Howdy all, I have looked for a skilled lutenist or teacher in my area, and Patrick O'Brian in Brooklyn assures me he knows of some. But as I'm having to teach myself for the time being (with the excellent aid of Damiani's Method) I do have a question. It has to do with position, and as position becomes habit and habituation it is something I don't want to do badly.
The "rules", as in Damiani and all the helpful hints I've gotten on this list, suggest a relatively low angle for the neck of the lute - partly to enhance one's ability to align one's right hand to play "thumb under". But being an extremely lazy old curmudgeon I practice lute in the same comfortable arm chair in which I practice the harp, and other instruments (I keep them all within range so I can shift). So, specifically regarding the lute. I find that with my lute held (with a strap) very high on my chest (where my chin may, with a bit effort, touch it), and the neck at about 45 degrees, rather than the nominal 20 degrees, my left hand can follow the strings better. Perhaps it is the loss of flexibility from age, but I also find a very much "elbow in" left arm makes my hand better follow the line of the strings (in contrast to the chorded guitar). I wonder if any of you could comment as to whether I should try to force the "picture position", or just force what is natural (yeah, that is forcing also, as it is new to me and I have to continually remind myself). I think the "high chest" position will serve me well, and seems to be doing so. But in the absence of a teacher I can't tell if it is a primary error. Best, Jon
