Going strapless

[Mickmeister]

Ever since I started playing acoustic guitar I've been using a strap, even though I play in a seated position. But the strap isn't long enough to let the guitar rest on my knee...so it just kind of hangs there. I've looked at pictures, and pretty much everyone who plays in a seated position doesn't use a strap, and lets the guitar rest on their leg. So I've recently started doing it that way. I'm starting to get used to it, but I still can't figure out one thing: How do you get it to stay in place? It keeps slipping forward towards my knee...I have to keep pulling it back toward me.

[Dave T]

I'm almost certain there isn't and rule that says you can't play with a guitar strap while seated. You don't have to do what everyone else does. In many cases you probably shouldn't do what everyone else does. (LOL)

Seriously, play the way that works best for you. To heck with everyone else.

Dave

[martind42]

Many folks use a strap when seated. James Taylor certainly does in this clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JunmomMSK0

Go ahead and do what you like and is comfortable for you.

[Azaro Ariño]

I am going to have to agree with doing what you feel is comfortable.

But if you must know, your leg is likely tilted downward. Try using a bar stool with your leg propped up or a footstool (like classical players... but on the other foot).

[leatherguy]

Originally Posted by Mickmeister

I'm starting to get used to it, but I still can't figure out one thing: How do you get it to stay in place? It keeps slipping forward towards my knee...I have to keep pulling it back toward me.

Sounds like you need a strap

[Doubleneck]

What you need is a NeckUp. It really puts your guitar naturally in the right place. Leather keeps it from slipping. I really can't play without it now.

http://www.neckup.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

[Jack Allen]

The strap is too short? Try getting a 3" or 4" long strap why don't you? I want the width to ease shoulder pressure with solid body guitars. The 4" leather suede strap (no slip) that I picked up will need to be shortened by the shoe shop for me as it's too long for me playing standing up. If you can't find a long enough strap, to use playing while seated, you need to search harder IMHO.

Sounds like an idea for a great Christmas present to me!

Jack Allen

[Howard Emerson]

Mick,
Get an adjustable foot stool to raise your leg to the point where gravity, or movement, makes it slip towards you.

It not, get a longer strap.

HE

Originally Posted by Mickmeister

Ever since I started playing acoustic guitar I've been using a strap, even though I play in a seated position. But the strap isn't long enough to let the guitar rest on my knee...so it just kind of hangs there. I've looked at pictures, and pretty much everyone who plays in a seated position doesn't use a strap, and lets the guitar rest on their leg. So I've recently started doing it that way. I'm starting to get used to it, but I still can't figure out one thing: How do you get it to stay in place? It keeps slipping forward towards my knee...I have to keep pulling it back toward me.

[blindboygrunt]

Just stand up

[GibbyPrague]

Stop playing Ovations.

[blindboygrunt]

Watch any video of jimi Hendrix , or neil young . you'll find the solution there

[jmjohnson]

How do you get it to stay in place?

I always use a strap for just that reason...learned it early trying to play a Les Paul without feeling it was going to slide off onto the floor.
Still messing around positioning and getting comfortable with different sizes guitars like the new dread...realizing I could fret better too if the guitar isn't moving in my hands, so the strap is a real plus.

[Lefty Guy]

Originally Posted by Old poontanger

Are you wearing slippery trousers? I used to have this problem when I shaved my legs due to cycling, once the hair grew back I had better grip.

You just made my day

[architype]

I put my right foot on top of my guitar case if I'm sitting in a chair. If I'm on the couch, it is lower and I don't need to elevate my foot.

[scottishrogue]

Unless I'm playing one of my classical guitars, I usually play in a standing position, so I always use a strap. I wear western style belts, so I set the length of my straps so my guitar hangs just above my buckle. I find it very comfortable. If I am playing while sitting, the strap stays on the guitar, but I don't put it around my neck.

Glen