On which leg do you rest your guitar when seated?

[Le Chef]

I'm guessing most of us righties rest the guitar on the right leg. I'm not sure how this practice developed. Classical players have always rested it on the left leg for reasons of ergonomics. Like a shortstop on the balls of the feet, awaiting the batter's swing, and ready to move left or right with equal ease, the classical player is balanced, optimizing reach and minimizing tension. This requires playing off the left leg.

Even my own favorite player, Walter Rodrigues, Jr., plays off the right leg, so there must be a good reason for it.

Check this out and prepare to faint:

https://youtu.be/DaSh-fQupYI

[BluesBelly]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

I'm guessing most of us righties rest the guitar on the right leg. I'm not sure how this practice developed. Classical players have always rested it on the left leg for reasons of ergonomics. Like a shortstop on the balls of the feet, awaiting the batter's swing, and ready to move left or right with equal ease, the classical player is balanced, optimizing reach and minimizing tension. This requires playing off the left leg.

Even my own favorite player, Walter Rodrigues, Jr., plays off the right leg, so there must be a good reason for it.

Check this out and prepare to faint:

https://youtu.be/DaSh-fQupYI

If I’m playing cowboy chords at the campfire it does not seem to matter how I hold the guitar.
If I’m playing Chords up the neck it’s much more comfortable And accurate to assume the Classical left leg hold. This is especially true when I play my Archtop and comp Jazz chords. The quick change of the chords is a lot smoother and less stressful on my fretting hand and wrist.

Blues

[Bob Womack]

I go back and forth. When the fingerstyle gets really hot and heavy my classical traning kicks in and the guitar goes to the left leg. However, I tend to strum and flatpick with the guitar on the right leg.

Bob

[JERZEY]

I play my steel strings no my right leg. I play my nylons with a guitar rest elevated so its centered on top of but between my legs. I am trying out a guitar pillow for my steel strings that elevates the guitar a bit and I have to admit I am liking it but I have a little bit harder time getting my thumb over.

[robey]

I rest mine on my dog.

[Brent Hahn]

Left leg, always.

[menhir]

Left leg. I also use a strap even when sitting.

[Gordon Currie]

Left leg and strap as well for me.

I only use my right leg if I am looking at causing back strain after an hour

[fitness1]

Left leg - foot stool, middle position.

[Goat Mick]

Right leg and always use a strap. Actually my most comfortable playing position is half sitting on a bar stool using a strap with the guitar hanging the same as it would if I were standing.

[whvick]

Fingerpicking...left leg
Strumming...right leg.

[PHJim]

On my right leg, and I often use a stool, (actually 2 or 3 thick books most of the time).

[Le Chef]

Wow, more left leggers than I expected.

[Ncbandit]

Left leg. I find it to be much more comfortable, especially with a dread.

[HodgdonExtreme]

I use both legs, interchangeably. Switching back and forth every 5-10 minutes seems to prevent fatigue/discomfort for me.