Evaluation of posture, self-efficacy, comfort and discomfort in guitarists while using auxiliary implements for instrument positioning

Abstract

The performance of classical guitar is affected by a number of factors or conditions, including auxiliary implements for guitar positioning. The aim of this study was to analyze several conditions such as posture, self-efficacy perception, comfort and discomfort in guitarists while using three different auxiliary tools for instrument positioning. The participants were nine students from the technical career in Music of the University of Guadalajara. All guitarists played fingering exercise using each one of the three implements. They were video recorded to evaluate posture. Finally, they answered a questionnaire to know their perception of self-efficacy, comfort and discomfort after using each auxiliary tool. Results shown that the implements that allow both legs supported on the floor, present greater postural advantages. However, in the particular case of self-efficacy and comfort the one that was better evaluated was the footstool.