How do you play a dreadnought comfortably?

[rmyAddison]

I'm 62, what works best for me is trading my dreads for OM's. I LOVE the sound of dreads but my arms/shoulders protest after about a half hour, I can play an OM until my fingers fall off.

I never throught dreads were "comfortable", they just have that big sound and deep bass that can be wonderful. Age changes the rules.........

[jayhawk]

Originally Posted by rmyAddison

I can play an OM until my fingers fall off.

Doesn't that hurt?

Jack

[rmyAddison]

Originally Posted by jayhawk

Doesn't that hurt?

Jack

Nha, they grow back................

[revive]

Thanks for the advice & feedback.

I'll add that what also helps is to sit up straight rather than slouching with your upper right arm laying on the lower bout. It reduces fatigue on your upper right arm & right shoulder.

[jeepnstein]

Comfortably? On a nice stool with a drink nearby with a few buddies. That's as comfortable as it gets. I prefer wearing my favorite Levis and my Mickey Mouse shirt and my Nike running shoes although flip flops are OK when it's hot.

Seriously, I don't pay any attention to the size of the guitar. I'm not a big guy by any stretch of the imagination. The smaller size of a parlor guitar annoys me. So I guess it's just what you're used to more than anything. I do use my strap even when sitting. I'll kind of perch myself on the stool and let the guitar hang. That helps with positioning the neck.

[DavidinGA]

I'm 5'11" and of average build and have no problem playing my dreads. The easiest way to play a dread is standing with a strap tho

[rockinrebel]

Originally Posted by kerrinsdad

I find that playing in ripped boxers and a coffee-stained t-shirt help make playing my D-18 very comfortable. Try it next time you play out! I'm 6'3" but I don't think thats a big factor

That's my kinda playin'.

[lennylux]

I'm like a shaved gorilla, I have to be careful my fists dont bash off my knees, so it's no hassle for me.

[pjmuck]

Somewhere in Mexico right now, thousands of guittaron players are reading this and laughing at all of you.

I've recently discovered that I'm much more comfortable playing my dread standing up than sitting. This is not the case with my electrics, most likely due to weight. Sitting's always hit and miss for me due to varying seat heights from the floor, seat depth, etc. I probably play it best on my living room couch, but I can't be dragging THAT to every gig! I prefer attaching my strap to the headstock. I also have my dread strapped a bit lower than where I normally hang my electrics, with the upper bout tucking just under my left rib cage. (I'm a lefty).

[sabatini]

Originally Posted by disguiseglasses

I'm 5'9'' and slim (about a buck thirty-five sopping wet) ...

We're built about the same, assuming I am 13 feet tall. I do not play dreads anymore. 00 and parlor for me.

[Opa John]

I'm 5'6" and haven't owned anything except jumbos and dreads for the past 45 years. Never been a problem, sitting or standing.....no difference for me.

[soma5]

I'd suggest human growth hormone.

There are sounds you get from a dreadnought that you can't get from a smaller guitar and I'm jealous of those that can dreads comfortably. I've been moving to smaller and smaller guitars these days. Of course, it makes little (except visual) difference on stage and amplified, so that works for me.

[sabatini]

Originally Posted by soma5

I'd suggest human growth hormone.

There are sounds you get from a dreadnought that you can't get from a smaller guitar and I'm jealous of those that can dreads comfortably. I've been moving to smaller and smaller guitars these days. Of course, it makes little (except visual) difference on stage and amplified, so that works for me.

It is against the law in 37 states to amplify my guitar playing.

[Glennwillow]

A dreadnought is not going to work for everyone. It works for me, but I've known plenty of people who are too short-waisted to find a dreadnought comfortable, particularly when seated. My wife is not comfortable playing a dreadnought. Fortunately, there are all kinds of smaller sizes that sound good so that nobody needs to use a dread.

- Glenn

[salmonella]

+1 on the Neck-up. I use it on every guitar I play. It is a wonderful invention.