Folk position or Classical position?

[Steel and wood]

I often alternate between both.

[TRose]

I have only been playing about two years as well. I play smaller bodied guitars with shorter scale lengths and always seated. I started in folk position and changed to classical position about a year ago. For me, it’s easier to maintain a good posture( I think?) and I’ve found it suits me better in general. I imagine if I was playing a longer scale length I may need to position that guitar folk style.
To each their own.

[lowrider]

[QUOTE=Bluemonk;6032873][QUOTE=lowrider;6032823]I've only been playing for a little over 2 years, always in the folk position with the guitar on my right hip. This morning I tried the classical position, with the guitar on my right thigh.

I'm a little confused by this. Do you mean right thigh vs. left thigh, as opposed to right hip vs. right thigh?

Thanks, I meant left thigh, I just fixed it.

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by frankmcr

Never heard the term "folk position" before, is it in common usage?

Classical position requires a foot stool, doesn't it?

I couldn't think of anything else to call it. For classical position, I put an exercise brick under my foot. It raises my foot about 4 inches.

[bmoss02]

I use both. mostly classical fo classical playing and folk for steel string or wherever I don't have my footstool or don't care enough to worry about my sitting position. I actually find folk position more comfortable tho/ I also play standing with a strap.

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by DownUpDave

I use a short strap when seated so the neck is angled up in a semi classical position. Do whatever works and makes playing more comfortable and effortless

I don't know why, but I had to lengthen my strap. I have the guitar angled up so the headstock is almost even with my chin.

[RRuskin]

Originally Posted by lowrider

I've only been playing for a little over 2 years, always in the folk position with the guitar on my right hip. This morning I tried the classical position, with the guitar on my left thigh. I really like it. It feels very comfortable and I think my hand like the angles that they are hitting the guitar. And it feels like I have better control of the guitar.

Which do you use? What are the advantages to you? Would you ever think of switching?

You've answered your own question. It makes no difference what position others use.

[_zedagive]

I leaned to play classical guitar before I got my first steel string and have always stuck with it. I've tried the folk position on occasion, but it always seems awkward to me, even with a dreadnaught. That said, a dreadnaught is very awkward for me to play in either position which is why I prefer only smaller body guitars.

[raysachs]

I've been playing on and off for 40 years and I've always used my right leg when I played seated, so folk. Now I play almost 100% of the time seated and it's always on my right leg except on the rare occasion when I'm playing a Les Paul or one most PRS models, where the leg cut is located really far toward the neck and it throws the playing position way out of wack with the guitar on my right leg. So if I'm ever playing one I use a strap and play on my right leg when I can but then swing the guitar to the middle when I need to in order to reach the upper frets. I won't own one of those guitars because of this, but there are some really nice ones and every now and then I get a chance to play one and I just put up with it.

I owned a really nice PRS for a while and tried to adapt to the classical position so I could keep that amazing guitar. But I couldn't - I just couldn't find a way to be comfortable playing that instrument for any period of time, so I sold it. Bummed me out...

-Ray

[heavy_picker]

I thought the folk position was when the guitar is on a strap around your neck while your standing in a protest line.

[bufflehead]

I usually play with a strap when seated, so the guitar isn't resting on thighs or hips. I play on my stool whenever it's feasible, so it's no different than when I'm standing in terms of the guitar position.

[EverettWilliams]

Comfort is a good thing -- if you like it, that's really what counts.

I wouldn't do classical position for aesthetic reasons, but "folk" feels just grand to me, so I suppose it's a non-issue.

If looking cool while you play counts -- and it's not a superfluous concern -- perhaps you check it out in front of a mirror and see what you like.

[bufflehead]

Originally Posted by EverettWilliams

If looking cool while you play counts -- and it's not a superfluous concern -- perhaps you check it out in front of a mirror and see what you like.

Won't work. I can never get my lips to sync with the fellow in the mirror.

[Birdbrain]

Originally Posted by lowrider

I agree that the classical position usually looks kind of like you wish you had a cello, but Toby uses it and recommends it. I finally tried because I might be getting a dread and I want to take the size of the guitar out of the picture.

Two of the guys use the classical position seated. Both of them are great players. I'm going to hang in there with it and see how it goes.

Size might matter that position, too. Classical position puts the lower bout right between your knees, forcing you to spread them 18 inches wide or more. For me, that stretch varies from awkward to rude.

[DukeX]

First sixteen years (1980-1996) I played folk. Since then classical--all guitars including electrics.