Good posture isn’t a strict rule – it’s a trick that makes everything easier. When the guitar sits securely, your hands don’t have to hold it up, so they’re free for chords and rhythm.
Sitting well
- Sit near the front of a chair without armrests, both feet flat on the floor.
- Keep your back straight but not stiff, and let your shoulders drop.
- The guitar stands almost upright, with the top facing forwards rather than up at the ceiling.
- The neck angles slightly upwards, with the headstock around shoulder height.
There are two common ways. In the classical position the guitar rests on your left thigh and your left foot is raised on a small footstool. Alternatively, a guitar support attached to the body lifts the guitar so both feet stay on the floor. In the casual position the guitar rests on your right leg – that’s how many people play when they mainly strum chords. Try both and pick what feels good.
The fretting hand
- Your thumb rests behind the neck, roughly behind your middle finger. It supports – it doesn’t squeeze.
- Your fingers curve like little arches and press with the fingertips.
- Your wrist stays relaxed and doesn’t bend sharply.
The strumming hand
Your right forearm rests on the edge of the body, so your hand hangs naturally over the sound hole. From there you can strum or fingerpick.