Best Guitar Supports for Classical Guitar

A review of the best guitar supports I use and why for classical guitar.
➔ Full article and info on all the supports mentioned: www.thisisclas...
Three of the best guitar supports I use on a regular basis and the reasons why. I've done so many reviews of supports over the years that people are regularly asking which ones are my favourite. Truth is, they are all good but depending on your preferences one will be more useful than another.
I mainly use three supports: GuitarLift for performance, Ergoplay for general use, Gitano for on-the-go. I'd put the HB Lite support close in there too.
GuitarLift - I use this for performance. It’s secure and solid and never falls off, I trust it completely. Maybe because of the angle or less stress on the suction cups, they never seem to come off. It has no maneuverability once attached but that is kind of perfect for high level performance (for me anyway). This is the only support besides the HB that I fully trust in performance. But this rigid support is not for everyone and isn’t small either. I highly recommend this one for professional players.
Ergoplay - The Tappert model is simple, affordable, and readily available. It’s a good first support and easy to use. I use it for practice and teaching as it’s easy to switch legs and use at various angles. I don’t always trust the suctions but they are pretty good. It’s the most logic choice for the average person so choose this one if you don’t know which support you should get.
Gitano - Small and compact, simple design. I love this little support for on-the-run rehearsals and for the low profile and ease of use. I just love this little thing so much. But the suctions have come off on rare occasions. If you like this but want something more secure, try the HB Lite support below. I recommend this as an option to have around but not as your primary support.
The honourable mentions are:
HB Supports (Review) - The clamps work well. The HB Lite has all the benefits of the Gitano but the security of a clamp-on device. That said, suction cups are convenient and are easy on your finish but clamps are more trustworthy.
Tenuto (Tenuto.ca) - These are great but I just haven’t found one that is perfect for my smaller guitar. Lots of my friends and students have these and are very happy with them. More adjustable than the Gitano.
Sageworks Magnetic Support (Review) - So cool, looks the best, best design! But I can’t be bothered with the magnets, I don’t even know why because they work great.
Mundo (Review) - If you want maneuverability this might be good for you.
★ Special Thanks to these amazing Patreon Producers: Kamel Abouda, Joseph Adamson, Mark Bellesiles, Mark Cohen, Daniel O’Connor, Des Dog, Ford Doherty, David Elliott, Neil Fox, Don Francis, Marc Garnick, Philippe Gonzalez, Richard Groomer, Madeleine Mead, and Jason Soderquist. You are amazing!
Also these select patrons: Bruno Bertucci, Marie Carr, Fengjun Chen, Steve Daniels, Larry Earles, Hayes Hatfield, John McGlaughlin, Derrick Mickle, Yves Pasquier, Art Peterson, George Rowan, Dorothy Scheel, John Schneider, Donald Turbeville, Bob Zickler.
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Thanks for watching!
#guitar #classicalguitar #guitarsupports

[@brianbowersox8392]

I have tried the Gitano, Ergoplay, Sageworks, and the GuitarLift. I have only been using the GuitarLift for well over a year now. It definitely feels the most secure for me. The suction cups never let go and I have been able to find the perfect angle for me. Like you said, they all pretty good products and it just boils down to your personal preference.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, pretty much like me. Although I do use the Ergoplay sometimes when doing pencil work etc.

[@tobiasemilqvistgaard]

Amazing review. The introduction to all the supports in the beggining of the video was a great touch

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Make sure to see my updated gear page, I now love Le Support: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/classical-guitar-store-reviews/

[@locngo]

Thank you very much for your videos. I learnt alot from you over the years.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad you've found them helpful!

[@chahn27]

I use the NeckUp guitar support. Very comfortable, flexible, easy to use. Light weight. Recommend you give it a try!

[@lisavento7474]

does that buckle press into your thigh?

[@davidlegalley1161]

Thank you for the reviews & information 👍🏾👍🏼

[@jefferyyoung1]

Very helpful - thank you! I am using the Sageworks and I like it quite a bit. I like having the ability to "lift" the guitar higher straight up as I have a longer torso. The Tenuto I used previously, although very good, did not lift the guitar quite as high as I would like.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, the Sageworks is great. Have you tried the Guitarlift?

