Classical Guitar Supports: Tenuto, Gitano, Murata, Sagework, Amy's, ErgoPlay, Cushion, GuitarLift

[@RubRodGuitar]

I am in the process of buying my first guitar support and this really helps in making a selection. This is an excellent video. Thank you.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@lucianokendall9291]

You all probably dont give a damn but does someone know a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the login password. I appreciate any tips you can give me!

[@kasenalfredo2396]

@Luciano Kendall Instablaster =)

[@lucianokendall9291]

@Kasen Alfredo i really appreciate your reply. I found the site on google and im trying it out atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@lucianokendall9291]

@Kasen Alfredo It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you really help me out !

[@colink4823]

Great review! Your site is my go to for all things classical. Tons of useful information, simply explained. The people who give a thumbs down never explain why. A little bit cowardly imo.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Have you seen my page for all the reviews? www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/ergonomic-guitar-rests-support-ergoplay/

[@colink4823]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar looking now 👍

[@oleksandrandriienko8694]

Thank you very much. Great review. So many details in such a short time. This is actually all me and my son need to know on guitar supports so far. With respect🙏

[@cerhio74]

I bought recently GuitarLift and I'm happy now!

[@johnoffutt898]

Awesome reviews on each support. I have lower back problems and the footrest was great but after 15 minutes I was having back pain. I bought the StageWork Ambra guitar support and extra magnets for my other guitar's. Now I can play with no back pain or problems. I also have wood armrest on my guitar's which helps my arm and the guitar top vibrates and sounds better. Thank you Bradford Werner for your input and advice and knowledge. Also I am a much better classical guitarists from your books for beginners to intermediate to advanced. You have the best studies. Thank you John Offutt

[@joaquim02]

Hi, Thanks. I haverá whole collection of these supports. Lately, I have been using the cushion. Please note that the Sageworks could be very dangerous for people who have pacemakers or other implanted cardiac devices. The strong magnets can interfere with the devices with unpredictable consequences.

[@hal_of_a_time]

I love how you do these reviews. I also like that you point out the personal preference of support. Since I enjoy your video library, I subscribed to it and look forward to your future videos. Thank you for informative videos.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad you like them!

[@c1arkj]

Thanks I purchased the ErgoPlay from your Amazon link thanks to your great review.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, the ErgoPlay is still one of the best even though I plug it less.

[@omerrichard1293]

Hi good review, which I had this video a few years ago when I was searching for a guitar support. I have the Murata and love it, much lest back and hip fatigue and pain. I would like to add that now you can order different pole length to adjust the height. What I did is purchased a few long bolts from the hardware store the same size as the pole and cut different length to find the best fit for me.

[@Laurencemardon]

Nice survey ... I went thru a phase of trying most of the ones you review (except anything with suction cups -- French polish!). Some worked better than others, but nothing seemed to work well: problems with back ache & just a sense of insecurity when holding the instrument. Finally, for my second custom-built guitar I had my luthier put in in two pegs for a guitar strap ... not a traditional solution for the classical guitar, but I'll never go back. Total comfort & control, & it takes seconds to adjust the length of the strap for sitting on a chair of any height, sitting cross-legged or kneeling, and even standing. An unorthodox solution, but so were the chin and shoulder rests for the violin when they were first invented. Cheers.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Have you seen these: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/review-hb-guitar-supports/

[@ww3032]

Thanks for this video. Elevating the foot has been killing me recently.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, I mainly use guitar supports now.

[@ww3032]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I got a gitano yesterday after watching your video and really liked it. I've got a different sort of ache now. I suppose I'm not used to sitting upright for prolonged periods. But it's not bad type of ache I used to feel with the foot stool. That and the edge of fabric on the gitano is a little uncomfortable on bare skin, so it doesn't feel very good to be practising in boxers anymore. :D

[@DavidGarcia-pi9wn]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar using a footstool causes back pain right? Because ever since I started classical my back had been killing me

[@saulright5089]

Dude this video is a whole rollercoaster for my brain. „Oh yea that looks good“ „this other one is better though… yea looks good, i‘ll buy that“ „Forget the last one, THIS is it“ „ALL of the last ones don‘t even come close, THIS IS IT“ … „Or is it???“ I‘ll probably just stick to the ergoplay and we’ll see from there…

[@saulright5089]

Edit: the sagework looks REALLY good though Second edit: nah man, lets just stay with the ergo

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, I understand. I use the Ergoplay Troster and the Guitarlift almost exclusively if that helps.

