Playing on the couch question

[Riverwolf]

Hello all,
I find that about 90% of my play and practice is done on my couch.
I am usually moved forward to the edge for various reasons.
Books, tabs, notes, etc spread across the coffee table.
When I lean back into the cushions with the guitar body resting besides me, it is far more comfortable.
Except for my left arm which is sorta just hanging out there in space.
Any cool ideas for some type of left arm rest besides a stack of pillows?

[RGtheMusicGuy]

I have a loveseat in my office almost just for this purpose. I guess I don't have the left arm problem, I either have it in mid air or the arm rest is right about the correct height for playing. Heh maybe you just need a new couch?

[Riverwolf]

Originally Posted by RGtheMusicGuy

maybe you just need a new couch?

My couch was a present with matching love seat and WAY more money than I would have spent!
But couches regardless are flat, are they not?
Hmm, suggesting sitting so my left arm is on the end cushion?
I asked because I sometimes see posts about "devices" that hold the guitar up while playing seated.
Mostly for fat guys?, No offence intended but they seem to help people with large guts?
My want is to hold the left fretting arm up instead of "holding on" the whole time.

[Bingoccc]

If you're not using a strap, using one may help. It doesn't support your arm but then your arm doesn't have to support the guitar, making it less uncomfortable.

[j3ffr0]

I've got some tendonitis in my left arm. I'll sometimes use the arm rest on the left side of the couch.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

My couch was a present with matching love seat and WAY more money than I would have spent!
But couches regardless are flat, are the not?
Hmm, suggesting sitting so my left arm is on the end cushion?
I asked because I sometimes see posts about "devices" that hold the guitar up while playing seated.
Mostly for fat guys?, No offense intended but they seem to help people with large guts?
My want is to hold the left fretting arm up instead of "holding on" the whole time.

To me they appear to actually get the neck angle into more of a classical position for guys who don't feel comfortable putting the guitar on the other leg and using a footstool (I usually use a footstool and put the guitar on my left leg, except for when I am just casually playing). I don't think it has anything to do with them being over weight.

[DesertTwang]

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

Any cool ideas for some type of left arm rest besides a stack of pillows?

I would suggest a pair of dumbbells.

[billder99]

Bad habits die hard, and 90% couch time is bad is so many ways.... lazy is as lazy does. Good playing posture, whether sitting or standing, will make you a better player. And that's all I'll say on that.

[OleGibby58]

Unless you have an injury or disability of some type I can't imagine anybody needing support for their left (fretting hand) arm while playing guitar on a couch, chair, stool, or standing up.

This must be a joke.

[Riverwolf]

Originally Posted by OleGibby58

Unless you have an injury or disability of some type I can't imagine anybody needing support for their left (fretting hand) arm while playing guitar on a couch, chair, stool, or standing up.

This must be a joke.

Yes, disability is a joke to those who have none.
Always more funny when it is the other guy, huh?
I am waiting on the next doc appointment to confirm the need for a complete shoulder replacement(s).
(s) as in both.

[Roselynne]

You might want to get a music stand so you don't have to sit on the edge of the sofa to read your music.

I have two: a desktop model and a stand-alone model. Both fold up compactly for storage.

You may be able to find a cylindrical pillow at Pier One, Cost Plus or similar. If need be, you may want to try an additional pillow underneath it, for added height.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by billder99

Bad habits die hard, and 90% couch time is bad is so many ways.... lazy is as lazy does. Good playing posture, whether sitting or standing, will make you a better player. And that's all I'll say on that.

Correct in every respect.

[Toolfool]

Originally Posted by billder99

Bad habits die hard, and 90% couch time is bad is so many ways.... lazy is as lazy does. Good playing posture, whether sitting or standing, will make you a better player. And that's all I'll say on that.

So if I understand you correctly.
Slouching on the couch, with 1 foot on the coffee table, and guitar propped on the stomach would be frowned upon ??
(you probably think I'm joking)
Yea it was a joke. Let's go with That

[Earwitness]

Originally Posted by Riverwolf

Yes, disability is a joke to those who have none.
Always more funny when it is the other guy, huh?
I am waiting on the next doc appointment to confirm the need for a complete shoulder replacement(s).
(s) as in both.

He said, "unless you have a disability," he couldn't understand your issue. Until your reply, you hadn't said that. So, his comment may have been mildly thoughtless, but he wasn't joking about a disability.

What about a shoulder/elbow sling?

[Earwitness]

Originally Posted by Roselynne

You might want to get a music stand so you don't have to sit on the edge of the sofa to read your music.

I have two: a desktop model and a stand-alone model. Both fold up compactly for storage.

I got myself a dedicated guitar chair (pick n glider), and I have a music stand in front of it, and that really has kept me from craning my neck to see things flat on a table--much better for my back and neck. It would be good, too, if I had a tablet, but since I have a laptop, I have to make different arrangements for it. (Sometimes I balance it precariously.)