[@jefferyyoung1]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar My current main guitar has a "natural" finish (that I really love) and suction cups won't stick to it. I would like to try a cushion support, but waiting for something more aesthetically pleasing than the black vinyl style ones.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

The HB support with clamps might be your best bet.

[@louiscyfer6944]

​@@Thisisclassicalguitari like the guitar on my right leg. do any of the supports work for that. my guitar has an elevated fretboard, french polish and an arched back, so guitarlift won't work and i am not sure how well it works for the right leg.

[@jbbyjabby]

Very thoughtfully presented

[@ramonleonegea]

My favorite is Guitarlift, I bought Embrace Guitar and I didn´t like it, I got some pain in the back. I returned to the shop and got a Guitar Lift.

[@Pladderkasse]

I use the pro version of the ergo-play, designed by Mikael Tröester, because it's got articulated joints, so I can angle the guitar against my body. If the Guitar-lift had that option I would use it, but i need that angle to play. So I sacrifice safety for ergonomics. But that being said, the ergo-play never comes off, if you keep the cups and guitar clean.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, I need to get one to try. I feel you can just angle the guitar however you want with the Guitarlift though, it never seems to slide on my leg.

[@robinterkzer8128]

Wonderful ! Forgive my ignorance , when did guitar players stop using the footstool ? Thanks !

[@hrothgar2002]

Ive tried several of these supports and am still to find a better solution than just using a guitar stool! Suckers dont suck well on French-polished guitars and guitar lift is also pretty darn bulky. I had no success with Sagework as (a) the internal magnets are very difficult indeed to put in place and (b) they have twice simply just fallen off and rattled around alarmingly inside my guitar. Shame as -as you say - it is a beautifully packaged piece of kit!! ( and not cheap!) There is also of course the thigh cushion type support - which may help a bit positionally but offers just about zero security!

[@barryhambly7711]

Very interesting to see the different supports thanks for that!! The Guitar lift looks the most adjustable for any angle and in my case needing to get the lower bout close to my left leg but it is well over priced around £70 over here when the parts cost £8 to buy. If you are a performing artist that maybe OK as you need something that works but not for most people that's a lot of money I understand that they need to make a profit but a more realistic price would be around £30 maybe they are limiting their sales by over pricing and don't realize it

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, it's a bit expensive for sure but there are other supports that are cheaper or you could make it yourself, I mean not the craziest design to make. But in the end I find it worth it. I was lucky though, a follower of the site actually ordered me two of them! Such nice fans I have.

[@fuffy442]

Fun video Bradford. I'm using the Troster and I find that if your chair height isn't right (too tall) it slides down your leg. Well, it slides down mine anyway. But, I'm also a 3D printing enthusiast, so I designed a seat-strap thingie that also allowed me to incorporate a rig for placing a lavalier-type microphone at the proper distance from the instrument. It works really well, and it's made a big difference in ease of recording and in how well things sound for my lessons, which are all still virtual and will be for quite some time, I'm afraid..

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, I still use some shelving cloth with the Ergoplay to stop it from slipping. But I did get a smaller adjustable stool for playing which helped.

[@dcdmusic8096]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar do you have a stool that you can recommend? Thanks.

[@littlehummer]

thank you! This was very helpful!

[@hyungkiparkshop]

Really appreciate your informative vids

[@joshfeatherstone8546]

I've used the Gitano for a couple years but I just play around the house. Maybe I'll get around to using some of these other ones. Thanks for the vid.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Gitano is great, I love how small and easy it is.

[@jimmyperini7704]

Where do you try these. Buy these ..!?

[@MrDogonjon]

Sadly I struggle with all aspects of how to hold a guitar. Posture compromised nothing works. Standing up is better so I use a strap. It's easy use two straps. One goes around the sides of the body... with strap buttons in the proper places. the second strap allows you to sit and play as you would with any other contrived contraption... or stand and play and truly express the music you are comfortably playing .