[@saulright5089]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar today my teacher lend me the ergoplay tappert, and i absolutely adore it wow

[@alanmak1867]

Thanks for the great review! Very informative. It's helped a lot in my decision making process! Keep up the great work :)

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

What did you end up choosing.

[@michaelpurtee177]

Excellent review and instructional as usual! Great timing for me as I was just considering purchasing one or two of these supports to augment the trusty footstool. I've been traveling with the footstool but the smaller ones you demonstrated look pretty cool, functional and as you say, easy to toss in a bag or pack. Thank you!

[@michaelrusso2006]

This video is a very useful guide to choosing the right guitar support. I've watched it a few times. I bought a cheap guitar support that falls off sometimes. I'm thinking about upgrading to a Tenuto Pro but I'm going to try the ClingVinyl first!

[@off.saturdays]

I was looking your little hack with books on the side and thinking if you can make a review of showing each one on there! 😎

[@shahofcoquitlam234]

*Thank You for the great Review* ! , I ordered ErgoPlay from amazon, cant wait to try, BTW you remind me of my favorite Actor Mark Wahlberg. Cheers!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I get that comparison a lot actually!

[@MIVANDIAZCRUZ]

Very nice video! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Thank you very much!

[@chahn27]

I use the NeckUp guitar support. Very comfortable, easy to use. Light weight.

[@AndrewsGuitarChannel]

I bought the Tenuto lite last year for my Alhambra CSLR and I am very happy with it. I don't use or recommend the adhesive sheet it came with. I just ordered the Grafix ClingVinyl and will give that a shot... more to protect the top of my guitar because I can't seem to break the habit of planting my pinky on the soundboard.

[@Unmaleable]

I was going to get a support for mine but did some research and many classical guitarists say these suction cups will damage the finish on your guitar. There is a balancing act you can do if you hold it properly. You alternate between using your fretting hand for support and the forearm of you picking hand as you play to keep the guitar steady. You want to sit up straight but lean the guitar back into you.

[@rodrirm]

Thank you for the video. You are missing one last ítem, and thats the old guitar strap. Yes you have to install atleast 1 peg (if your guitar doesn't have it), but I have tested classical guitar with it they are very comfortable. Many people only consider a strap for standing situations, but you can simple use it while sitting too.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

you are such a wonderful man for helping us out... i love your playing too... now you should reply to encourage me to slay the dragons of classical playing... it means a lot! thank you, peace and love to you and yours! us classical players are preserving something that, with negligence, could easily be lost: like an ancient language!

[@Carnax6969]

Thank you for this. I randomly came across leg supports on Amazon and I was curious to potentially get one, but had no idea how they function or where to put them, and most of the preview images don't show an example of how it's supposed to work. I've been using a makeshift foot stool and playing like that on a DXRacer is not comfortable for any longer than 30+ mins.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Have you seen my more recent videos and articles: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/ergonomic-guitar-rests-support-ergoplay/

[@alexandre8598]

Thank you for the video!

[@I24FFA]

do you think it would work well if the magnet of the sagework was on top of the side "walls" of the inside of the guitar? im asking this because my guitar is reasonably more thinner than the one shown in the video and that seems a really nice support!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

The magnets are pretty small, I would assume they would work on a variety of guitars of different sizes.

[@orenfader]

Extremely helpful! Thanks.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad to hear it!

[@Aalii6]

great overview, thank you

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad you found it useful.

[@dogiego]

Nice summary of supports. I noticed you use shelf liner on your leg when not using any support. Do you know if that black shelf liner reacts with a nitro finish?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Actually I use even with guitar supports too. I don't think it would react but maybe. At least it out only be on the under side.

