Sunshy Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 I have my guitar right above my waistmy belt when I play out live, but I realize I look like a "nerd" (or an old jazz player yipee!) when I do this. I want to play the guitar really low (a la Slash), but I find it impossible to do this. What gives? How can I gain some cool while keeping some decent technique? "Pray for the dead . . . but fight like hell for the living." Mother Jones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prague Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 It's all attitude, dude! Get on stage and you SHOW them that it's cool. Don't ask them, TELL them. If some dink snears at you, tear his head off with smearing lick, and then boink his girlfriend after the show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yamsa2000 Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Maybe your problem is not strap length - it could be your personality ....but that can be fixed with the NEW Anthony Robins 30 DAY Course in How To Be A Cool Rock Dude. Money back guarantee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyote Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 You're tellin' me a Brillo pad with a tophat & cigarette looks cool?!?! I used to think I was Libertarian. Until I saw their platform; now I know I'm no more Libertarian than I am RepubliCrat or neoCON or Liberal or Socialist. This ain't no track meet; this is football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Okay, all, I spewed coffee all over my keyboard when I read your most excellent replies If you feel bad about wearing your guitar above your belt, watch some old British invasion videos where some of those bands wore their guitars up by their shoulders almost...HAHAHA. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sylver Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Man the coolest thing you could do is learn how to play the crap outta that guitar. That would make you BE cool, and not just LOOK it. Play where it's comfortable to play. I really don't know what to put here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 I think we can all blame Jimmy Page for this... ! -k Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitr777 Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Just look at how Steve Vai has his guitar positioned. He has it up pretty far and he looks way cool when he plays. I think it's all in attitude and competence. I've always had a bit of a problem with stage presence because I tend to stand very still ala John Entwhistle. I find it difficult to move and concentrate on what I am playing. So, it really doesn't matter where I position my guitar, I just need to learn how to move and groove. I just try to get into "jamming mode" when I play live. Of course, if I had the luxury of playing my guitar for 8+ hours a day, then I'm sure this would not be such an issue because I wouldn't need to concentrate so hard on the fingers. I am trying very hard to overcome this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitr777 Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Just look at how Steve Vai has his guitar positioned. He has it up pretty far and he looks way cool when he plays. I think it's all in attitude and competence. I've always had a bit of a problem with stage presence because I tend to stand very still ala John Entwhistle. I find it difficult to move and concentrate on what I am playing. So, it really doesn't matter where I position my guitar, I just need to learn how to move and groove. I just try to get into "jamming mode" when I play live. Of course, if I had the luxury of playing my guitar for 8+ hours a day, then I'm sure this would not be such an issue because I wouldn't need to concentrate so hard on the fingers. I am trying very hard to overcome this... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baronedo Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Here's a lesson I learned the hard way. When I practiced I was usally sitting down. However, if I then stood up to play, I found playing more difficult and did not understand why until a guitar instructor pointed something important out. When sitting and playing, the guitar's body position naturally fell to the point where the center of the guitar body was approximately even with your waist line, with the lower part of the body resting on my upper legs. This seems to be comfortable position for most people which is neither too high or too low. However, when I stood up, the strap was adjusted comparatively long and the guitar thus in a lower position and more difficult to play. The cure was easy - just shorten the strap until the guitar hung at about the same position as the sit-down position and playing became much easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Originally posted by Lancer: Here's a lesson I learned the hard way. When I practiced I was usally sitting down. However, if I then stood up to play, I found playing more difficult and did not understand why until a guitar instructor pointed something important out. When sitting and playing, the guitar's body position naturally fell to the point where the center of the guitar body was approximately even with your waist line, with the lower part of the body resting on my upper legs. This seems to be comfortable position for most people which is neither too high or too low. However, when I stood up, the strap was adjusted comparatively long and the guitar thus in a lower position and more difficult to play. The cure was easy - just shorten the strap until the guitar hung at about the same position as the sit-down position and playing became much easier.Another thing about that is the angle of the guitar. When you sit, the top of the guitar body is leaning in toward you. When you stand, the guitar tends to hang (depending on where the strap buttons are placed) with the top a bit away from your body, affording less view to the guitar. The late Allan Collins of Skynyrd had a most interesting solution. He played an Explorer, and put his strap OVER the back "horn" of the guitar, pulling the top of the guitar in toward the body when in a standing position. Unfortunately, it only works with Explorer or Firebird body styles...but it is pretty cool. