The question of course is how does one prevent this painful and often debilitating experience given that the guitar needs to be held in a position which allows unfettered access to the fingerboard for the left hand and at the same time allowing the right hand the physical freedom it requires be efficient as well as capable of producing the multi-faceted tonal qualities that music demands. The most common solution has always been the foot stool of course and this remains one of the most viable ways to achieve this. However the use of a foot stool demands (as previously mentioned) maintaining good posture. There are other solutions but since at this time stools are still the most common device I will address their use first.

To begin sit on a chair the height of which allows your upper legs to rest parallel to the floor (Not at an angle to the floor). Make every attempt to sit with your spine in a relatively straight relaxed position with your shoulders completely relaxed and your arms hanging limply at your sides. Keep your feet flat on the floor in front of you with your legs separated as much as is comfortable for you.

The position you sit in at this point should allow you to sit comfortably for at least a half hour to begin with. If you feel the need to put your arms and hands in a position that will help you support your body, you may have been slouching. A most important component of this structure that we are setting up is that you feel balanced with the weight of your body distributed on both sides and that this does not change when we introduce the foot stool into the equation being mindful of the fact that when we raise the left leg to put the foot on the stool there will be a tendency to shift your balance to the right side, (Do Not Let this happen). It may take a little experimentation but you will be able to achieve this goal.

Stay tuned ...................