***Safety, think about it and do it.***
Ergonomic and Human Factors Considerations for Guitarists
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERNATIONS
Lighting
Climate control
Environmental noise
GUITARISTS POSTURE
Minor changes can bring major improvements.
Change in right hand posture during tremolo
Eliminate leaning or looking down for extended periods.
Music stand height.
Keyboard slant and monitor height
To prevent RSI's (Repetitive Stress Injuries)
These injuries can jeopardize your career.
Chamois (to hold instrument).
Footstool angle. Tibialis Anterior.
Seat cushion design
Deformation and thickness
Wallet in back pocket
Backpacks
Carrying strapped bags
Learn to be kinesthetically aware.— especially of upper body.
SLEEPING POSTURE
Sleeping posture
Support back and neck
STRENGTH TRAINING
Slow training for muscle strengthening
INJURIES
Prevention/minimizing
Kinesthetic awareness
Treatment of sprains and strains
R.I.C.E.
Using ice for swelling in the hands
Chiropractic care
NAIL CARE
Hoof heal
B-vitamins—sources of
Calcium -- sources of
COMBATING PHYSICAL AND MENTAL FATIGUE
Take short breaks
30s - 2min. of light exercise every 30 - 40 min. of work.
Stand and stretch
Sublingual B-12
Forgo caffeine
"shaky hands".
MEMORIZATION
Eliminate distractions
The brain is like a computer
One thing at a time.
Use a timer to time practice sessions--not a clock.
Look over or play what you want to retain just before rest or sleep.
The body rests, but, the brain keeps working.
Knowledge brings
Faster learning
Reliable recall
Lower stress--mental and less unneeded muscle tension
p. 1 - 2
ErgoSolutions
Lee J. Downs, Ergonomics Engineer
Classical Guitarists
I studied classical guitar for 12 years and was a Guitar Performance Major at Arizona State University.
During my years as a guitarist I designed items to aid my guitar playing posture and developed practices that aided my work.
An acute sprain/strain to the Metacarpophalangeal (knuckle) joint of my right index finger ended my career and turned me to ergonomics engineering.
My combined study and experience both in music performance and the sciences give me a unique perspective and background for helping musicians: Understanding the needs and unique physical demands placed on musicians combined with a background in the hard and soft sciences as a foundation for designing solutions to those demands placed on musicians by their profession and the surrounding physical world.
