Posture

In my recent experience as a working guitarist for the last 20 years or so , posture is a very important thing. Not just for working guitarists, but for all guitarists. I have had back issues, (probably RSI) for almost the last year and a half, and it has limited me a little. I have taken up weight lifting to cure it, hit sessions, core building exercises, etc but these things have only helped, rather that cure it.

So, if you are experiencing back, shoulder, or muscular pains, you should firstly, make sure that you sit up straight, keep your guitar tucked into your belly and try not to hunch over your guitar, or look down too much at your instrument whilst playing. Possibly change seating, standing, playing positions so that you aren't always in the same position when you play as this can lead to RSI (repetitive strain injury). Make sure that you breathe properly when playing.

I have had more back issues with larger bodied guitars, and have found that playing smaller bodied guitars less taxing.

The above also goes for preventative measures if you are in your earlier years of playing.

Try classical position rather than folk position. Maybe move back to it later, but be sure to try different positions. Try playing with a strap up higher when playing standing, or no strap or strap when sitting. Try putting a cushion on your lap, under your guitars's body also.

The main thing is to listen to your body and if there is strain, then change playing position, so that it eases the strain.

The below picture is me in Norfolk with my new custom made guitar nearly two years ago. This is why I am looking at it. Best not to hunch over like me!

Let me know if you have experienced any of the above, and how you got on with it.

Play safe!