[@athertonken]

Tried several but mainly still using footrest set fairly high. Although I can absolutely see the posture issue with footrest I do wonder if it is the best way to be "close to" the guitar in feeling and more and more I notice that performances by many of the good / great guitarists are with footrests rather than any support on the guitar itself. Just an observation really.

[@jenniferdavenport9571]

Hi...thanks for the great videos talking about guitar supports (and everything else). I have the Ergo Play and am completely frustrated. I am 5'3" and I can't seem to get the guitar in the correct position. The guitar sits too far away from me or sits too high. I guess I also have short arms which don't help. The ErgoPlay just doesn't feel natural. It's also too cumbersome. I think I will try the Tenuto Lite. I like the idea of the pivot because I can angle the guitar closer to the body. Would you recommend any other support for shorter people? Thank You!

[@edromero5470]

Thank you for the reviews. I visited your site but didn't see any recommendations on stools or seating. Have you found a favorite?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I use a padded drum throne for practicing. The circular shape is great for guitar since our legs go out at angles and the adjustable height and padding is good too. Only problem with mine is that that it squeaks in the videos so I use a wooden one for recording.

[@edromero5470]

@Thisisclassicalguitar thank you I ended up reaching a similar conclusion. My drum throne will be here in 2 days. I went with the saddle shape versus the round and with a backrest. Thank you for your content

[@SouthSeaTrader]

I notice that when showing how the ergoplay suction cups don't come off by shaking the guitar, you still held firmly to the neck.. just in case! lol

[@nakondel9839]

Can i use any of those on unpolished classical guitar? Im searching for too long time.

[@apitapi]

Does the sound not get affected/hindered by the plate of the first support because it goes over the backside (and thus the backplate/wood)?

[@ishaanjha5959]

SO HELPFUL!! Thank you!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Thanks for watching? Do you have one yourself?

[@ishaanjha5959]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Yes I have a foot stool :).

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

The Footstool is still a solid standard, although the GuitarLift has really won me over.

[@ToastandJam52]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I find using the footstool for any length of time my back ashes. I'm looking for an alternative.

[@brians145]

Bradley, wonder if you could advise? I am about to buy one of the Ergoplay's and can't make my mind up between the Tappert and Troster. I am 6ft tall, 15 stone, with standard body dimensions. The Foot Stool had been aggravating my Sciatica.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

The Troster is way more adjustable and, for me, creates a better guitar position. I highly recommend it over the tappert. That said, if the tappert feels good for some people then no adjustment needed.

[@brians145]

Many thanks

[@BS38114]

Mmh. I have tried out a foot rest, and it feels not got. I have my string instrument roots in Ukulele and Cavaquinho, maybe thats the reason...? My left/chord arm are also gets tired fast in this position. But something like a Guitar lift could be nice. After a longer session i have sometimes problems with my neck... Very helpful video about this topic.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

For the average person I recommend the Ergoplay but if you want something super secure go with the Guitarlift.

[@kipponi]

I have matte finish (french polish?)Yamaha guitar and Ergoplay always come off. Suction cups slip away.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Have you tried using some of the static cling vinyl? Or even one with a light adhesive?

[@kipponi]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar not yet. I have sawn Ergoplay for better fit didnt help. Cant see fretboard...was problem too with it? I use footrest now but I like to keep both legs on the ground. Backproblems otherwise. Guitar is cheap Yamaha CG122MS so McGyver tape can use too ha ha.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You don't need to see the fretboard, just see the top of the frets and your fingers then learn to trust where the strings are.

[@kipponi]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar yeah that is ultimate process of guitar playing. I mainly play electric guitar its fretboard is different angle with strap than classical guitar. I am used to see fretboard marks. Some electric guitarists hang guitar really low almost over knees ha ha. Thats stupid wrist is 90* angle.

[@brians145]

Bradley, you mentioned that you would not leave the suction cup products on the guitar all the time. I will just be playing at home, practicing daily, so do I have to remove the support after each session or is it ok to leave the support on all the time? I am looking at the Ergoplay Johannes. Thanks for the review, by the way. Very helpful to a relative newbie.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I think you'll find that they fall off if left on but I think it's particularly bad for the guitar to leave them on. To my knowledge anyway. I always place my guitar back in the case so couldn't leave it on anyway. - Bradford

[@joehughes7971]

Hi thanks for the video. Where can you get static cling wrap from? Thanks!

