How To Hold a Guitar

[RammsteinGott]

I love the look and sound of your guitar :)

[myjacodog]

Thanks! It's a Guild Savoy X150D, a really great, versatile, guitar.

[MultiRougethebat]

i just stared to learn guitar and wasn't sure how to hold it

[Xelanderthomas]

You hear so many different opinion. It's confusing. Jaime Andreas's videos claim the "only" way is the classical way. I'm just concerned because I have back issues. I am sure I have been holding it work and now just want to find the way that is least pressure on the back. Although I am aware that part of it is my approach to posture no matter how I play.

[myjacodog]

It is hard to figure out the best way to do something if you have an injury.

If I were in your situation I would make sure that I played a guitar that fits well if played in the classical position.

One that's too small will make you hunch over. One that's too large will make you have to sit in an odd position to hold it.

If you use a strap, obviously, go for a light weight guitar.

Good luck!

[Xelanderthomas]

thanks. I guess I have to try the positions out and make sure I stay aware of how my body is responding.

[makespeaches]

@Xelanderthomas if you feel pressure in your back then maybe you need to use a different sort of chair or couch.

[AnfaengerGitarrist]

@makespeaches Problem solved long ago, but thanks ;-)

[thegreatapplesauce]

I've been playing guitar without any instruction for about 4 years, and i even play local venues, but i hang my wrist when i play and recently someone told me that it was really bad for my dynamics. Do you think it should really make a difference?

[Harvest8888]

wow so much easier to play my chords now! I was about to give up.

[myjacodog]

Glad it helped. Don't give up!

[aspenFag]

The hand I use for the fingering my wrist hurts when I play some cords and stuff..

but I just started playing like a day or two ago. Would that be normal?

[FlamKickflip]

Same here, i wish i could help. I suggest stop playing until you find out how to do it properly, thats what ive done and its hard to leave the guitar alone i know, but i cant find a way to hold it without my wrist hurting

[levlobotomy]

thanks

[myjacodog]

Glad that it helped

[Blink182plus44equ226]

That's the same strat I have (Same paint and looks like the same or similar pickups)

[3dHunt3r]

classical position is the best

[topmusiccritic]

You need to look at Jim Greeninger's Easy Guitar Now videos on holding. A strap in a unique position solves the problem.

[myjacodog]

I agree that using a strap is the best option. I discuss this at around 6 minutes into the video.

[giantspida]

i stand up when i play so it doesnt matter how i hold it

[kalaway]

I usually cross my legs when I play so it's situated in the center of my body. I find I sit up the straightest and am the most comfortable that way. I've never used a strap, but I was thinking of getting one so that, as you say, if I ever need to play standing it won't feel strange.

[zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzme]

thanx so much! it worked!

[mandyxalwaysxknows]

great. thank you!

[sarahaANDmelissaSHOW]

thank you so much for posting this