You might not have given the type of chair you sit on while you play guitar much thought.
Well, it turns out that it’s quite an important thing for prolonging the length of your playing and practice time.
In this article, we review the best guitar chairs on the market and weigh up all the pros and cons of each one. We throw in a couple of stools too.
Contents
Best Guitar Chairs: Product Guide
Gator Frameworks Guitar Seat
- Guitar performance seat with built-in guitar stand. Holds acoustic, Electric and bass guitars
- Collapsible design with quick release pin for compact storage
- Durable, padded seat cushion with removable ergonomic backrest
This one sports a modern, black seat with a single built-in stand. Although it’s relatively cheap, it holds up to 300 pounds, making it strong enough to hold players of a larger build.
It’s also got a thick padded cushion and a handy, removable backrest, for conversion into a stool. Its simple, pin lock technology is easy to use when assembling/ disassembling the chair, and its rubber non-slip feet keep it stable.
Another bonus is that the stand folds out of the way of your feet, to allow room while you play. Additionally, the whole chair is collapsible, and its compact design allows it to be transported and packed away easily.
This is most suited to traveling musos or those with less space at home, due to its light weight – 13.2 lbs and ability to fold away after use.
Pros:
- Built-in stand – This product features a soft, rubberized stand that holds acoustic, electric, and bass guitars and can be removed for extra room while playing
- Collapsible design: quick-release pin technology allows for easy, compact storage
- Adjustable – Can be converted into a stool by removing the backrest. The backrest also tilts forward and backward to suit different-sized players.
- High weight capacity – Can hold players weighing up to 300lbs
- Simple assembly – Only has three parts to assemble, and comes with instructions and hardware included
- Price – Cheap purchase compared to other products
Cons:
- The stand doesn’t fully support the guitar’s neck – It’s not as stable as most models, this product uses a microsuede patch to hold the neck in place, rather than supportive ‘arms.’
- The seat is a fixed height – Not everyone will find this particular height setting comfortable
- Narrow seat – Larger players may find the Gator Framework’s seat uncomfortable, due to its relatively small size
Quik Lok DX749
The Quik Lok DX749 is good-looking and simple to use, with adjustable height, foot, and backrest settings. Additionally, it features an easy-to-use, locking pin mechanism to complete its adjustments which folds up for convenient storage.
It has a good-sized layer of padding in the seat for extra comfort; however, although you can adjust the seat and backrest height, there’s no option for tilt adjustment, so some players may find its sitting angle slightly awkward.
Overall, the convenient, pin-adjustable technology makes this product most beneficial for gigging musicians or those with less space at home, who need to store their seat away after use.
Pros:
- Sturdy footrest – This allows most players to sit and play without worrying about where to tap their feet. The raised footrest also gives the player freedom to establish all seating positions – casual, classical, and cross-legged.
- Good frame quality – The Quik Lok DX749 holds up to 242 pounds easily so able to hold the weight of average to large players.
- Convenient and transportable – The pin lock technology means it is effortless and easy to fold away after use.
Cons:
- Price – The Quik Lok is one of the more expensive chairs on the market, fair-weather players might not want to invest that much money.
- Loose or stiff joints – The seat slips slightly forward when larger players use the chair.
- Weight – The quality materials used in its frame make this chair quite heavy, so some players may find it hard to move it to and from gigs.
Fender Custom Shop Pinstripe Bar Stool
- Heavy Gauge 1″ Steel Tubing
- Classic Styling
- Perfect addition to your guitar room
With a heavy steel frame, this product from Fender allows even the biggest players to feel pretty stable while playing. Aesthetically, the soft padded top also looks amazing with the Fender logo blazing across it.
Although it isn’t adjustable, it comes in two height sizes; 24 inches for small to average-sized players and 30 inches for those with taller builds. This should allow most players to purchase a product with a comfortable leg height.
Overall, it’s best suited for Fender fans that are going to be practicing regularly in the same place, due to it not being collapsible and easy to transport.
Pros:
- Price – Quite cheap compared to other models
- Quality product – The Fender name lives up to its standards, with its strong and sturdy, steel frame
- Looks excellent and will suit any music room
Cons:
- Not adjustable – Taller or shorter players may find it hard to get a decent playing position, due to the height and footrest not being adjustable
- May become uncomfortable – Hard wooden edges dig into your thighs, and the seat padding is only an inch thick, meaning it could be uncomfortable after long playing sessions.