[@roslynlong2282]

Thanks for the video - has made such a difference using a support. I bought the ergoplay and love that! It works so well with my classical guitar. However, I wanted to play my acoustic guitar in the classical position too (long story!) but it made my acoustic too high so i bought the gitano. However although I found the suckers worked well on the ergoplay, I just don't seem to be able to get the gitano to stick! I bought the static clingwrap you mentioned but find that it still doesn't work with this either - I've tried the gitano with my classical guitar too but have the same problem. Any advice would be so welcome! By the way thanks so much for your tutorials! I have learnt so much from them already!

[@user-ok3rr2uk4z]

Ik this was 3 years ago, but PLEASE tell me you have an answer to this problem because I’m using a guitar with a satin finish and I want something that will actually stick 😂

[@echristianposselt]

Thanks for yout review. Do you know if the magnets can be removed in case you decide to get a new guitar and keep the Sagework support?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

They are on strong double sided tape so I imagine they are quite removable. It my be awkward though being inside the guitar. The magets probably come off easy but the tape I'm not sure.

[@lifewithyogiji]

I guess it wouldn’t be too difficult to add a flat piece of cork to one of the clamps on the Murata to make it fit snugly on a raised fingerboard guitar. Maybe slide it underneath the transparent tube?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Better yet, the Woodside support accounts for this issue: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/review-woodside-guitar-support/

[@alexbeascoechea7510]

It would be nice to add links to film to protect area where suction cups go.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I did, the links are in the description.

[@bartbosmans83]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Happy to help!

[@frankbarone630]

thank you. this is very helpful. i am just starting to learn. do you have any recommendation for finger stretching tools?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

No need for finger stretching tools, but some exercises might help, try these: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/lesson-finger-independence-stretch-alignment/

[@Anriuko]

Be careful with contraptions like that. If you end up destroying your hands you're going to miss your former healthy, mobile hands with less reach.

[@rubirafael]

great video, thanks

[@aShadowInBlue]

What if you attached some thin rubber shims or spacers to the murata clamp in order to accommodate raised fingerboard guitars? Surely there must be adhesive rubber feet that can be bought at craft or home improvement stores and modified by excision?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Yes, I tried that but they slipped a little. If I glued it I bet it would work but I'm too lazy!

[@sonofromel]

I use A-frame. Looking for a different option than suction cups. Thank you for the vid.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You know the suction cups on the Guitarlift actually never come off, something about the angle just works better.

[@Anriuko]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Of course suction cups grip better on a flat surface than a curved one. That said, I personally thought the Guitarlift design was crude.

[@robertnewell5057]

Thank you so much. I have been looking at these for a while. One thing you don't go into is whether they offer any advantage over the traditional footstool.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

The main advantage is that they allow you to sit naturally and more ergonomically.

[@robertnewell5057]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Thanks

[@davidfreel1451]

My tip , a low stool and a sound mind body connection. Clutter is always an option for those who lack either.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, there are so many variables. Check out my position lesson here: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/basic-posture-and-sitting-position-guitar/

[@davidfreel1451]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Check out 'For Maggie and Moreno' on my channel before you presume to give me a lesson on how to sit.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

No presumption here, since it's my review on guitar supports the info is connected to my sitting position lesson. My only point is that there are many variables in how people sit due to different body types, styles, preferences, guitars etc etc. So you recommending a low foot stool might not work for everyone and my lesson discusses my reasons why.

[@davidfreel1451]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I'm recommending a low stool to sit on. No foot stool at all. Keep on shilling my man.

[@alaindesilets]

Gerat video! What model would your recommend for a small, 1/2 size guitar?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Tricky with the small body size. The Tenuto Slim might work, Murata is probably best though.

[@alaindesilets]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Thx!

[@guitarnerd992]

Which model of Ergoplay fits Yamaha c40 3/4 size guitar?? The kids version look small

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

My Ergoplay just barely fits on on 3/4 size yamaha but the edge of the suction cups do cross the edge but seem to stick. I haven't tried the kids version. At your own risk!

[@dkstott29]

Have you ever done a review of the Tenuto Pro guitar support??

