How to Hold a Guitar
How to Hold a Guitar
Sit in a proper chair: A hard-backed chair with no arm rests is best. If possible your feet should be flat on the floor.
If you are right handed rest the guitar on your leg with neck angled up and your left foot flat on the floor, the neck of the guitar should be held near a 45 degree angle, not parallel with the floor. Your right leg should be slightly back.
You should not feel as though you need to hold the guitar secure, the guitar should rest comfortably on your lap when you are playing.
When standing: I always recommend wearing a guitar strap and adjusting it so your guitar is at the same height and angle as when you sit with your guitar. Students should use a guitar strap seated or standing.
How to hold a guitar: Decide if you are right or left handed, your dominant hand is your “strumming hand” or your “picking hand." and your non-dominant hand is your “fretting hand."
If you are right handed rest the guitar on your leg with neck angled up and your left foot flat on the floor, the neck of the guitar should be held near a 45 degree angle, not parallel with the floor. Your right leg should be slightly back.
Your guitar should remain in place resting on your legs while holding the guitar to your body with your elbow and forearm on the opposite side. Place the neck in the V between your thumb and index finger of your fretboard hand. This hand will help to balance the guitar.
You should not feel as though you need to hold the guitar secure, the guitar should rest comfortably on your lap when you are playing.
When standing: I always recommend wearing a guitar strap and adjusting it so your guitar is at the same height and angle as when you sit with your guitar. Students should use a guitar strap seated or standing.
Preferred Student Style
Holding a guitar seated classical style is the most effective and comfortable position to learn how to play guitar no matter what style you plan to play in the future.