Posture makes perfect

Amongst music lovers, the classical guitar is famed for being something of a challenge to master. An aspiring concert-level classical guitarist, for example, will dedicate up to six hours a day practising their instrument. And even a diligent guitar student with no ambitions of becoming a professional should play for a minimum of one hour a day.

Therefore, one of the first things to get right is posture: the guitarist needs to be able to play for long periods of time without sustaining an injury, rather like an elite sportsman or woman.

Whilst some professionals favour the traditional footrest (and it’s worthwhile knowing how to use one), these devices can put a strain on the body if you use them for hours at a time because your hips are uneven, and this can eventually lead to lower back pain.

Step forward

A useful alternative to the footrest during your practice sessions is a guitar support which will both elevate your instrument and keep your hips balanced at the same time.

One of the simplest kinds of guitar support that works well is the cushion. It easily rests on your thigh and helps you to maintain good posture whilst seated. Oasis make a large and small model: the Oasis OH-28 (large) guitar support cushion raises the height of the guitar by around 5.5″ (14 cm), whilst the Oasis OH-29 (small) guitar support cushion raises it by about 4″ (10.16 cm).

Supporting role

A second simple option is the Alhambra Gitano guitar stand. Designed for the classical guitar, flamenco guitar, acoustic guitar, and other stringed instruments, this compact and minimal stand folds down, so it’s easy to carry around. And even more importantly, it reduces stress on the back by helping you maintain a more ergonomic playing posture. Where you position the two suction cups on the guitar enables you to adjust the angle of the instrument to your liking.

Standing ovation

Your third option is the most sophisticated: a customizable mechanism such as the Woodside GS2-LEV, which also happens to be our personal favorite at GFS. An upgraded version of the original and very well received GS1-LEV, the Woodside GS2-LEV is the Rolls-Royce of guitar support systems.

Amongst the exceptional features of this model, the Woodside GS2-LEV uses a pivoting grip technique to hold the instrument securely, rather than the more standard suction cups.

Bold as brass

A locking ball and socket mechanism attaches the support pillar to the clamping cradle, which means you can set up the angle between the clamping cradle and the leg rest to whatever position is most comfortable for you. Made out of anodized aluminum, brass and stainless steel it also comes with a very practical flip lever / cam lock.

Apple of our eye

You can use the smart new thumb screw to adjust the height, as well as the height extension collar which comes with the GS2 free of charge. And last but not least, the GS2 is a beautiful piece of machinery. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that the Woodside GS2-LEV is the brainchild of two classical guitarists who once worked at Apple Inc as product designers.

Even higher

For those who wish to position their guitar even higher, the guys at Woodside have designed the HLK-2, an accessory that adds approximately an additional 120mm of lift to the Woodside GS2 guitar support.

With a different angle

For those who hold the instrument at a more upright angle, or anyone who wants to customize their set up, the AB-1 Angle Block will enable you to position the guitar support Woodside GS2-LEV however you like it, up to 25 degrees additional angle bias. Depending on how the AB-1 and Ball Socket are oriented, a wide range of customized angular positioning are available. Further customize your setup with the AB-1 Angle Block.