Pyle PKST70
- UNIVERSAL APPLICATION: The Pyle Musician Stool offers maximum comfort for musicians for virtually any venue – from beginner to professional applications. Perfect for musicians, instrument players, sound engineers, guitarists, drummers, pianists, etc.
- PADDED SEAT/BACKREST: Features a padded seat and backrest cushion for comfort so users can have a great time playing musical instruments. Provides back and footrest support. Seat cushion: 16.4” x 12.3” x 2.4”; backrest cushion: 12.7” x 5.5” x 2.4”
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: This lightweight musical chair features height adjustable footrest, seat and backrest so it can be used by all ages – young, adult, short or tall. Seat adjusts up to 22.8”, backrest adjusts up to 38.2”, footrest adjusts up to 8.8”
The Pyle PKST70 is a stylish, folding product with an adjustable padded seat, backrest, and footrest to suit all player builds.
It features both a cushioned seat and backrest for comfort so you can play with ease. Additionally, the Pyle PKST70 has footrest support to suit players who like to perform in classical style or with their feet raised.
Of enormous benefit is its adjustability. Its adjustable height footrest, seat, and backrest allow the Pyle PKST70 to be used by all ages, shapes, and sizes. To be precise, the seat can adjust to a height of 22.8 inches, the backrest up to 38.2 inches, and the footrest to a height of 8.8 inches.
Additionally, the Pyle PKST70 is portable and features a convenient folding design so it can be stored safely when not in use. Its portability allows you to easily transport it to gigs or along with you on your travels.
Aesthetically this one is quite pleasing to the eye, with a professional, slim frame designed to blend into any venue or music room.
The Pyle PKST70 is suited to people looking to travel and gig due to its convenient folding design.
Pros
- Extremely adjustable – Footrest, backrest, and seat are all adjustable to good heights, so even the tallest players find it comfortable to play
- Foldable – Can collapse down to a small size for convenient storage and transport to or from gigs
- Great aesthetic – Looks professional and will suit any music room
Cons
- Weight – It’s a little more on the big size, weighing 21.7 lbs. Some players may, therefore, find it hard to lift and transport to and from gigs
- Lack of cushioning – Although the Pyle PKST70 has cushioned seats, the padded layer is relatively thin, meaning some players may find this uncomfortable after long periods of use
- No tilt adjustment settings – Although there is the option to increase the height of the footrest and backrest, there is no way to change their angle
K&M Performance
- THE INNOVATIVE LEADER IN STAND TECHNOLOGY: K&M Performance Stool’s pneumatic spring lets musicians, pro audio and monitor engineers easily adjust the height and angle of the seat to help prevent leg fatigue. Guitarists love the adjustable footrest too.
- TRUSTED DESIGN: Adjust the height (23.5”-35″) and angle of the ergonomic seat to help relieve back pressure for longer comfortable play. Integrated foot end caps stabilize the stool on uneven surfaces, allowing musicians to concentrate on playing music.
- CALLING ALL MUSICIANS: Prop your foot on the height adjustable footrest to rest your guitar nook on your thigh while strumming. After practice or playing a set, the durable steel framed stool folds flat for quick transport and easy storage.
This is a very sleek and stylish choice, and will likely look great both in your home and onstage. It’s made from a high-quality steel frame for extra stability and uses a spring-loaded pneumatic mechanism to adjust its height settings. The seat is specially designed to relieve pressure on your back and prevent premature tiredness. Another huge bonus is its adjustability – the footrest can adjust, the seat can freely move to any angle, and the seat’s height can be raised from 23 inches to 35 inches, to allow all sizes of person to play comfortably.
Another good thing is its collapsible frame, which can be folded flat making it well-suited for players needing a seat that can be conveniently stored and transported.
Pros
- Extremely adjustable – height and tilt can be adjusted to suit all sizes.
- Stability – strong steel frame, with spring-loaded clamping knob/pneumatic spring, to support you while you play. Adjustable foot-end caps to ensure that it’s secure on uneven surfaces.
- Quality upholstery – the stylish leather seat is well cushioned and angle adjustable, to provide optimal back support while you play
- Foldable – weighs only 13 lbs and uses a two-piece, folding design for convenient storage and easy transport.
Cons
- Price – one of the more expensive models on the market
- No back support – This applies to most stools
D’Addario Wooden Stool
- D’Addario logo branded
- Sturdy wood stool
- Made in the USA
The low-cost choice from D’Addario is a good-looking product that will suit any music room or performance by adding a rustic vibe to its environment. This is made out of quality solid wood, is simple to put together, and comes with all the necessary parts for assembly.
