How Do You Hold a Guitar?

There’s a surprising amount of debate on this topic.

Put the guitar on your right leg. No, left leg.

Use a strap. No strap.

Use a foot rest. No foot rest.

Use a guitar support. No guitar support.

How do you know the right way to go?

I recommend focusing on two simple questions:

1. Is your body comfortable?

If you're sitting down, start with your feet flat on the floor, your back straight, and your shoulders level. Bring the guitar to you without changing your body. Adjusting a strap or guitar support are my two favorite ways to get the guitar positioned comfortably.

If you're standing up, start with your feet flat on the floor, back straight, and shoulders level. Bring the guitar to you. When standing, adjusting the strap helps you get comfortable with the guitar.

2. Can you easily reach all strings and frets?

Once you have a comfortable position for your body, notice whether you can reach all strings easily with the right hand. If not, adjust the guitar. In particular, lean the top of the guitar body slightly toward you to make it easier to reach over it with the right arm.

Then notice whether you can easily move your left hand up and down the fretboard. If not, slope your guitar neck up a bit. Adjust a strap or guitar support as needed.

Once you find a position that's comfortable for your body and that enables you to easily reach all strings and frets, you have a great foundation for enjoying the guitar.

Let me know if you have questions.

Keep making music!