If you’ve ever tried to play the guitar in a standard office chair, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say: most office chairs simply aren’t designed for guitar players. The armrests get in the way, the seat height feels wrong, and after half an hour your shoulders start burning.
But the truth is this: you can find an office chair that works beautifully for both work and guitar playing — you just need to know what to look for.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to choose the best office chair for guitar players, based on real guitarist pain points, practical ergonomics, and my own experience of testing chairs in a home studio environment here in the UK.
No fluff. No generic recommendations. Just straight answers for guitarists who want comfort, practicality, and proper posture.
Why Guitar Players Need a Different Kind of Office Chair
Let’s be honest: office chairs are engineered for typing — not for holding a Stratocaster, an acoustic dreadnought or a Les Paul on your lap.
Guitarists face specific issues that traditional “ergonomic” chairs ignore:
- Armrests collide with the guitar body
- Seat cushions are often too soft or too rounded
- Backrests promote a typing posture, not a playing posture
- Cheaper chairs creak loudly — disastrous for recording
- Many chairs sit too high or too low for stable guitar positioning
If you search for “best office chair for guitar players”, you’re not just browsing. You want a chair genuinely designed to work with a guitar, not against it.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Chair for Guitar Playing
Here’s the truth nobody tells you: most “ergonomic features” mean absolutely nothing once you put a guitar on your lap. There are only a few things that genuinely make a difference — and I’ve learnt them the hard way.
First: If the armrests don’t get out of the way completely, forget it. Lowering them “a little bit” isn’t enough — they must vanish.
Second: The seat needs to be firm. Soft seats make the guitar tilt away and ruin your posture.
Third: Avoid leather seats. They’re slippery, especially with glossy guitars. Mesh or fabric is better.
Fourth: Noise matters. A creaky chair will ruin your recordings. Silence is essential.
What Guitar Players Actually Struggle With
Most guitar players won’t admit it, but the chair is often the silent culprit behind half of their discomfort. Five minutes into a session, you’re fighting the chair more than you’re playing the instrument.
The Armrest Battle That Every Guitarist Knows Too Well
Armrests sit exactly where the guitar wants to be. A chair with no armrests — or flip-up armrests — solves this instantly.
The Slow Creep of Neck and Shoulder Tension
Wrong height? Wrong posture. The right seat height keeps your spine neutral and the guitar naturally balanced.
Soft Cushions Feel Nice… Until You Start Playing
Soft seats make you sink in and tilt the guitar away. Firm support is the real comfort.
The Unexpected Enemy: Chair Noise
A tiny squeak becomes a disaster in recordings. A quiet chair is essential in a home studio.
Leather Seats and Slippery Problems
PU leather is slippery. Mesh or fabric stabilises the guitar without effort.
Height Issues You Don’t Notice Until You Fix Them
Acoustics need higher seating; electrics lower. The right chair adapts to both.
The Best Office Chair for Guitar Players: Sihoo M59AS
After trying many chairs while practising and recording at home, the Sihoo M59AS is one of the few that genuinely works for guitar players. Practical, simple, and designed in a way that solves real playing issues.
- Flip-up armrests — they move completely out of the way so the guitar sits naturally.
- Firm, supportive seat — stops the guitar from tilting or sliding.
- Breathable mesh — offers better grip than leather for glossy guitars.
- Quiet build — no creaks or clicks, ideal for home recording.
- Easy height adjustment — suitable for both acoustic and electric seating positions.
- Comfortable for long sessions — supportive without being bulky.
In short: you sit down, flip the arms up, and everything just works.
Sihoo M59AS Classic Office Chair
A full-mesh, dual-section backrest chair with 3-D flip-up armrests and dual-joint head support.
Which Chair Suits Which Guitar? (Practical Guidance)
Electric Guitar: Lower seat height, flip-up or no armrests.
Acoustic Guitar: Slightly higher seat, firm support.
Classical Guitar: Elevated seating; consider pairing with a footstool.
Tall Players: Benefit from wider height range.
Short Players: Lower minimum height; footrest helps.
FAQs
Do guitar players really need a different type of chair compared to regular office workers?
Yes — because holding a guitar changes your posture completely. Your torso rotates, one arm lifts, and you need more open space around your thighs. Most office chairs aren’t designed for this position, which is why they often cause discomfort.
Should guitar players sit higher or lower?
It depends on the instrument, but adjustability is the key. Electrics usually feel better lower, acoustics need a bit more height, and classical players need the most elevation. The goal is a position that avoids wrist strain and shoulder lift.
Is a softer chair better for long practice sessions?
No. Softer chairs feel great at first but collapse your posture as you sink in. A firmer seat keeps the guitar and your body aligned properly for longer, more comfortable sessions.
Find Your Perfect Playing Setup
Whether you’re shaping ideas in a home studio, practising late into the night, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with your favourite guitar, the right ergonomic chair keeps you balanced, supported, and fully focused on the music.
From everyday practice to long creative sessions, a well-designed chair can make all the difference. Explore seating options built for comfort, stability, and effortless playing over at uk.sihoooffice.com.