[@gwada9718]

I use a Dynarette Cushion 🤓 Downside : not adjustable Upside : very secure and is shaped to put guitar in best position

[@AlejandroKearne]

It's interesting how you talk about "lifting the guitar" but not lower that extremely high sit. Your knees are way above your hip, if you sit lower you can use a smaller support. I can't imagine how uncomfortable will be to play an instrument in that position. Think about the pianist, the chair is one of the most important thing (and also, the typical one can be regulated) If you use a small support and you wanna go to the highest part of the neck, with a high chair you would have to: A) Brake your wrist B) Lower A LOT your torso in order to "hug" the guitar and no brake the wrist

[@feiwong70]

Does ErgoPlay Tapper suction cups fit those narrower Cordoba width? I have Cordoba C5 Cadete which width is about 3.4”-3.5” I wonder if it works.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Hmmm, difficult to say, it might be a bit tight.

[@sarabarbeau3241]

Does somebody know if it is possible to use a Tenuto on an acoustic guitar. Received mine but won’t stick to the guitar. I try with and without the transparent film. I reach out the company but no answer.

[@J.A.Seyforth]

Any sonic consequences between the different supports?

[@gianni.chiarello]

would you say any of these leg rests/supports work for electric? I am trying to have better posture without using the strap that tends to weigh too much on my shoulder. thanks!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Not mentioned in this video but the Guitarlift might work: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/review-guitarlift-guitar-support-rest/

[@ZiwaHD]

my issue with almost all of these is that since my guitar is matte finish the suction cups dont work . The magnet based one seems like a better choice due to the finish of my instrument.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Try this one that uses clamps, HB Supports: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/review-hb-guitar-supports/

[@ZiwaHD]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Thanks for being such a great resource . I purchased one

[@Anriuko]

People tend to install a protective film for attaching the suction cups to prevent the cups from ruining the finish of the guitar. The same solution should enable attaching the cups to a matte finish.

[@christinepratt4656]

Do you ever have to lick the suction cups?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Washing them with a bit of dish soap works best, just once a month.

[@StringKiller]

anyone knows where to get Kling-On Static Protectors in Europe?

[@jeffslade1892]

The Woodside GS1-SCR or GS1-LEV, rather similar to the Murata - lets the two arms pivot against each other thus allowing it to grip a sloping body.

[@johnniejohnston2832]

Do you know if it would work on a Ovation classical round bowl back. No flat anything cept the top.. pain in the butt the round back is..

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I don't think any of them would work. However, a 'Cushion' might: amzn.to/2Tpu8rc

[@joelbrown9086]

I just saw another guitar support that looks intersting called Hagi. I was going to get the Murata or Sagework but now I am thinking of getting the Hagi instead.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Interesting, I would still protect my guitar from the adhesive with some cling vinyl though.

[@TheStefanV]

Hi. Tenuto Slim vs Tenuto Pro?

[@tonyrose6776]

Where to buy these... I find good and bad reviews of online sources and don't know where to shop.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Totally depends. Some devices are only available through the maker's online store others through Amazon. Strings by Mail is pretty good though.

[@essiecab]

Would any of these supports work on an electric guitar that has a Les Paul style body?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Tough to say, maybe the Tenuto slim but the electric might be too thin for the suction cup...

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

*How do the suction cups work with a **_satin finish?_*

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Probably not great. You might want to go with a clamp system such as the HB: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/review-hb-guitar-supports/

[@user-ok3rr2uk4z]

Can you confirm if this suggestion worked out or not?

[@dkstott29]

My favorite is the De Oro guitar support. 🎸🎶❤️👍

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I'll eventually get my hands on ALL guitar supports...hopefully.

[@kibavlood5826]

I am planning to buy ErgoPlay but have a question does it slip? When you rest it on your lap, does the base start slipping or does it have a firm grip to stay on your thighs for prolonged play. I want to play classical position but my guitar keeps slipping front without any help. Was wondering if the support stays in once place while on your thigh.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

It has a foam that stops it from slipping but I still use Shelf Liner - The black cloth/foam seen in my videos on my leg to keep the guitar from slipping. See more at my gear page: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/classical-guitar-store-reviews/

[@kibavlood5826]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Thank you so much for the reply, please take care of yourself in these tiring times.

[@CMiltonDixon]

I use a small cushion and a footstool on low.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, lots of people combine those.

