Gaming Chair for Guitarists? Hmm…

A quick scroll through YouTube shows many guitarists using gaming chairs. But are they really the best option? In this article, we’ll explore what makes a good chair for guitarists—and how the wrong one can hurt your playing. If you are in the market for a chair, this article might just be able to help you!

My Gaming Chair Experience

I used a gaming chair for years and suffered serious back pain. What seemed like a dream chair turned out to be an expensive regret. Gaming chairs, especially branded ones, cost a lot. They’re comfy, yes—but not built with musicians in mind. If you’re taking guitar lessons seriously, a gaming chair might not be your best choice.

Take a closer look at my sitting posture!

Common Design Flaws

Armrest is obstructing the guitar

sitting sideways on the gaming chair causes weird leg posture

sitting sideways on gaming chair also causes the chair to spoil quicker

The biggest issue with a gaming chair for guitarists? The armrests. They block proper guitar placement. Removing them helps, but then you face the “bucket seat” design. That shape forces your guitar into awkward angles. Many end up sitting sideways, which wears out the chair fast. Others try using a footstool to fix posture.

The Problem with Footstools

Footstools change your pelvic tilt and spine alignment. Over time, this causes pain and muscle strain. Classical players used them for decades, and so did some metal guitarists. But things are changing. Many are switching from footstools to lap stools. My friend Funtwo, for example, made the switch—and never looked back.

Surprisingly Good Options

The best chair for guitarists might be the humble plastic ones seen at events. Those red or white chairs offer great posture support. They’re flat, firm, and have no arms to block your guitar. The downside? They’re not ideal for long hours. I teach for seven hours a day, so I needed more comfort.

Finding a Better Fit

Next, I considered banquet chairs—the padded ones you see at weddings. They offer wide, flat seats and support your posture. But they don’t move. No wheels, no swivel. Then I found a rotating chair at Nitori. It doesn’t roll, but it spins. That changed everything. I finally found a chair that works for me.

What to Look for in a Guitar Chair

So, what makes a chair great for guitarists? Follow the 90-90-90 rule—knees, hips, and ankles all at right angles. Check out my photo! Make sure the seat is flat with no tilt or curve. Adjustable height is a plus, especially if you’re taller or shorter than average. Comfort plus posture is the winning combo.

Conclusion

Having the right chair boosts practice motivation and helps you play longer. It also makes switching to a standing position smoother. Before buying your next seat, ask yourself: gaming chair for guitarists? Maybe not. But with the right pick, your body—and your music—will thank you.

So you found your chair, maybe you should consider signing up for a trial lesson with us to bring your guitar playing to the next level!