[@user-ok3rr2uk4z]

Please does anyone know a good support for a satin guitar (if any?) because all these suction cup ones are said to not work with a satin finish

[@jeffbowman6481]

A warning regarding the ErgoPlay support. It works well but the suction cups would not adhere to my satin finish Taylor Academy guitar. They work well on a gloss finish but not on a satin finish.

[@user-ok3rr2uk4z]

Please tell me you have any clue of a good support for satin finish because I don’t wanna buy the wrong thing and regret it. Should I buy a support or just a footstand and if a support what type/ which one?

[@jeffbowman6481]

@@user-ok3rr2uk4z I purchased a Sagework support and love it.

[@lisavento7474]

i wonder about the ones WITHOUT maneuverability when i'm still learning and pull it back so i can see over the neck. so many look like an EDGE would be cutting into my thigh?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I would say that the guitar supports cut in with a edge less so than the guitar itself with a footstool and usually the supports have padding.

[@lisavento7474]

You didn't talk about tye space behind the guitar with the first one where suction cups are on the back, if that presses in mote to the chest ...sticks out...

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

It actually doesn't really touch my chest, only the guitar does. Maybe on some people it might.

[@lisavento7474]

Thanks As I'm so short and my Taylor feels so big but the GSmini is so small. Gonna try the leather one someone suggested below but have this tagged, gonna see what else is in your channel.

[@DEEDSZ-Games]

Would the guitar lift work for an electric guitar with a les Paul body shape? Trying to work around back and shoulder pain and I currently use a strap to keep the guitar in a classical position.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I think it would, you should do some measurements though and check with them.

[@andrewclark6355]

Do you find the 3 suction Gitano more secure than the 2 suction or not much difference? Thanks!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Maybe a bit, not much different. It is however, a bit longer I think.

[@maureenmcfadyen6498]

When I try to use the Cling Vynal with a GuitarLift the vynal just slips off the back of the guitar. Am I doing something wrong?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Maybe the finish on your guitar is more porous than some which creates air pockets that allow it to come off. I don't use the cling for the guitarlift though.

[@maureenmcfadyen6498]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar thank you for replying. The guitar is a satin finish and is too porous to use the suction cups. I’m looking at other options now - hip strap, guitar stand.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

The Woodside might be a good option: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/review-woodside-guitar-support/

[@maureenmcfadyen6498]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar thank you!

[@Soberan]

The fact that there are so many guitar support out there in the market suggests that there is something fundamentally wrong with the sitting position for classical guitar, at least in terms of ergonomics. But folks don't break away from it so as not to upset the applecart of handed-down tradition, which in the classical world is very important. However, there are a few very good players that have given up on the traditional position and sit with the guitar resting on their right leg (either with legs crossed or using a footstool for the right leg), even in public performances. Do I need to mention names? Classical guitar should not be defined by the position you sit in, but by the repertoire you play and the techniques you need to play it.

[@doyeonkim6742]

I have no way/intent to disregard your knowledge, but is there really another way to play the guitar with the quality sound we expect?

[@Soberan]

@@doyeonkim6742 Check out Ricardo Gallen, he's a world-class guitarist that sits with the guitar on his right leg, maybe because he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone anymore. After wining many international prizes, he also had problems with his back due to the classical guitar position and resulting in an operation. After that, he played resting the guitar on his right leg. Another fantastic guitarist that plays resting the guitar on the right leg is Flavio Sala, for instance, check his Rossiniana No. 1 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4KcoJuHbLegeKM. The only advantage of the classical guitar position is that it makes it easier to access the top frets (the ones closer to the bridge}. That's why Flavio's guitar has a cut-away in the lower bout. But the technique and ease he plays with is impeccable and mesmerising.

[@saepiumv3813]

@@Soberan thanks for the link. That is interesting 🤔

[@GaiaMiranda]

Interested in guitarlift but I cant find the sale site....

