How To Hold a Guitar. Common Mistakes To Avoid.

Sitting down. Standing up. Down by your knees. Behind your head. There are many ways to play guitar but there are only a few ways to properly hold one. Holding it wrong may not feel like it's hindering you much at first, especially if you're young, but over time it can really destroy your posture and even effect your playing ability.

If you learn how to hold a guitar properly you'll see a number of benefits including:

• Improved playing technique
• Ability to play for longer at a time
• Ability to play as you get older
• A healthy back, neck, and wrist

In this article, we'll discuss how to hold a guitar properly to help you get started on your guitar journey.This article is part of a series covering the Basics of Guitar:

• Guitar Anatomy
• How many strings does a guitar have?
• Intro to tuning: the guitar string order
• How to put on a guitar strap

How To Hold a Guitar While Sitting Down

When sitting down to play the guitar, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a comfortable and stable hold.

Guitar Placement & The Strumming Arm

First, place the guitar on your right thigh (if you're right-handed) so that the "waist" of the guitar rests on your leg. The guitar can be tilted slightly towards you but not laying flat. At this point your left leg will be free; however, you can also play with your legs crossed and right leg on top of the left. Whichever way feels most comfortable in the sitting position will be determined by your body height/size as well as the type of guitar you're playing.  

Rest the forearm of your strumming arm, for most people this will be their right arm, on the top of the guitar. On an acoustic guitar, you'll practically shove the back body of the guitar under your armpit. Your elbow should be slightly bent at this point but able to easily move. Remember, strumming a guitar is as much about the movement of your elbow and arm as it is of your wrist.

As an aside, the anatomy of a Fender Stratocaster really shines when it comes to most comfortable holding position. The top of the back of the guitar is carved out to comfortably rest on your torso. The bottom of the back of the guitar is carved out to comfortable rest on your leg. The top of the guitar body, where your forearm rests, is sloped down to allow your hand to rest but also strum smoothly. Many other guitars, including almost all acoustic guitars as well as Telecasters and Les Pauls have sharp 90° edges along the body that dig in to various parts of your body as you play.

Ok back to the lesson. At this point, with your guitar resting on one thigh and being held against your body by the same side's arm, you should essentially be holding the guitar upright without the need of your fretting hand at all.

Fretting Hand Position

Your fretting arm should feel really relaxed with your elbow bent gently and never stiff. Many beginner guitarists have a tendency to keep their shoulders high up and stiff but both shoulders should be relaxed with no tenseness. Your hand, most likely your left hand, should be positioned so that your thumb is behind the neck, and your fingers are on the fretboard and able to easily reach all the strings. Your wrist will change its angle as you adjust for different chord shapes and as you move up and down the guitar neck.

To hold the guitar correctly, you should place your left hand on the neck of the guitar and your right hand on the body of the guitar.

Chair Height

First, make sure your chair is the right height. The ideal height is one where your feet can rest flat on the ground, and your thighs are parallel to the floor. This will allow you to keep your back straight and your arms relaxed.

Putting It All Together

Your left thumb should be positioned behind the neck of the guitar, and your fingers should be placed on the frets. Your right hand should be positioned over the strings, and your fingers should be ready to pluck or strum the strings. The guitar should be resting on your right leg, if you're a righty, and your body should be upright but relaxed. By following these simple steps, you can hold the guitar correctly and start playing your favorite songs in no time.

How To Hold a Guitar While Standing Up

When standing up to play the guitar, you'll need to make a few adjustments to your posture to maintain a comfortable and stable hold.

Guitar Placement

First, adjust the height of your guitar strap so that the guitar hangs at a comfortable height. The ideal height is one where the guitar body is slightly below your waistline. Check out our entire guide describing how to put on a guitar strap.

Your guitar should hang freely with your belly/torso making the most contact to the guitar. The guitar should be at about a 20° angle with the headstock slightly higher than the guitar body.

Arm and Hand Position

Playing guitar standing up doesn't come naturally and takes some practice. Make sure your arms and shoulders are relaxed and that you have full motion especially of your strumming hand. Stand upright and keep the correct posture so you don't get a hunch as you grow older.

Avoid These Mistakes When Holding a Guitar

1. Don't lean the guitar over - the guitar should essentially be perfectly upright
2. Don't lean over the guitar - it's tempting to see what you're playing but it's terrible for your posture to lean over the guitar
3. Don't rely on your left arm - your lap when sitting or your strap when standing should be carrying the weight of the guitar.

Helpful Guitar Basics

Parts of the Guitar

When learning how to hold a guitar, it's important to first understand the different parts of the instrument. The main parts of a guitar include:

• Headstock: the top part of the guitar where the tuning pegs are located.
• Neck: the long, thin part of the guitar that connects the headstock to the body.
• Body: the large, curvy part of the guitar that holds the sound hole and pickups.

Types of Guitars

There are several types of guitars, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of guitars include:

• Acoustic guitar: a hollow body guitar with a sound hole using only natural acoustics to produce sound.
• Electric guitar: a guitar that uses pickups and an amplifier to produce sound.
• Classical guitar: a guitar with nylon strings and a wider neck, typically used for classical music.
• Bass guitar: a guitar with a longer neck and thicker strings, typically used for bass lines in music.