[@flybytiger6771]

Nice overview of guitar supports, but you miss the „best“ one. After a long search I think Guitarlift maybe the best one. Maybe check it out. Best regards from Germany.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I mention it in the video and show a picture. Did you see it at 29:35 ?

[@flybytiger6771]

No it is not the one you showed, look it up with „guitarlift.info“ in your browser. I like it really, especially that your own body does not „block/dampen“ the sound system of the guitar.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

That is the one I linked to and talked about.

[@denisemaxwell51]

Is a guitar support only for classical guitar?

[@Anriuko]

It's for playing guitar more comfortably.

[@fralovagon]

All of them are your favorite supports because they sendo them to you free?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Nope, the Guitarlift, HB, and Gitano are my favourites. I bought most of them myself actually.

[@gitaaa7740]

On the Sagework do the magnets effect the sound of the guitar?

[@malcolmdavidson1523]

The GuitarLift is a great idea and supports the guitar really well, but the brittle plastic threads for the screws holding the suction cups crumble really easily rendering it useless.

[@lotusseries7]

Absolutely no way on God's green flat Earth is that magnet contraption getting near my guitar. I have the Japanese one and I do like the freedom of movement you get with it, but I don't like all the sticky-outy bits that are just waiting to ding up my guitar. And those bare screws that sit between the guitar and the support...??? /shudder... For me the best and most reliable is that thing you showed first. What did you call it..oh yeah, the foot stool.

[@gitaaa7740]

Will the Murata damage the finish of the guitar?

[@reivax5742]

23:44 Just wedge a piece of rubber in the gaps!

[@etherealfuegooscuro491]

thank you matt daemon

[@Idiomatick]

The pricing is stupid for these things. Mostly around $100. Guitar lift is literally a single sheet of plastic with 4 suction cups.... $128 after tax/shipping

[@Anriuko]

Mostly under 50€ over here...

[@jeffslade1892]

Left hand position. Pronating the wrist weakens the fingers - grip a ball and pronate the wrist inwards and the grip loosens. The hand wants to release the ball, the guitar neck is the same. Long term it can damage tendons. Ideally keep the back of the hand in line with the back of the forearm. This lends greater strength and spread to the fingers. Bring the guitar neck to the hand not the hand to the guitar neck. The left arm should not be supporting the guitar, it has enough work to do. My left shoulder is now damaged, has been operated on, which restricts easy and fluid movement. I also have arthritis in everything. Playing guitar is extremely good therapy for arthritis. However the pain limits the amount of time one can play. Using practically anything that alleviates the pain is beneficial. Most importantly the position the guitar is held, or rather your back and limbs - get yourself in the right position, then introduce the guitar. You may or may not need a support device.

[@mattheworourke3024]

the man is ether Californian or a German

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Canadian!

[@mattheworourke3024]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar that's just Californian without a gun

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Sounds good to me!

[@mattheworourke3024]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar hay bigyin look at your newest video I have a question

[@michaelp8856]

THE SUCTION CUPS REALLY DON'T WORK ON A SATIN TYPE FINISH. EVEN WITH FILMS APPLIED TO THE GUITAR. BETTER BET ITS THE MURATA

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I've never had a problem as long as I use the cling vinyl stuff on either my French polish or gloss. On a matte style finish there is not much one can do, maybe that is the same as the Satin finish you are talking about.

[@JagTheRipper]

Here is an idea, how about we use the footstool and a leg support 😂😂😂 We will be playing like giants.

[@sebthi7890]

unfortunately it seems to be a taboo for classical guitar: such a strab you use on a folk guitar or e-guitar. Once i have seen a guitar concert in Musikhochschule Hanns Eisler. Some guitarists played standing by use a strab, a great idea, the best you can do for your health. Only thing, you have to fix a bottom on your classical guitar what can be a horrible idea for the concervative guitar community. Other possibility to avoid the food stool is to play like the old flamenco players and Odair Assad, put the guitar on your right leg, i mean not like modern flamenco player. These seems to be impossible because it os slippery, but ... be creative to prevent that your guitar slides away, it is not a miracle.

[@mer1red]

Problem with Tenuto: they don't ship outside Canada and US.

[@charllamprecht7325]

Not a helpful review. Why mention Guitarlift, or the cushion, if it is not reviewed? A waste of time.