hi all - I've had a very nice les paul custom for a number of years that I have an on/off relationship with. But it's a cool guitar and I really want to try and like it.
just recently ive given it a proper go, out of case, new strings, fretboard oiled, action and pickup height sorted, the works.
however I'm a home hobbyist guitarist and play mostly sat down - having used the les paul exclusively over the last couple of weeks I find the upper bout is digging into my forearm and actually cutting off circulation to my hand, or certainly making my wrist and hand ache at any rate.
Is this just me being weird or have other people experienced the same. Or should I just stand up?
thanks!
Comments
I gigged one in the ‘80s and found that when I was standing, the ergonomics weren’t too bad. Seated, it was a very different story.
If you really want ‘that’ sound - I’d recommend you persevere with it.
Guitars with rounded edges or forearm contours are actually quite rare in the grand scheme of things.
then a couple of years ago I read a book by Howard Roberts I think it was where he said you should never rest any part of the picking hand on the guitar when playing because it stops free articulation of the pick or something.
So I changed my picking style and never had a problem. BUT I've hardly played this guitar in that time and now I think what I'm doing is using my forearm as a pivot to keep the picking hand in the air. Going back to my old style tonight for 10 minutes I could feel the lack of pressure on my forearm and it immediately felt a lot better.
so I'm going to stick to that for a couple of weeks and see if it's sorted.
thanks for the input and apologies to Les for implying his guitar wasn't up to scratch
I can't play anything without an "arm cut" that isn't the size of an acoustic or jazz mama without this discomfort.
Had to pass on some lovely guitars over the years as a result.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
I used to find a stool very uncomfortable for seated playing any longer than about 10 minutes. It might be worth trying a chair with a backrest. I find a normal dining chair much more supportive and comfy and puts the guitar in a more comfortable position too, it might help.