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Originally posted by Guitr777: Just look at how Steve Vai has his guitar positioned. He has it up pretty far and he looks way cool when he plays. I think it's all in attitude and competence. I've always had a bit of a problem with stage presence because I tend to stand very still ala John Entwhistle. I find it difficult to move and concentrate on what I am playing. So, it really doesn't matter where I position my guitar, I just need to learn how to move and groove. I just try to get into "jamming mode" when I play live. Of course, if I had the luxury of playing my guitar for 8+ hours a day, then I'm sure this would not be such an issue because I wouldn't need to concentrate so hard on the fingers. I am trying very hard to overcome this...Another thing to consider...at some point you've got to decide on a balance between musical precision and showmanship. If you're standing transfixed in one spot because you're afraid of making a mistake...ask yourself if it's really worth the trade off of perhaps maybe a bum note or two vs. the audience grabber of jumping around a little bit. Not that you should allow yourself to be sloppy, but, incrementally allow yourself a little leeway...don't be quite so petrified of making a mistake. Heck, chances are, you'll make a little screw up even if you're standing like a statue. I think most audiences are more forgiving of a little screw up if you at least look like you're having a good time. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coyote Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 You know, Entwhistle definitely had stage presence! LOTS of it, in my opinion. There are some people who can command the stage from wherever they are, even if they stand still. I tired quickly of Townsend's calculated windmills & poses, but I never got bored watching/listening to John play bass. The point about showmanship is valid. It helps a great deal to be familiar with your instrument and your material before you go running around onstage; this way your 'mistakes' will tend to work on a musical level instead of standing out like a sore thumb. Originally posted by Tedster: Originally posted by Guitr777: Just look at how Steve Vai has his guitar positioned. He has it up pretty far and he looks way cool when he plays. I think it's all in attitude and competence. I've always had a bit of a problem with stage presence because I tend to stand very still ala John Entwhistle. I find it difficult to move and concentrate on what I am playing. So, it really doesn't matter where I position my guitar, I just need to learn how to move and groove. I just try to get into "jamming mode" when I play live. Of course, if I had the luxury of playing my guitar for 8+ hours a day, then I'm sure this would not be such an issue because I wouldn't need to concentrate so hard on the fingers. I am trying very hard to overcome this...Another thing to consider...at some point you've got to decide on a balance between musical precision and showmanship. If you're standing transfixed in one spot because you're afraid of making a mistake...ask yourself if it's really worth the trade off of perhaps maybe a bum note or two vs. the audience grabber of jumping around a little bit. Not that you should allow yourself to be sloppy, but, incrementally allow yourself a little leeway...don't be quite so petrified of making a mistake. Heck, chances are, you'll make a little screw up even if you're standing like a statue. I think most audiences are more forgiving of a little screw up if you at least look like you're having a good time. I used to think I was Libertarian. Until I saw their platform; now I know I'm no more Libertarian than I am RepubliCrat or neoCON or Liberal or Socialist. This ain't no track meet; this is football. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James-Italy Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Let the lead singer worry about looking cool, the guitarist should have talent. Besides, it's always the frontman and the drummer that get the babes. My Gear My Attempts at Music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NMcGuitar Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 I've gotta agree with paostby , it is all in the attitude. If it's more comfortable with you axe up a little higher, plat it that way! Remember, the instrument was designed to be played in that higher position - it puts much less stress on your hands/wrists/arms/shoulders. As far as looking cool on stage, you'll look coolest when you feel the most at ease. You might sway, or dance a little, or even just connect more with your audience when you are comfortable like that. Heck, if that doesn't work, try a hat! May all your thoughts be random! - Neil www.McFaddenArts.com www.MikesGarageRocks.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NMcGuitar Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Originally posted by James-Italy: Let the lead singer worry about looking cool, the guitarist should have talent. Besides, it's always the frontman and the drummer that get the babes. You know, the other guitarist in my old band used to walk around with drumsticks in his back pocket for just that reason! May all your thoughts be random! - Neil www.McFaddenArts.com www.MikesGarageRocks.