Topic: I'm stuck!!!

I know this sounds really stupid but ive been playing guitar for about 2 years but now i dont go lessons anymore. the thing is i learnt guitar always sat down and i always practiced sat down but now i realise wen it comes to playing wiv my band i find it difficult to play bar chords stood up. ive tried practicing standing up and playing but its really hard and i dont no wat do now!! help !!

Re: I'm stuck!!!

there's no such thing as a stupid question!

When Ir ead your question, the first thing that came into my mind was 'when you are standing, how slack is your guitar strap?'


If you are in a rock/grunge band, you might be inclined to have your strap slack with your guitar down low, like poeple like kurt cObain did. If this is the case, it's extra strain on your wrist to bend round to make a bar chord.


I suggest tightening your strap up a bit, resulting in the neck of your guitar being closer and easier to grab in that bar shape. Try starting really high, where it may look rediculous. once it's easy there, gradually lower your guitar to where you prefer.


hope this helps

Re: I'm stuck!!!

you could try having the neck of your guitar higher up when playing with a strap which sometimes makes it easier but the most important thing is just to practice bar chords standing up(all the time, not just when playing with your band). your hands should get used to the stretch.


if it is really hard try just playing sings with open chords standing up to really get used to it.


hope this helped.

Re: I'm stuck!!!

You sound like your in a tough spot.  I'd just try to keep practicing standing.  i know that probably wasn't the answer your looking for, though.  one other thing you could try is taking a different guitar position in your band.  if other members agree, u could switch from chords to main guitarist. <img src="images/smiley_icons/icon_smile.gif" border=0 alt="Smile">

Re: I'm stuck!!!

Keep practicing you'll get there.

Re: I'm stuck!!!

<font color="royalblue">I can't help but wonder if maybe your strap is too long causing too much of a reach...<font color="royalblue"></font></font>Might have to shift around and try different lengths to see what works best for you and your style of playing and then just practice practice and practice. I've found that I do better if I use a strap all of the time...even when sitting and especially with the Mandolin. I really hope you can find what works best for you...

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.

Re: I'm stuck!!!

I always have my neck cocked to a more vertical about a 45 degree angle sitting or standing and that makes it easier for me and keep my axe at around waist level. Any lower and it looks cool but becomes very difficult.

"Nobody paints by ear so why would I play guitar by sight?" hmm

Re: I'm stuck!!!

while you are playing standing, practice for a little while with the guitar on it's side.
cool
danspr

Blues is easy to play, but hard to feel
Jimi Hendrix
cool danspr