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Thread: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

  1. #1

    Default How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    1) Like a classical guitar (guitar body on raised left leg) - tried it but it feels awkward, I hated this when I was playing classical as a teenager;

    2) Like most guitarists do (body on right leg). Tried it but I feel somewhat guilty.

    3) Like a tenor banjo (on a strap, headstock as close as possible to the eye). Haven't tried because I haven't got a strap.

    What's the panel's opinion?

    PS. My cheap and nasty Harley Benton only has a strap button on the right. Am I supposed to stick another button myself or tie the strap to the headstock?

  2. #2
    Registered User PT66's Avatar
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    Default Re: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    What ever feels comfortable.
    Dave Schneider

  3. #3
    Registered User TheMandoKit's Avatar
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    Default Re: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    Quote Originally Posted by PT66 View Post
    What ever feels comfortable.
    And allows you to play easily and without strain.
    Kit
    Guitars, Mandos, Violins, Dulcimers, Cats

  4. #4
    Registered User Charles E.'s Avatar
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    Default Re: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    It depends on what I am playing. I find that if I am playing rhythm, I put the waist of the guitar on my right leg. If I am flat picking fiddle tunes and need the added control of the right hand I put the body on my left leg. I hardly use a strap so I can't help you there.
    Like others have said, whatever you find comfortable.
    Charley

    A bunch of stuff with four strings

  5. #5
    Registered User liestman's Avatar
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    Default Re: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    I hold mine like a tenor banjo with no strap. It's a National resonator tenor (newish) so the body is small. When I used to have a larger body tenor (000 size), that position is uncomfortable.
    John Liestman -
    Eye new ewe wood lye kit!

  6. #6
    Registered User Rob Meyer's Avatar
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    Default Re: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    I hold mine between my legs and use a strap as I do with my OM, Irish bouzouki, small body guitar (Taylor GS mini). The position feels comfortable to me and that is the only reason. This is like number 3, but not with such a severe neck angle. The photo shows my playing position. Click image for larger version. 

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    Rob

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    Professional Dreamer journeybear's Avatar
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    Default Re: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    I'd say, use both hands. Ani DiFranco would agree. Wish I could find a clip of her playing this on a tenor, as she did for years.

    But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. - Dennis Miller

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  8. #8

    Default Re: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    ]

    Quote Originally Posted by Rob Meyer View Post
    I hold mine between my legs and use a strap as I do with my OM, Irish bouzouki, small body guitar (Taylor GS mini). The position feels comfortable to me and that is the only reason. This is like number 3, but not with such a severe neck angle. The photo shows my playing position.
    Is that a generic strap for guitars?

  9. #9
    Registered User Rob Meyer's Avatar
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    Default Re: How should one hold a tenor guitar (CGDA)?

    It is a guitar strap from Lakota Leathers. I use this type on all my fretted instruments, except for my waldzither on which I use one of their braided mandolin straps. I find them to be extremely comfortable.
    Rob

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