7 Best Guitar Supports 2024, For Lighter, Easier Playing
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Are you a classical guitarist?
Looking for a way to master proper posture and playing technique without straining yourself and possibly even sustaining injury?
Want to be able to practice for longer without fatigue?
You’re not alone. Many people find this aspect of playing the classical guitar a tough one. It might seem nit-picky at times, but classical guitar is all about playing with good technique, including posture. And mastering piece typically requires playing for long hours.
A guitar support can help you put your posture on autopilot, and ingrain it into your muscle memory, so that even if you remove the support, you can retain perfect posture.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best guitar supports to help you play at your best.
Contents
ErgoPlay Tröster Guitar Support
The ErgoPlay Tröster guitar support features a sleek design and attractive outward appearance.
Made of lightweight aluminum, the side intended to sit on your thigh is made of cellular rubber to ensure comfort. The support is meant to be attached using the suction cups, which ErgoPlay claims are secure and stable.
This model also claims to allow for higher playing positions, which can be helpful for taller and larger players.
ErgoPlay suggests the support can also be used for other instruments like lute, mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, saz (baglama), oud and others. So, if you play other stringed and fretted instruments, this can certainly be a selling point.
As usual, we can’t back up or verify manufacturer claims, but most reviewers seem happy with their Tröster as well.
Users found the device was well-made, and they were able to practice for longer without fatigue, keep a better posture and position, and even achieve a better sound from their instrument using the support(!).
Less enthusiastic reviewers said the support did not fit their body size and weren’t able to achieve the right balance.
Item weight: 1.06 lbs.
Package dimensions: 11.7 x 7.6 x 2.9 inches
Gitano Classical Guitar Support
The Gitano classical guitar support certainly doesn’t look anything like the ErgoPlay supports. But this is another great product, and it has worked well for certain players, which is why we’ve added it to our list.
Made with lightweight metal (its item weight is apparently just under six ounces), the guitar rest comes with three suction cups, anti-slip textile strip (just a fancy way of saying it prevents slipping on clothing) and claims to fit every guitar.
They don’t recommend use of the support for guitars with nitro or shellac finishes (or at least that’s what the product description seems to suggest), so that’s something worth checking before purchase. You don’t want to damage the finish on your prized possession. As well, slipping may occur on non-suitable finishes.
The Gitano is a decent product overall, but some say it’s a little expensive for what it is. Some users weren’t thrilled with its build quality either.
Item weight: 5.6 ounces
Package dimensions: 7.09 x 4.57 x 0.87 inches
ErgoPlay Tappert Classical Guitar Support
The ErgoPlay Tappert is another option in the upper end guitar support category. The support is adjustable and claims to work well for all types of guitarists and styles, including concert, jazz, and flamenco.
This support is intended for right-handed players and will not work for left-handed guitarists.
The support comes with three suction cups and two adhesive pads. The guitar rest is made of lightweight aluminum, cellular rubber, and foam leg padding.
The suction cups are intended for use with guitars with a glossy lacquer finish. Otherwise, you are meant to use the included stickers.
Some users report this is the best rest they’ve ever tried, with a lightweight, durable design, and a high level of adjustability.
Others had issues with different aspects of the support. Some said the suction cups wear out easily. Others said they couldn’t achieve a comfortable playing position.
In the end, it all comes down to your needs and what works for you.
Item weight: 3.52 ounces
Package dimensions: 0.01 x 0.01 x 0.01 inches
Guitar Balance CLP Support Classical Guitar Adjustable Rest
The Guitar Balance CLP Support is a simple and cost-effective adjustable rest for classical guitarists.
The support comes with four jaws and a rubber tube that hold the guitar tightly in place.
Per manufacturer, the support will not work on guitars with a satin or matte finish. Beware.
Enthusiastic buyers said the support was highly adjustable and featured a solid construction.
Negative reviewers were generally those who didn’t know the support wouldn’t work with a satin or matte finish.
