Standing up for the first time is a rite of passage, and the exact second everyone's chords fall apart. Relax. It's not you, it's your strap trying to sabotage you.
When you stand, the guitar should sit at roughly the same height it did when you were sitting. Slam it down to your knees for the rock-star look and your fretting wrist has to bend at a brutal angle.
◆ KEY IDEA
Match your sitting height
Dial it in:
- 1Put the strap on and stand up straight.
- 2Adjust until the guitar sits near your belt line.
- 3Play a chord you know. If your wrist feels cramped, raise the guitar.
- 4Practice sitting and standing at the same height so switching is seamless.
★ PRO TIP
Strap locks save heartbreak
Wear it down by your knees for the band photo, sure, look cool. Wear it higher to actually play. Your call, just don't act shocked when the rock-star sag fights your hands and wins.
Your turn ⭐
Stand and deliver
Question 1 of 3
Your chords are worse standing than sitting. Most likely cause?
The cheat sheet
- Set strap height so the guitar sits near your belt line.
- Match your standing height to your sitting height for an easy switch.
- Too low forces a painful wrist bend and ruins chords.
- Use strap locks so the guitar can't drop.
Common questions
Why are my chords worse standing up?
Your strap is probably too low, forcing your fretting wrist into a sharp bend. Raise the guitar to about your seated height and the chords come right back.
How low should I wear my guitar?
For comfort and clean playing, around your belt line — roughly where it sits when you're seated. Wearing it very low looks cool but makes fretting much harder.
Do I need a strap to play standing?
Yes. A strap holds the guitar so both hands are free to play. Make sure it's secure (strap locks help) so the guitar can't slip off.