Dead leg when playing guitar?

EverlongWheels · 17-04-2012 09:09PM #1

Hey I've been playing guitar for the last 5-6 months - it's an electric guitar and I've noticed that when I play while sitting down I seem to get a dead leg. I was just wondering if anyone else gets this problem or is it just whatever way I'm sitting that causes it?

Strings.ie · 17-04-2012 09:33PM

EverlongWheels wrote: »

Hey I've been playing guitar for the last 5-6 months - it's an electric guitar and I've noticed that when I play while sitting down I seem to get a dead leg. I was just wondering if anyone else gets this problem or is it just whatever way I'm sitting that causes it?

I play acoustic sitting down and if I've not done a gig for a while I get dead leg from all the leg/foot tapping. Its a killer the next day. Old age I guess :rolleyes:

In your case though, maybe use a strap to take some of the weight or a pad.

feylya · 17-04-2012 10:43PM

If you're sitting for a while with the guitar in the same spot on your leg, it's possible that you're cutting off the blood flow. Try moving the guitar around a bit or elevating your leg slightly.

Rigsby · 18-04-2012 10:40AM

Strings.ie wrote: »

maybe use a strap to take some of the weight

+1. Using a strap while sitting, allows the legs more freedom of movement.

Ravelleman · 18-04-2012 11:44AM

First world problems, pal.

I´ve never had this issue but your posture while playing is certainly very important. Better to adapt now that suffer later. There are lots of guides available on google and youtube so check them out.

Malice · 18-04-2012 12:23PM

I can honestly say I've never experienced that problem when sitting down playing, with or without a strap. It must be something to do with your posture.

goblin59 · 18-04-2012 12:47PM

i tend to get a dead arm more often than a dead leg, but thats only on acoustic and because the body of the acoustic cuts off my circulation.

What electric guitar is it? if its similar to a hollow body jazz it could just be that its concentrating alot of its weight into one specific area on your leg and cutting the blood flow just like on of the lads above said.

b318isp · 18-04-2012 12:54PM

If you are playing on a sofa or other soft seat, resultant poor posture may be a cause. Try sitting on a stool or more towards the edge of the seat.

Rigsby · 18-04-2012 01:55PM

b318isp wrote: »

If you are playing on a sofa or other soft seat, resultant poor posture may be a cause. Try sitting on a stool or more towards the edge of the seat.

Good point ! OP, try sitting on a hard chair, preferably one with a back support.

Connavar · 18-04-2012 02:09PM

I always found I got a dead leg when playing a les paul due to its weight and sharp edge, but no others

MrVoracious · 18-04-2012 03:51PM

I used to get that problem when playing on the sofa but now I have a kudrt cobain style office chair - most comfortable thing you can ever play on!

Squidgy Black · 18-04-2012 04:06PM

Maybe you're leaning to hard on the top of the guitar with the arm you pick with, and it's pushing the sharp edge of the guitar into your leg?

Other than that, just try and change the way you sit when playing guitar.

johnROSS · 19-04-2012 07:13PM

^^ what stetyrell said, and definetly try playing with a strap, sitting or standing

Dead leg when playing guitar?

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