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted May 27, 2003 Share Posted May 27, 2003 Originally posted by NMcGuitar: Originally posted by James-Italy: "Let the lead singer worry about looking cool, the guitarist should have talent. Besides, it's always the frontman and the drummer that get the babes." (NMcGuitar:) "You know, the other guitarist in my old band used to walk around with drumsticks in his back pocket for just that reason!" -k Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Before Slash, THIS guy used to wear his guitar slung low... http://www.led-zeppelin.org/multimedia/pics/jimmy36.jpg But I bet he didn't in the studio. guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Yeah, one thing that pic does show is that Page has long arms, so he can wear his guitar low. "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Yeah, like I said, we can all blame Jimmy Page for this... but, I didn't have such a cool pic to include! And, yer right about those arms, Tedster- can you say "E.T., phone home!" -k Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEHpicker Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Went & saw Eric Johnson a while back...he hangs his guitar alot higher than Page or Slash and he doesn't move much while playing... there was nothin "uncool" about his stage presence. I think the audience will consider you as "cool" as your playing deserves... never was much impressed by stage gymnastics or how low your guitar is hung. Also, check out the pic of Danny Gatton (pg 95 June issue GP)he wears his tele above his beltline and if he wasn't cool...nobody was. remember: Function before fashion... SEHpicker SEHpicker The further a society drifts from truth the more it will hate those who speak it." George Orwell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitefang Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Are you wearing your guitar above your waist? Or, above your belt buckle? As most kids I see wear their pants with the belt buckles at scrotum-level, I'd say you're wearing it low enough! But in seriousness, any level conducive to your playing comfort should be rule of thumb. If you can play really good with the axe dragging the floor, well good for you. If it hinders your ability to play however, than no matter HOW cool you think it looks, playing piss-poor will only make it look foolish! Whitefang I started out with NOTHING...and I still have most of it left! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 I heard THIS guy was pretty cool... And I think he could play guitar fairly well... http://www.citypages.com/images/img_getreal/hendrix.jpg Notice where HE has his guitar? I bet no one thought he was a GEEK!!! guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 I've heard a lot of people like THESE guys... http://www.1960erne.dk/grafik/beatles.jpg And I don't think too many thought of them as GEEKS either... Notice where the guitar players hold THEIR guitar... BTW, this was the band Paul McCartney was in before WINGS... just in case you didn't know!!! guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prague Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 As long as your fly is visible, get yourself an artificial "bulge" and put it on "the other side". Then, adopt the monicer of "Medusa". Stick wit me kid and were goin places! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Here's another guitar player I've heard is good. I think there's a current thread about him... http://perso.club-internet.fr/cclem/beck/imgbeck/jb0101.JPG Now he's practically a "high flyer"... And NO, he's not THAT Beck. I couldn't resist rubbing it in more... so here's Jeff with another pretty good player... again... notice where he has his guitar... http://www.detroitsrvfanclub.com/Images/srv%20Jeff%20Beck%20pic.jpg Cool!!! guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtrmac Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Get one of those floor fans and put it next to the monitor. Seriously though, notice that Page has his thumb wrapped over the top of the fingerboard in the picture. That's because it's uncomfortable to play with the standard grip when the guitar is down so low. I've tried it but I don't want to sacrifice technique just to look any particular way. Steve Vai probably wears the gtr up higher because he needs to be able to get his thumb under the neck. Jimmy Page, although a great writer and producer, was a pretty basic player. Except on acoustic possibly. Flame me but I read an interview in the 80's where he said he hadn't picked up a guitar in over three years. This gave me the impression that he was not a dedicated musician. I can't go three days without playing. OT, sorry! Mac Bowne G-Clef Acoustics Ltd. Osaka, Japan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael saulnier Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Hmmm... Upon closer inspection it seems SEVERAL of these guys have their thumbs over the top of the guitar... Big finger dudes can do that easily! Notice the picture of Jimi... HIS fingers are so large that he has his thumb over AND his fingers are ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE FRETBOARD... I bet he could palm a basketball with ease! Not a lot of classic technique from THIS group! guitplayer I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 Are you kiddin', Guit'? These guys made up a lot of "classic technique!" -k (Too bad they all look like "nerds" and "old jazz players", but maybe that puts us in good company, eh?) Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Thrashole Posted May 28, 2003 Share Posted May 28, 2003 I also used to keep my guitar slung low because it made the early thrash downstrokes a lot easier. the problem is it started causing major problems with my right wrist and once it actually made my hand lock up and cramp onstage....now that looked cool. Reach out and grab a clue. Something Vicious My solo crap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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