Item weight: 14.1 ounces
Package dimensions: 8.27 x 3 x 5.12 inches
ErgoPlay Gewa Professional Guitar Support
Here we have another ErgoPlay guitar support, one that’s a little more affordable than the others but still somewhat comparable.
The support features a metal construction, powder coated rubberized layer for the upper leg, three suction cups, and height and weight adjustability. It also comes with protective foils to be attached directly to your guitar.
Most buyers loved the comfort and simplicity of the rest. Less enthusiastic buyers did not voice their opinions, so we’re not sure what their issues may have been.
Item weight: 6.3 ounces
Package dimensions: Unknown
Sageworks Guitar A-Frame Support
The Sageworks Guitar A-Frame Support is another adjustable rest recommended by the late American classical guitarist Aaron Shearer.
The simple to use support has three adjustment settings (left or right, angle, and height) and promises to relieve back pain and tension while playing, which can help you play for longer without fatigue.
The support also folds flat, so you can store it in your case (but be sure you’re careful how you place it in your guitar case, as you don’t want it to rattle around and damage your instrument).
Some buyers thought they would be hard pressed to find a better support, and noted it helps them save their back.
Others said the rest didn’t work on guitars with a matte finish. Some didn’t like the idea of using suction cups on their expensive guitars either.
Item weight: 7.8 ounces
Package dimensions: 7.03 x 10.36 x 1.67 inches
ErgoPlay Schwarz Tappert Guitar Support For Kids
Now for a solution specifically aimed at kids. We know that some of the best guitar players begin at a young age, and also require the best tools possible to help them succeed in their efforts.
So, for every young aspiring pro, there’s the ErgoPlay Shwarz Tappert guitar support for kids.
The Shwarz is basically a smaller version (3/4 size) of the Tappert model, with smaller suction cups. It is sturdy and adjustable, so even as your child grows, the rest should be able to keep up until they’ve grown into adults.
Manufacturer says while it works with acoustic and classical guitars, it does not work with electric guitars, so bear that in mind.
The product has mostly gotten positive reviews for its solid construction, design, and even price.
Item weight: 7.7 ounces
Package dimensions: 11.81 x 7.64 x 2.83 inches
What Should I Look For In A Guitar Support?
A guitar support is a simple device that rests between your leg and your guitar, allowing you to hold your classical guitar at the correct angle and height for playability and comfort.
Many users report this allows them to play for longer without issue. The guitar rest can reduce fatigue, strain, and even pain, depending on one’s needs.
Of course, the guitar support can help you develop good technique as well.
There aren’t necessarily one-size-fits-all solutions, as every player is a little different. Height, weight, and even playing style can be a bit of a factor.
So, here we’ll be looking at four criteria to help you find your ideal support:
- Adjustability
- Fit and comfort
- Construction
- Budget
Let’s dive into each.
Adjustable
A guitar rest doesn’t need to be adjustable for it to work. But all things being equal, it’s nice to have the option, and most supports allow you to make some adjustments.
As noted, every player is a little different, so being able to make tweaks to your settings certainly helps you get more out of your support.
If you know exactly what you need and what adjustments you need to make (if any), then simply choose your ideal support.
Otherwise, being able to adjust is a requirement, and is something you should be looking for in a guitar support.
Fit & Comfort
I can’t imagine a consideration of greater importance than fit and comfort for a classical player. If your guitar support doesn’t do what it’s been designed to do – namely support your guitar in a comfortable fashion – then it’s of little use to you.
There is no musical style more demanding than classical, and if you have the desire to do well and be recognized for your work in classical music, you’ve got to have the right gear.
For the casual player, it’s mostly a matter of finding something that allows you to play more freely. You may not demand perfect fit or 100% comfort.
But otherwise, this is a requirement, not just a want.
Construction
Nothing could be more frustrating than a shoddily made guitar support.
First, it defeats the purpose. It doesn’t allow you to play your guitar at a high level.
