Proper Posture

When starting to learn the guitar, posture might not be the first thing you think about. I'm sure you're thinking more about rocking out on stage or singing along at campfire. Well, first take a little time to make sure that you're posture is correct. This will make playing easier and smoother down the line.

Step One:

Holding the guitar. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can really make a difference. Proper posture will prevent problems later. I'm going to reference everything the right hand perspective. For lefties, just filp everything around. When you're sitting, you can hold the guitar on either the left or the right leg. When you rest your guitar on your left leg, you should hold it at about a 45 degree angle to ceiling. This style is usually meant for classical guitar. Most of other styles hold it on the right leg.

Step Two:

Your left hand, or fretting hand, needs attention too. Your thumb should be resting in the middle of the back of the neck and your hand should have room between your palm and the neck of the guitar. In other words, don't use your death grip! Your fingers should curve around the neck of the guitar so that you are using the tips of your fingers. Most of the time, people start by using the fatty, fleshy parts of their fingers. Doing this pretty much makes it impossible to get clean sounding notes out of all strings. Use your tips, not your flab. Also, your middle finger and thumb should be held opposite from each other. this will help get the proper pressure to the strings. Listen to your body as well. Don't crank your wrist as far as it will go. This could cause injury. Adjust your positioning until it feels comfortable.

Step 3:

Your right hand, picking/strumming hand, is pretty easy to position correctly. Hold the guitar pick in your hand between your index finger and thumb so that it points towards the strings. You can rest your arm on the guitar at either your elbow, or your forearm. Whichever is most comfortable. When picking, you can also rest your wrist on the bridge of the guitar, or you can hold it out above the bridge. Play around with different positions. Some might feel better than others, and you might be able to do more with certain positions.

In time, you won't think about any of these things. It will just be natural, but it does take a little bit of time. Don't get discouraged. You can do it! I believe in you more that you believe in yourself, which should be a lot. Have fun and good luck!