Guitar Footstool roundup
Guitar Footstool: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing the right guitar footstool comes down to height range, stability and construction quality. Here is how to match one to your playing context.
Choosing a guitar footstool is a straightforward decision once you know what the key variables are. This guide covers the specifications that matter, the features worth paying for, and the practical considerations that affect day-to-day use.
Height Range and Adjustability
The most important specification on a guitar footstool is its height range. The correct height varies between players, so a model that adjusts across a wide range accommodates different leg lengths and chair heights. Most quality footstools adjust from approximately 4 to 21cm (1.5 to 8 inches) in stepped increments. Stepless height adjustment (using a threaded mechanism rather than a notch) offers more precision but is less common at entry level.
Before buying, sit in your regular practice chair and estimate how high your foot needs to be raised to achieve the correct thigh angle. Most players need between 6 and 15cm. A guitar footstool with a range that covers your requirement leaves room to adjust as your technique and posture develop.
Construction and Materials
Models at the entry level are typically constructed from chrome or painted steel with a small platform of the same material or a rubber-covered surface. The rubber or textured surface prevents the foot from sliding during playing.
Better-quality guitar footstool designs use heavier gauge steel or aluminium for more stability, with wider feet and broader rubber non-slip pads underneath to prevent the stool from moving on hard floors or smooth surfaces. Wooden footstools are also available, appealing to players who want a natural material that matches a wooden instrument.
Width and Stability
A guitar footstool with a narrow platform or thin legs can shift under the foot during playing, particularly at the start of a scale or when the right foot moves to the pedal area. Wider platforms (20cm or more) and rubberised feet are worth specifying. Check the maximum height setting for stability: at maximum extension, some cheaper guitar footstool models wobble noticeably.
Budget Guide
Entry-level models from brands like Stagg and Dimavery are typically available under £15 and offer adequate functionality for most players. At £20–£40, Quik Lok, Fender and similar brands offer more stability and wider height ranges. Specialist wooden or high-end metal footstools from luthier suppliers and specialist guitar retailers are available above £40 for players who want something more refined for concert or recording use.
Where to Go Next
Our overview covers the full context and the guitar support alternative. Our beginner guide explains how to use and set up a footstool correctly. And our mistakes guide covers the setup errors worth avoiding.
Comments