Matthew Reis - Posted - 05/05/2013:  11:03:37

Lately I've been having trouble playing up the neck while standing. If I'm sitting, I have a much easier time playing on the high frets. What could be causing this? I've adjusted my strap over and over, hardly any difference. Also, I've been practicing in the standing position for a while now. It's not as though I just began a little while ago. What can I do to be able to play comfortably up the neck?

Edited by - Matthew Reis on 05/05/2013 11:04:44

Fathand - Posted - 05/05/2013:  13:27:22

You should be watching the side dots instead of trying to view the fretboard inlays.

Pjotor - Posted - 05/05/2013:  20:18:30

Make sure your fingers are perpendicular to the fingerboard -- that worked well for me.

Matthew Reis - Posted - 05/06/2013:  06:42:13

My problem isn't that I can't find the right frets, it's like I can't get my fingers to do what I want them to do. As I said before, I have an easier time when I'm sitting. I was just wondering why it's only when I'm standing.

5 finger ninja - Posted - 05/06/2013:  07:11:31

It may have something to do with where the pot is positioned against your body when your standing. Im suspicious that it hanging too far to your right side , making it harder to get in at those higher fretboard positions. If so,position the pot more in the center.(its not a guitar.) I had issues with standing and playing due to being overweight. I played around with different adjustments to my strap and found a comfortable spot. Your just gonna have to play around with it but its fixable.

Edited by - 5 finger ninja on 05/06/2013 07:12:33

Ybanjo - Posted - 05/07/2013:  06:27:25

What I have found is that when standing, the pot sits more on my right leg, and when I sit, the pot lays in between my legs and the neck swings more out front. It's easier for me to play up the neck when the neck is poking out more, if that makes sense. But that's just me. I do find it harder to play up the neck if the pot is more on my right leg. That makes my left hand in front of my body and my arm actually hits my body. I try to raise my right leg when standing. Helps me a lot!

Hankon5 - Posted - 05/07/2013:  07:54:24

Just my 2 cents..FWIW...It's all about the angle of attack. One thing that helped me was to make sure the banjo rests exactly the same place ,,whether sitting or standing. Using the strap at all times. The left arm should be perpendicular,but below your shoulder, to the neck making shure this occurs no matter at what your position is. If this done correctly, there should be little or no problem of your left hand chording properly and feeling normal.

steve davis - Posted - 05/07/2013:  16:03:23

Stand all the time you play for the next month.