Although it can’t be folded away for easy transport, it only weighs around 9lb, making it lightweight and easy to pick up to move around your home. It also features an ergonomically designed seat to support you while you play, and has well-balanced, non-slip legs for safety.
This is most suited to players shopping on a budget, who like equipment with a fresh aesthetic but won’t need to travel to and from gigs.
Pros
- Low price – relatively cheap product compared to others on the market
- Pleasing aesthetic – smart wooden finish, with a cool D’Addario logo print, means it will look great in any music room or on stage
- Sturdy material – the wood seat and legs are easy to assemble and are strong and stable enough to support most builds of player
Cons:
- No cushioning – less comfortable to sit on than other designs
- Not adjustable – may not be an appropriate height for taller or smaller people
What is a Guitar Chair?
Guitar chairs are a bespoke type of seat that’s designed specifically for use while you play your ax.
Sure, you could, and probably do, sit anywhere to play it (end of the bed?!), but for long practice or jamming sessions being comfortable will not only improve your posture it will also help you perform better (your limbs will be in the right place, relative to your instrument).
In general, a lousy sitting posture can lead to a whole lot of health issues. Good position also helps you play better and longer.
Stool vs. Chair?
For obvious reasons, a stool isn’t as good as a chair for posture. But they have their good points too: they tend to be more padded and hence comfier.
The size of the stool may need to vary depending on the guitarist. For example, taller, heavier players may benefit from one that’s higher, with a broader seat – to account for longer leg length, and extra comfort and support while seated. On the other hand, shorter players may benefit from the opposite.
If I had to choose, I’d go for a seat with a backrest all day. Chairs with backrests are a lot bulkier though, so there is a trade-off.
Buying Guide – Things to Consider When Buying a Guitar Chair
Here are some essential features you should consider before buying one:
Do You Need a Backrest?
Guitar stools don’t have a backrest, so if you’re looking for a seat that supports your back and neck, you’ll want to invest in a chair.
The main benefit is the extra support provided helps to improve posture and comfort while playing.
It’s a good idea to choose one that lets you adjust its backrest settings.
Would You Prefer a Collapsible or Solid Frame?
Some seats are portable, while others are built to be relatively stationary.
An advantage of having a collapsible one is that it can be packed down after use for ease of transportation to and from gigs and hidden away easily for a tidy music room at home.
A disadvantage of collapsible chairs is they can produce squeaks and creeks, which is no good if you need silence while you’re laying down a track in your home studio.
Built-in Guitar Stand?
Chairs with a built-in stand are convenient for putting your instrument in while you take breaks for your playing, and save the need for a separate stand.
Again, it will make it bulkier and more difficult to transport.
Padded or Hard?
Different chairs and stools offer either soft, padded seats or solid options; the choice depends on what you like best.
If you’re going to be practicing or performing for a long time, you’ll probably want at least a little bit of padding for comfort.
Hard seats are great for maintaining a good posture while playing.
Also, check the quality of upholstery as some cheaper synthetic materials are more prone to ripping, whereas leather lining is way more hard-wearing (but no good if you’re a Veggie).
Built-in Footrest?
Are you most comfortable playing with your one or both feet raised from the floor?
If the answer is yes, a stool or chair with a footrest is best for you. Some footrests are even adjustable, which is good if several players will be using it, as they are able to adjust to suit different heights.
If you’re planning to record using a seat with an adjustable footrest, remember that anything adjustable also has the potential to cause interfering noise due to it’s moving parts.
Weight
Depending on the material used to make the product, some are a lot heavier than others. If its made from steel, for example, it will be much heavier than one which is made from aluminum or plastic.
One benefit of purchasing a lightweight model is that you’ll be able to pick it up and transport it easily to and from gigs while touring.
On the other hand, if you’re going to be playing at home or in the same environment most of the time, a heavier more stable option is probably a good investment.
So, Which Should I Choose?
Our top pick goes to the Gator Frameworks Guitar Seat. Thick padded cushion, collapsible design with quick release pin for compact storage, adjustable backrest, built-in stand, all at a very reasonable price.
The best premium chair is the Quik Lok DX749. It features an easy-to-use, locking pin mechanism to make adjustments quick and easy. Lightweight, with an adjustable footrest.
The best budget option is the Fender Bar Stool. It doesn’t have the back support of the chairs (obviously), but for a comfy stool to sit on while you strum a guitar, it’s ideal. Looks cool too.
Good luck!