Best Guitar Playing Positions
one of the most guitar playing basics

Various guitar playing positions are explained here so that you can enjoy guitar playing without discomfort or back strain.

Finding the best playing position for yourself is very important as a relaxed comfortable position is essential for the hands to be independent and free while playing.

Guitar Playing Positions: for Classical Nylon String Guitars

Having a comfortable sitting position helps to balance the guitar and gives the hands the flexibility to move freely.

Note: If you are right handed, reverse this procedure.

Observe that the guitar touches the body at these three areas.

*The back of the guitar rests on the lower part of the chest.

*That the under part of the guitar rests comfortably on the left thigh.

*That the back of the guitar rests on the inner part of the right thigh.

Keeping to this rule, we will have a good playing position which helps give a good sound production and flexibility to both hands.

Below is an example of the sitting position used in classical guitar playing.

Hold the guitar on the left foot and place your left foot on a foot- rest.

Balancing the guitar on the left foot, adjust the right foot to support the base of the guitar.

The height of the neck is adjusted to enable the left hand to move easily.

The right hand rests on the body for easy movement.

The foot-stool may be adjusted to suit your left leg position.

Guitar Playing Positions: for Acoustic, Steel, and Electric Guitars

Acoustic, steel, and electric guitar players find the sitting position comfortable. This is where the guitar is placed on the right leg. The right arm is used to balance the guitar and keep it from moving and tilting. The neck is held in a horizontal position.

Below is an example of the sitting position for acoustic, steel and electric guitar playing.

Guitar Playing Positions: Electric Guitar or Other Fretted Instruments

Standing Position

Refer to the following photograph for standing position using a guitar strap.

Many rock guitar players have their guitars hang really low. This can be uncomfortable if you are not used to it. But if you like to try this position, just adjust the guitar strap and get the position that you find most comfortable.

In the standing guitar playing position, a guitar strap is used to support the weight of the instrument. The hands are free and comfortable to fret or pick the strings. Try adjusting and varying the neck for a comfortable left hand position.

So when using the standing position, try to ...

* Use the guitar strap for support

* Position the guitar neck that the Left/Right hand has a comfortable angle on the fretboard.

* make sure that the legs are well balanced and have a good stance with not much strain on the back.

*adjust so that the weight of the guitar hangs from the guitar strap and snugs comfortably into the body.

Guitar Playing Positions: Acoustic Guitar

Sitting Position

Most of us sit when we play so proper posture is vital to avoid back problems. Sitting and practicing for hours in a cramped position must be avoided. Having a good relaxed sitting position is conducive to proper playing.

Sitting comfortably

* In the sitting position, balance the waist of the guitar on the left or right leg.

* The angle of the guitar neck should be in a more horizontal angle.

* The picking hand should be free with the arm placed slightly near the body of the guitar.

* A strap may be used to balance the musical instrument.

As you go through these lesson, you will have an idea of the whole gist of these guitar playing positions. Find ways to be relaxed when playing. Also notice if you are tensing up or using too much pressure on the Left/Right fretting hand.

Mentally watch the stress as you play and if you feel any back discomfort, shift around and find the right playing position till you are most comfortable.

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