Last Updated on October 2, 2022 by Guitarist Authority
Have you ever wondered how to hold a guitar? Holding a guitar may seem simple and obvious, and although it is definitely not difficult there are some helpful tips that can make it easier and have long-lasting, positive results.
Playing guitar involves a certain amount of dexterity, so you need to get your position right to play comfortably and effortlessly, especially for longer periods of time.
The type of guitar you like to play will dictate your posture, so a classical guitarist will set up very differently from someone playing electric guitar.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of how to hold different guitars, how to hold a pick, as well as some other helpful info.
How to Hold an Acoustic Guitar
A lot of people who decide to learn guitar do so on an acoustic. This type of guitar is probably the bulkiest that you will come across, so you’ll have to position it slightly differently from how you would hold other guitars.
As a beginner, it is better to learn to play them sitting down if you can. The thickness of the body can make it difficult to play standing up until you get comfortable with the size and how to position the guitar.
If you are right-handed, place the guitar on your right thigh with the neck slightly higher than horizontal. You need to make sure that you’re not holding the guitar too tightly. It should support itself with minimal interference, if any, from you. Your strumming arm should sit comfortably against the body of the guitar, while the fretting arm should bend at 90 degrees to easily navigate the fretboard.
To play standing, make sure to secure your strap. Find a comfortable strap height where your strumming/picking arm is resting gently over the side and top of the body. Adjust your posture to a relaxed position and make sure you can easily access the entire fretboard without straining.
How to Hold a Classical Guitar
The positioning for a classical guitar is slightly different from an acoustic. This ensures good posture and makes it easier to navigate the fretboard.
Classical guitars sit on the same side leg as the fretting hand and you commonly raise your thigh using a small footstool. The bridge end of the guitar should sit nicely on the inside of the thigh, causing the neck to point up in the air around 45 degrees.
Can you hold a classical guitar just like you would an acoustic? The answer is of course YES. A classical guitar is still a guitar and you can hold/play it just like an acoustic.
How to Hold an Electric Guitar
If you want to sit down when you’re playing electric guitar, then you should hold it in the same way as you would an acoustic. However, make sure that the model that you’ve got sits nicely on your lap.
While the standard Stratocaster or Les Paul shape fits perfectly on your thigh, something like a Flying V or an Explorer is far from perfect for playing while sitting down. It’s not impossible however, you can rest the inverted point of the V on your right thigh and play similarly as you would with a classical guitar.
In general, with an electric guitar, it’s common to stand while playing. To achieve this you need to make sure you have a guitar strap. Attach the strap to the strap pegs and make sure it is secured. The last thing you want is a dented guitar!
The guitar body should sit a little higher than waist height with the neck pointing slightly upwards from horizontal. You’ve probably seen many guitarists performing with low-slung guitars. It does look pretty cool, but it’s also really hard for a beginner to get their fingers in the right place as you are now having to reach farther.
Try different strap lengths, find what’s comfortable and what allows you the best range of motion for playing.
How to Hold a Bass guitar
A bass guitar has a longer neck than a standard guitar and is usually a lot heavier so that the low notes reverberate more. Like an electric guitar, you can play a bass sitting down if that is what suits you best.
However, if you choose to play standing, shortening the strap can help you reach the frets easier. Because the neck is longer, it can be challenging to reach the lowest notes if the bass is too close to the ground.
You rarely strum a bass guitar, so having it sat that bit higher helps your hand stay free and speeds up your movement around the guitar.
Once again, try different strap lengths, go with what’s comfortable.
How to Hold a Guitar Pick Properly
Hold the pick, in your strumming hand, between your thumb and index finger.
Grip is important but make sure not to hold the pick too tightly. This shouldn’t feel like a struggle, hold it firm and comfortably.
Whether you choke up or down on the pick depends on your comfort level, the type of music you are playing, whether you are strumming or picking, etc…
Try a bunch of different pick brands and thicknesses. Your picks are an important tool that you will use a lot and you’ll want to spend the time finding which you like the best.
Final Thoughts
If you are sitting while playing, make sure you choose the right chair. It needs to be comfortable, but it also needs to have the correct structure. For example, a chair with two armrests makes playing sitting down a lot more difficult and uncomfortable. A chair you sink into may elevate the body of the guitar enough that it’s also in an uncomfortable position.
No matter what type of guitar, chair, strap, jam space, practice room, etc.. you have. It benefits you to make sure your posture and positioning are just right. Getting into a bad habit now is something that is going to follow you throughout your life.
Being comfortable is essential to putting in long, repetitive practice sessions. Take a bit of time to get your posture right now, and you will reap the benefits moving forward.