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Their site is guitarlift.de/ but you can also order them from stores such as String by Mail.

[@GaiaMiranda]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar thank you!

[@peterluth]

thanks!

[@violaoquetoca]

Very good👍

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@syalalala07]

Do you have another yt channel? I saw your videos on another yt channel called primo guitar.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Yup, that's me. I just sight read student repertoire over there instead of cluttering up this channel too much.

[@johnstrozzi1126]

What size of GuitarLift do you recommend for someone who is 6ft tall?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

The large probably, I use the medium but it's tight on the thigh and might not be high enough for you.

[@arthurias7693]

I own one of Segovia's old footstools.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Nice! Ya, the footstool is still in the game!

[@07dhiraj]

how about dynarette GD 20 cushion guitar support ?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I just don't personally like it. But some people find it perfect.

[@mexsachine]

Why not use a guitar strap? I know it's not traditionally used but is there any other reason it's not better than these options? You won't need to prop up your legs too with a strap.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I like straps but most high end guitars do not have end pins so there isn't really a way to attach it. Plus, I like supports plenty and don't actually want the weight of the guitar on my shoulders (I know it's not much with classical) but everyone has different preferences.

[@volv]

I bought ergoplay and it just doesn't work with my guitar. It doesn't stick to it. My Dowina has matt finish and even with the stickers included with ergoplay it doesn't stay at all.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Darn, even with the adhesive stuff they include? Try washing the suction cups with dish soap and warm water. Maybe the HB clamps are best for matte finishes.

[@C0C0LINA25]

Hello, what guitar do you have??

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Hi, it' a Douglass Scott. All my gear can be found here: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/classical-guitar-store-reviews/

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

i have seen a youtube video of a young man playing classical guitar, in what looked to be a 3rd world country, just before the video ended, i notice the young man had what appeared to be a router table mat draped over his lap. i was shocked , and thinking why did not i think of that ? i plan to try it and experiment, to see if it does the job.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Most people use shelving cloth if that's what you mean. For example this one: amzn.to/2UaAzPQ

[@MrOdissea1978]

hello thanks for the very informative video! how tall are you? :) I am very tall and I struggle to find an ideal support! thanks :)

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I'm about 5'8. Which supports have you tried so far?

[@MrOdissea1978]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I've tried Ergoplay Troster and Dynarette, but both are too low for me. I think I understand from your video that "Guitarlift big" could be a solution but it seems quite static, it should be tried and maybe the "Mundo" seems suitable for a tall person, you have to see if the bar is long enough. I am 190 cm so quite tall. Anyway thank you so much now I buy a couple and try :)

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Hmmm, not sure, the guitarlift large might do it.

[@ledzepdeu]

@@ThisisclassicalguitarHi! I'm also 190 cm, I'm about to buy the Sagework, the big one. I saw a video in which you praised it, but here you mentioned it casually. Do you use it daily?

[@nmcg2587]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I'm even shorter - I use both a foot stool + a support.

[@Pissarrio]

based on your previous recommendation i bought the Mundo guitar support. I found it to be very unstable and does not feel secure at all and it has too much play on your leg and arm. I do not recommend it specially for performances as the guitar feels like is sliding away from you and and off of your leg. I whish the Mundo design folks would have gone an step further and included some kind of a locking mechanism that if you wanted to you could stop the free movement and lock it in place.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I found the Mundo fairly stable, I like it overall and certainly didn't feel it slipping down the leg with that giant pad. Maybe there is something different about our positions?

[@talentohumano1859]

Good Video, Thanks For Your Support Where Can I Find The Guitar Arm Rest? Thanks

[@mabigote279]

Muy interesante.. El día menos pensado comprenderemos la verdad absoluta..

[@CarlosGonzales-ly8dq]

I had bought the Gitano I don’t like it at all. It always pops off of the guitar. It also has electrical tape holding the strap to the metal.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Did you try using some static cling material? It usually does the job. Plus, clean the suction cups with some dish soap and water.

[@CarlosGonzales-ly8dq]

I will try that. Thanks