Second, it makes the product unreliable. If it breaks on you, it could end up damaging your guitar or even injuring your leg. That’s the last thing you want.
Third, it goes back to what I already said about comfort. If the support doesn’t let you play at the right angle and height for good posture and technique, it’s basically useless.
Something needs to be said about material, because not all materials are going to prove comfortable or durable either.
Construction certainly makes a difference, and it’s worth scanning the reviews to find your ideal product. In general, though, we always recommend doing your homework before jumping into a purchase.
Budget
At about $20 to $80, we can’t imagine a guitar support is going to break the bank.
We just like to remind our Music Industry How To readers to spend responsibly. No sense going into debt for something so affordable.
Save up and plan for your purchases. That’s always the best policy.
Does Everyone Need A Guitar Support?
When it comes to playing classical guitar, posture and technique are everything. So, using a guitar support can reinforce good habits and allow you to get used to holding your guitar at the right angle.
Not everyone needs a guitar support, but it is a great practice tool, and even pros use it. So, no need to let your pride get in the way.
The support can serve a couple of functions. While you’re still working on posture and technique, it can help reinforce good habits. And, for players who’ve been playing for longer and spend long hours practicing, it can offer a great deal of support.
After all, many users report being able to play and practice for longer without fatigue or strain, which as we know, is incredibly important to classical players at any level.
Additionally, a guitar support can prevent injury, and reduce stress and strain on your body, which can help with your ongoing practice efforts.
Not everyone needs a guitar support, as there are alternatives, and many classical guitarists were trained on them, but there’s always the chance that, when you try one, you won’t go back.
In the following sections, we’ll look at guitar support alternatives as well as their pros and cons.
Are There Alternatives To Guitar Supports?
Many classical players like to take advantage of footstools, which certainly have a longer tradition than guitar supports.
A footstool, like a guitar support, is intended to help you play at the right height, angle, and proper posture. Plus, footstools are generally adjustable, allowing you to find the right position based on your needs.
Of course, guitar supports are generally adjustable too.
It’s probably worth owning both a guitar support and a footstool, just so you’ve got the right tools for the job.
At the end of the day, which you use most is going to come down to what you’re used to and works best for you.
In addition to footstools, there are also guitar cushions, which are basically as they sound. They are cushions (usually made of leather) that sit between your leg and your guitar and allow you to play at the right height and angle.
Guitar cushions aren’t adjustable, so that might limit their utility somewhat, but if you found the perfect cushion, it would probably work just as well as a support.
Let’s explore the difference between a guitar support and cushion in more depth:
Is There A Difference Between A Guitar Support & A Guitar Cushion?
Yes. But they do serve the same function.
Supports are generally more rigid compared to cushions (especially since they’re usually made of aluminum or metal). But this is not a matter of good or bad and is mostly going to come down to preference.
A support can be great when you need to “nail” that classical posture and playing technique. Better safe than sorry, especially if you find yourself in situations where your playing is constantly being criticized and judged. You want to get your posture down to muscle memory.
A cushion can also help you achieve the same thing. But it’s a little more casual, allowing you to “figure out” your playing posture. It’s fine for practice, and if you’re not planning to do a lot of performing in front of others, a cushion can be a great solution.
These are some general guidelines and thoughts on the matter. At the end of the day, it’s entirely up to you, and you don’t need to feel like you need to choose one because you’re casual, aspiring pro, or any shade in between. It’s all about what works for you and what you feel good about.
After all, some of the best and most remembered musicians are the rule breakers.
Best Guitar Supports, Final Thoughts
Classical guitarists generally need to be able to practice for long hours to perfect their technique. So, you may as well stack the deck in your favor by using tools that allow you to do whatever you need to do to improve and master those complex classical pieces.
Many players have found that a guitar support helps them eliminate pain and strain and lets them play without fatigue. So, the right tools can certainly prove to be an advantage in your efforts to get better as a guitarist. We hope you enjoyed our guide on guitar supports. We hope you found it helpful, and as always, happy shopping!
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