is not just for classical guitarists. Do me a favor: grab your guitar right now, strap up and stand and play a bit. Notice where the guitar is: pretty much centered on your body. The neck is probably right in line and not pushed forward. Now sit down standard style. Notice that the guitar is now off to the side a bit and the neck tends to be pushed forward away from the body.
There's very little carry over from standard seating position to standing. I'd say that a standard position can encourage a not-so-great left hand. But the classical seating position can remedy a lot of these issues, has a greater carry-over to standing and offers a way for guitarists to make their playing more effortless.
The Basics
Start by sitting at the front edge of an armless chair. Feet flat on the floor. You should feel balanced with your weight equally distributed on the butt. A footstool is generally used to elevate the left foot to a good height, but anything works. Just get the leg up. Stop and reset and feel balanced again. Your spine should maintain a pretty neutral curve. Don't over arch your lower back or forcefully pull your shoulders back, just relax.
Now add the guitar in. It should sit on the left leg, a bit out from the body. The headstock of the guitar should be at about eye level. The body should lean back into your chest and the neck should be pushed forward (away) from the body a bit. Pumping Nylon, a technique handbook, has a great illustration of what this should look like on page eight.
Advantages
Carry over to standing
The guitar is more centered in the classical position just as in standing.
Beginner Advantages
Most beginners have a tendency to push the guitar neck way forward and rest the left arm on the leg. Teachers should take note: sitting a student in classical position makes these bad habits impossible.
Better Left Hand Access
With the guitar more centered it's much easier to play in higher positions.
Better Left Hand Technique
This position makes it much easier to keep the wrist in a more natural position. It also makes it easier to play on the finger tips.
Better Overall Stability
In classical position the guitar contacts the body at five points: left leg, right leg, chest, right arm and left arm.
Bringing Weight into the Mix
Sitting classical style allows you to let your left arm hang, pulling back against the strings with gravity/weight. This is especially useful for barring as it helps lessen some of the pressure needed with the thumb.
Christopher Davis, or CD, as he was known in his last entry, How To Get Started in Classical Guitar, is a guitarist and teacher with experience in classical and jazz guitar. For more on the Classical Guitar, check out CD's blog here. For more tips, feel free to check out Chris's personal webpage at Christopherguitar.net.
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