How to Hold the Guitar
Sitting
- Sit up straight on the front part of the chair as shown in the photo below.
- Raise your right leg by crossing it over your left leg or by placing your right foot on a footstool (as shown in the photo below). Then place your guitar on your right leg.
- The guitar should be close to your body in an upright position with the neck pointing slightly upwards.
The main aim is to be comfortable and have easy access to the guitar fretboard. A music stand will also be helpful.
Standing
Use a wide guitar strap and adjust it to a comfortable length.
Using the Pick
The right hand is used to play the strings by plucking them with a pick. A pick is a piece of plastic shaped like a triangle.
Hold the pick lightly between your thumb and first finger, as shown in the following photo.
Use the tip of the pick to play the string.
The correct position for your right arm is shown in the photos below. Notice that your forearm rests on the upper edge of the guitar, just below the elbow. Be careful not to have your elbow hanging over the face of the guitar, or your right hand too far along the fretboard. Also when you are playing single notes, support your right hand by placing the second and third fingers on the body of the guitar.
Acoustic
If you are playing an acoustic guitar, pick the strings over the sound hole as this makes the best sound.
Electric
If you are playing an electric guitar, pick the strings between the pick-ups.
If you are strumming a chord, do not support your right hand with your fingers on the body of the guitar but still rest your forearm on the upper edge of the guitar.
Left Hand Position
The left hand fingers numbered as such:
Left Hand Placement
Your fingers should be on their tips and placed just behind the frets (not on top of them).
Be careful not to allow the thumb to hang too far over the top of the neck (Photo A), or to let it run parallel along the back of the neck (Photo B).
Photo A: Incorrect
