Classical guitar and the Alexander Technique by Florence Hill

Summary

This video introduces the Alexander Technique to improve comfort and prevent tension-related injuries in guitar playing. It offers five key questions to guide better body mechanics during practice: balancing the head on the spine, sitting on the sitting bones, allowing the spine to lengthen, adjusting the guitar setup for accessibility, and ensuring the legs can move freely without tension. The video emphasizes freedom of movement and body alignment to create a healthy and efficient playing posture, making it easier to practice without unnecessary strain.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure your head is balancing on top of your spine to reduce neck and back tension while playing guitar.
• 😀 Avoid dropping or twisting your head and neck when looking at your left hand; instead, lead with your eyes and allow your head to move freely.
• 😀 Sit on your sitting bones (the base of your pelvis) for proper support, which helps release tension in your back muscles.
• 😀 Practice rolling back and forward on your sitting bones to find a balanced and comfortable sitting position.
• 😀 Maintain a natural spine lengthening and avoid slumping or overarching to ensure your back supports your arms during play.
• 😀 Avoid thinking of posture as a fixed position; instead, focus on freedom of movement without unnecessary tension.
• 😀 Explore different guitar supports (like footrests, cushions, or guitar lifts) to find what works best for your body size and proportions.
• 😀 Guitar supports should be adjustable to your body and allow you to maintain a neutral and comfortable playing position.
• 😀 Ensure the guitar stays stable during play, so you can rest your hands and arms in between playing without worrying about the guitar sliding.
• 😀 Pay attention to your legs and feet position; keep knees aligned with toes and avoid excessive turning or tension in your legs.
• 😀 When playing, keep your right leg clear of the guitar body, whether by moving it to the side or sliding it back under the chair.

Q & A

Why is it important for your head to balance on top of your spine when playing the guitar?

It is important because the head weighs about 5 kg (11 pounds), and if it is not balanced properly on top of the spine, it can create strain on the neck muscles, leading to neck and back issues. It can also put pressure on nerves that extend through the neck and shoulders, which can affect your arms.

How can you check if your head is balancing properly on top of your spine?

You can visualize an imaginary line between just in front of your ears and from the tip of your nose to the back of your skull just above the hairline. Where these lines cross is where your head should balance on top of your spine at the atlanto-occipital joint. This alignment helps release tension and encourages a natural head position.

What is the recommended approach for positioning your body while sitting and playing the guitar?

It is recommended to sit on your sitting bones, which are at the base of your pelvis, between your bottom and thighs. This supports the weight of your torso and helps your back muscles relax, allowing for a more balanced and free sitting position.

What should you avoid when positioning your spine while playing the guitar?

Avoid slumping, as it makes your arms heavier to lift due to lack of support from your back. Also, avoid overarching the spine, as it puts unnecessary strain on back muscles and disconnects the arms from the back, causing unnecessary tension.

Why is it important for the guitar to be positioned correctly when playing?

Proper positioning of the guitar ensures you can reach all positions easily, minimizing discomfort and strain. A guitar that suits your body allows you to move freely without forcing your body into uncomfortable or unnatural postures.

What are some ways to adjust your guitar setup for better comfort?

You can use footrests, cushions, or guitar lifts to adjust the height and angle of the guitar. A guitar lift, for example, allows the left foot to stay flat on the floor while positioning the guitar in a way that suits your body, preventing the need to distort your body to reach it.

What benefits does using a guitar lift provide compared to other methods?

A guitar lift provides stability by preventing the guitar from sliding away, allowing the player to bring their hands down to rest naturally between playing. It also helps in adjusting the guitar’s height, tilt, and angle without requiring the player to raise their foot or distort their body to accommodate the guitar.

How should your legs and feet be positioned while playing the guitar?

Your legs and feet should be relaxed and free from unnecessary tension. Ensure that your knees and toes are aligned and that your legs can move freely. Avoid turning your feet excessively inwards or outwards, as this can create discomfort and misalignment.

What are some options for positioning your right leg when playing the guitar?

You can either move your right leg to the side with the foot flat on the floor or slide the foot back under the chair with the heel slightly off the ground, allowing the knee to drop and move the leg out of the way of the guitar. It is important to avoid twisting the back muscles when adjusting your leg position.

How can the Alexander Technique help with guitar practice and posture?

The Alexander Technique helps by promoting awareness of your body’s alignment and movement while playing. It encourages you to maintain balance, freedom from unnecessary tension, and a relaxed posture. These practices help prevent injury, reduce strain, and increase ease of movement during practice.