How to Get Better at Playing Guitar Standing Up

Playing guitar while standing up can be a whole different ballgame compared to sitting down. It’s not just about looking cool on stage; it’s a skill that can seriously impact your playing. Whether you're gearing up for your first gig or just want to shred in front of your bedroom mirror, nailing the art of standing and playing is crucial. Let’s break down some tips and tricks to help you get comfortable with it.

Finding the Right Strap Length

The first thing you need to tackle is your guitar strap length. It might seem trivial, but strap adjustment is a game-changer for comfort and playability. A strap that's too long or too short can mess with your technique and even cause strain, which is the last thing you want when you're trying to focus on playing.

• Start at a Neutral Position: Adjust your strap so that your guitar sits at a similar height to when you're sitting. This helps keep your hands and fingers in a familiar position.
• Test Different Lengths: Try adjusting your strap a bit higher or lower than your neutral position to see what feels most comfortable. Some guitarists prefer their guitar to sit higher for better control, while others like it lower for a more relaxed vibe.
• Check Your Wrist Angle: Make sure your wrist isn’t bending awkwardly when you play. A bad wrist angle can lead to pain or even injury over time.

Finding your perfect strap length can take some trial and error, but once you get it right, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in how natural playing feels.

Building Core Strength for Stability

Standing up while playing involves more than just your hands and arms. Your core muscles play a crucial role in maintaining balance and stability. Think of your core as the foundation of a building; if it's weak, everything else will wobble.

• Practice Good Posture: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and keep your back straight. This position helps distribute your guitar's weight evenly and reduces strain on your neck and shoulders.
• Engage Your Core: Make a conscious effort to engage your abdominal muscles. This will help stabilize your upper body and give you more control over your movements.
• Try Balancing Exercises: Incorporate exercises like planks or yoga into your routine to strengthen your core muscles. Not only will this improve your guitar playing, but it’ll also boost your overall fitness.

With a strong core, you’ll find that playing while standing becomes less of a juggling act and more of a natural extension of your practice routine.

Perfecting Your Hand Position

Hand position can get a little tricky when you transition from sitting to standing. The angle of your arms and wrists changes, which can throw off your playing if you’re not careful.

• Keep Your Elbows Relaxed: Tension in your elbows can translate to tension in your hands. Let your elbows hang naturally to maintain fluid movements.
• Mind Your Thumb Position: Your thumb should stay behind the neck, providing support without squeezing too hard. A death grip can limit your finger mobility.
• Practice in Front of a Mirror: Watch your hand position while playing to ensure your technique doesn’t falter when you stand up.

By paying attention to your hand position, you’ll be able to maintain your technique and continue playing with precision and ease.

Developing Muscle Memory

When you’re used to playing while sitting, your muscle memory is tailored to that position. Standing up changes the dynamics, so it’s important to retrain your muscles to adapt to the new stance.

• Repetition is Key: Regularly practice standing up to build muscle memory. The more you do it, the more natural it will feel.
• Break Down Difficult Sections: If a particular riff or solo feels awkward, play it slowly while standing to focus on getting the right movements.
• Incorporate Standing into Your Practice Routine: Don’t leave standing practice for the last minute. Make it a regular part of your sessions to ensure consistency over time.

As your muscle memory adapts, you’ll find that you can play just as confidently and accurately standing as you can sitting.

Practicing with a Metronome

A metronome is one of the most valuable tools for any guitarist, especially when transitioning to playing while standing. It keeps your timing tight and helps you maintain rhythm no matter your position.

• Start Slow: Use the metronome at a slower tempo to focus on accuracy and control. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Emphasize Consistency: Consistent practice with a metronome will help you internalize the beat, making it easier to stay in time even when distracted by standing.
• Challenge Yourself: Once you’re comfortable, challenge yourself with different rhythms and time signatures to enhance your adaptability.

Our Riffhard custom metronome is designed for guitar practice, providing precise timing adjustments that cater to your specific needs. With consistent use, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your timing and rhythm.

Utilizing Stage Presence

Standing up to play isn’t just about the technical aspects; it’s also about performance. Developing a strong stage presence can elevate your playing and make you a more engaging performer.

• Embrace Movement: Don’t be afraid to move around. Whether it’s headbanging or stepping to the beat, movement can energize your performance.
• Connect with the Audience: Make eye contact, smile, and engage with those watching. Your connection with the audience can enhance your playing and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
• Practice Your Moves: Just as you practice your playing, practice your stage moves. This will help you feel more comfortable and natural when performing live.

Good stage presence isn’t just for big concerts; it’s an important part of playing in any setting. Embrace it, and you’ll find your performances become more dynamic and enjoyable.

Playing Along with Backing Tracks

Using backing tracks is a great way to simulate a live performance environment. It’s a fantastic tool for practicing how to stand and play in a band-like setting.

• Choose the Right Tracks: Pick tracks that challenge you and require you to focus on various techniques.
• Focus on Timing and Dynamics: Pay attention to how your playing fits with the track. This will help you develop a sense of timing and dynamics that’s crucial for live performance.
• Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions with backing tracks can provide valuable feedback and help you identify areas for improvement.

Playing along with backing tracks not only improves your ability to stand and play but also helps you develop a sense of musicality that’s vital for any guitarist.

Getting Comfortable with Different Guitars

If you switch between different guitars, you’ll need to adjust your standing technique accordingly. Different guitars can feel very different in terms of weight, shape, and balance.

• Experiment with Strap Lengths: Each guitar may require a different strap length for optimal comfort and playability.
• Understand the Weight Distribution: Heavier guitars may require more support from your shoulder and back muscles.
• Familiarize Yourself with Each Instrument: Spend time with each guitar to understand its unique feel and how it affects your playing.

By getting familiar with different guitars, you’ll be able to adapt your playing style to suit each instrument, ensuring consistent performance regardless of what you’re playing.

Building Endurance for Long Sessions

Playing for extended periods while standing can be physically demanding. Building endurance is essential to keep your performance consistent and energetic throughout a show or practice session.

• Gradual Increases: Gradually increase the amount of time you play standing. Don’t push yourself too hard too fast.
• Take Breaks: Allow yourself short breaks during long sessions to rest your muscles and prevent fatigue.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration can help reduce muscle fatigue and improve overall performance.

Building endurance takes time and effort, but it’s a worthwhile investment that will pay off in your ability to play for longer periods without losing quality or energy.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar standing up can transform your playing experience, whether you’re performing or just jamming at home. By focusing on strap length, posture, core strength, and other key factors, you can become comfortable and confident in your standing technique. At Riffhard, we offer lessons from top metal guitarists that can help refine your skills even further. Dive into our resources and take your playing to the next level!