FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Classical Guitar Accessory

Question:
I had a question about alternatives to footstools (that should be clear already considering the subject). Today, I bought an accessory that attaches to the bottom of your guitar and goes on your left leg, raising the guitar, instead of you having to raise the guitar by putting your left leg on a stool. I forget what the accessory was called, but I'm sure many of you may know what I'm talking about. Do any of you know how common this is among classical guitar players today? Is it widely accepted in various places? What are your experiences with it or other alternatives to footstools, and do you prefer this (or other alternatives) or the commonly used footstool?

Answer:
You know I obviously don't get it but in many other forms of guitar playing IE jazz, rock, country western etc, a strap seems to fill the bill. Why is it in classical and flamenco its not applicable... at least to the 'serious players. When I first started to teach my self (I know...I know!!) I was playing this stuff on a Yamaha steel string using a strap. The guitar was stable and I could sit in a comfortable position and I never worried about dropping the guitar. When I wanted a better guitar and found out that classical on steel string was frowned upon I bought a classical guitar and started lessons. When I asked about a strap I was told that we don't use it and I would need to get myself a stool. Well I used a 12 pack of cola for a stool for a long time and then my son made me one...but in my mind I keep wondering why not a strap?