In this lesson, we will show you how to hold the guitar. With these examples, you will have a better performance when practicing the instrument.
The Objective of the Lesson
The objective of this lesson is for the student to be able to identify the correct posture when playing the guitar. This minimizes injuries caused by poor posture and increases student performance.
The Classic Posture
This is the posture used by classical music guitarists. The body of the Classical Guitar is usually small compared to other acoustic guitars. The fretboard on the other hand is usually wider than the common acoustic guitar. Therefore the scale of the instrument is relatively short and makes it easy to hold in a particular way. Notice the height of the guitar. Surprisingly, this posture, although it looks uncomfortable, is very comfortable. The classical posture requires that the guitarist already has command of the fretboard and be able to play without having to look to place the fingers.
The Popular Posture
You would have to support the waist of the guitar on your right leg if you are right-handed or on your left leg if you are left-handed. Lightly press the back of the guitar against the right half of your abdomen (left half for left-handed players). Your right arm should rest on the bottom of the guitar. The most important part of playing guitar is that you feel comfortable and free to let your artistic juices flow. Postures should become second nature as you continue to hone your guitar-playing skills.