As I get older, I find that I’m giving much more attention to comfort when it comes to sitting down and playing guitar. Guitars come in many different shapes and sizes. Although sound and playability should be top considerations when choosing a guitar, comfort should rank right up there in importance. Let’s face it, if you’re not comfortable, you’re more likely to put the guitar down and walk away. I know I am.
When it comes to acoustic guitars, I prefer the concert size, such as Breedlove’s Concert or Taylor’s Grand Concert. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sound of a big boomy dreadnought but keeping my arms around one for long can cause fatigue. A concert body just fits me right. I can reach everything without feeling like I’m stretching or putting my right arm in some cumbersome position.
Anyhow, I’m not here to sell you on concert body guitars. I’m here to discuss comfort. What is uncomfortable for me, might be comfortable for you. My point is…be comfortable! Choose a comfortable environment and a comfortable guitar. You will spend much more time playing and enjoying an instrument that is comfortable to you. If your guitar is not comfortable, try some different shapes and sizes. I promise, you will know once you get the right guitar in your hands.
TOP 3 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN FINDING A COMFORTABLE GUITAR:
- Arm position – do you have to stretch to reach anything?
- Fatigue – are you sore after you’ve held the guitar for a while?
- Enjoyment – do you enjoy the feel of the guitar? Does it fit you?