When learning how to hold a guitar, it's important to know what type of guitar you're playing as the size and weight of the instrument may vary.

Proper Posture

Having proper posture while playing the guitar is essential for both comfort and technique. Poor posture can lead to discomfort, pain, and even injury. Here are some tips for maintaining proper posture while holding a guitar:

• Sit up straight: When sitting down, make sure your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed. Avoid slouching or leaning forward.
• Position the guitar correctly: The guitar should rest on your right thigh (if you're right-handed) or left thigh (if you're left-handed). The neck should be angled slightly upward, and the body of the guitar should be resting against your chest.
• Hold the guitar with your arms, not your hands: Use your arms to hold the guitar in place, rather than gripping it tightly with your hands. This will help you avoid tension and fatigue in your fingers and hands.
• Keep your left elbow close to your body: When playing chords, your left elbow should be close to your body. This will help you maintain proper hand position and avoid strain on your shoulder.
• Use a footstool: If you're having trouble reaching the guitar comfortably, consider using a footstool. This will help you maintain proper posture and avoid strain on your back and shoulders.

By following these tips, you can maintain proper posture while holding a guitar, which will help you play more comfortably and improve your technique over time.

Tips for Comfort and Ease

When holding a guitar, it is important to prioritize comfort and ease to avoid any unnecessary strain on the body. Here are some tips to achieve both:

• Choose the right guitar size: Make sure to choose a guitar that fits your body size and shape. A guitar that is too big or too small can cause discomfort and make it difficult to play.
• Adjust the strap: Adjusting the strap can help you find a comfortable playing position. The guitar should rest on your lap or be supported by the strap, with the neck pointing upwards at a slight angle.
• Find the right posture: Sit up straight and keep your shoulders relaxed. Avoid slouching or hunching over the guitar, as this can cause strain on the neck, shoulders, and back.
• Use a footstool: If you are playing classical guitar, use a footstool to elevate your foot and support the guitar. This can help you maintain a comfortable playing position and reduce tension in the back and shoulders.
• Take breaks: It is important to take breaks and stretch regularly when playing guitar for extended periods of time. This can help prevent muscle strain and fatigue.

By following these tips, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to hold a guitar, there are several common mistakes that beginners often make. These mistakes can lead to discomfort, poor technique, and even injury. Here are some things to avoid:

1. Holding the Guitar Too Low or Too High

One common mistake is holding the guitar too low or too high. If the guitar is too low, it can cause strain on the neck and back. If it is too high, it can cause tension in the shoulders and arms. The guitar should be held at a comfortable height, with the neck angled slightly upward.

2. Gripping the Neck Too Tight

Another mistake is gripping the neck too tight. This can cause tension in the hands and fingers, making it harder to play smoothly. The fingers should be relaxed and curved, with just enough pressure to fret the strings.

3. Placing the Thumb in the Wrong Position

The position of the thumb is also important when holding a guitar. Placing the thumb too high on the neck can make it harder to reach certain chords. Placing it too low can cause strain on the wrist. The thumb should be positioned in the middle of the neck, with the fingers wrapped around the fretboard.

4. Slouching or Leaning Forward

Finally, it is important to maintain good posture when holding a guitar. Slouching or leaning forward can cause strain on the back and neck. The guitarist should sit up straight, with both feet flat on the ground and the guitar resting comfortably on the lap.

By avoiding these common mistakes, beginners can develop good habits and techniques that will help them play more comfortably and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some tips for holding an acoustic guitar properly?

When holding an acoustic guitar, it is important to keep the guitar close to your body. This will help you maintain good posture and reduce strain on your shoulders and arms. Additionally, make sure your left hand is supporting the neck of the guitar and your right hand is resting on the bridge. This will help you achieve a comfortable and stable grip on the guitar.

How can I hold a guitar left-handed?

If you are left-handed, you can hold a guitar in the same way as a right-handed player, but with the guitar flipped over so that the strings are facing the other way. Alternatively, you can purchase a left-handed guitar which is designed to be played by left-handed players.

What is the best way to hold a guitar while standing up?

When standing up, it is important to use a guitar strap to support the weight of the guitar. The strap should be adjusted so that the guitar is at a comfortable height, and the guitar should be positioned so that it is parallel to the ground. Additionally, make sure to keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed to avoid strain.

What is the proper way to hold a guitar with a strap?

When holding a guitar with a strap, it is important to adjust the strap so that the guitar is at a comfortable height. The guitar should be positioned so that it is parallel to the ground, and your left hand should be supporting the neck of the guitar. Your right hand should be resting on the bridge, and you should maintain good posture to avoid strain.

How do you hold a guitar if you are right-handed?

If you are right-handed, hold the guitar so that the neck is in your left hand and the body is resting against your stomach. Your right hand should be resting on the bridge of the guitar, and your left hand should be pressing down on the frets to produce notes.

Why can't I hold a guitar properly?

There are a number of reasons why you may be having difficulty holding a guitar properly. It could be due to poor posture, lack of practice, or an improperly adjusted guitar strap. If you are having difficulty, try adjusting your posture and strap, and practice holding the guitar for short periods of time until you become more comfortable.

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