In this educational series on playing and using guitars, I have explained in detail how to hold a guitar so you can be skillful in playing it using different methods including different hand positions. As a beginner playing guitar, it is important that you get the basics right from the start so you don’t learn bad skills that will be difficult to unlearn.
So, what is the guitar holding?
Holding a guitar is the most fundamental aspect of playing the guitar. In order to play the guitar, you must first know how to hold it in the most comfortable and efficient way. There are different ways of holding a guitar depending on the type of guitar you are playing and your personal preference.
The two main types of guitars are acoustic guitars and electric guitars. Each type of guitar has its own way of being held.
How to Hold an Acoustic Guitar
The most common way to hold an acoustic guitar is by sitting down with the guitar on your lap. You can also stand up and hold the guitar against your body.
When sitting down, you should place the guitar so that the strings are facing you. This way, it will be easier to reach the strings with your left hand. You should also sit up straight and hold the guitar close to your body.
If you are standing up, you can hold the guitar in different positions. The most common position is to hold the guitar against your stomach with the neck pointing up. You can also hold the guitar in front of you or to the side.
How to Hold an Electric Guitar
The most common way to hold an electric guitar is by standing up and holding the guitar against your body. You can also sit down, but it is not as common.
When standing up, you should hold the guitar so that the strings are facing you. This way, it will be easier to reach the strings with your left hand. You should also hold the guitar close to your body.
If you are sitting down, you can place the guitar on your lap or on a table in front of you.
The classical method of holding an electric guitar:
There is also another way called the classical method of holding an electric guitar.
This method requires you to rest your guitar on your left leg. This slides the neck of the guitar further to left.
This position gives you better access to the higher frets on the fretboard and is perfect if you are playing solo.
You will need to elevate your left leg significantly in order to play in this position. This can be done by sitting on a stool or by placing a pillow on your lap.
Once you have the guitar in position, you can hold it with your right hand or with your left hand.
If you are holding the guitar with your right hand, you will need to use your left hand to support the neck of the guitar.
You can do this by placing your thumb on the back of the neck and wrapping your fingers around the front.
Your hand should be in a position so that your index finger is touching the low E string.
How to Hold a Guitar While Standing:
The most common way to hold a guitar while standing is by placing the strap over your shoulder and holding the guitar against your body.
You can also hold the guitar in front of you or to the side.
It is important to adjust the strap so that the guitar is in a comfortable position. The strap should be tight enough so that the guitar does not move, but not too tight that it is uncomfortable.
When holding the guitar in front of you, you should place the strap over your neck and hold the guitar with both hands.
Your left hand should be in the fretting position and your right hand should be behind the guitar neck.
This position is often used when playing solo.
You can also hold the guitar to the side. This is often done by left-handed guitarists.
The strap should be over your right shoulder and the guitar should be held with your left hand in the fretting position.
Your right hand should be behind the guitar neck or placed in front of the guitar body.
Different Hand Positions
There are different hand positions that you can use when playing the guitar. The most common position is to hold the guitar in your lap with your left hand on the neck and your right hand on the strings.
How to Hold a Guitar in the Left Hand:
The most common way to hold a guitar in the left hand is by sitting down with the guitar on your lap. You can also stand up and hold the guitar against your body.
When sitting down, you should place the guitar so that the strings are facing you. This way, it will be easier to reach the strings with your right hand.
You should also hold the guitar close to your body.
If you are standing up, you can hold the guitar in different positions. The most common position is to hold the guitar against your stomach with the neck pointing up. You can also hold the guitar to the side or in front of you.
It is important to adjust the strap so that the guitar is in a comfortable position. The strap should be tight enough so that the guitar does not move, but not too tight that it is uncomfortable.
When holding the guitar in the left hand, you should support the neck of the guitar with your hand. You can do this by placing your thumb on the back of the neck and wrapping your fingers around the front.
Your hand should be in a position so that your index finger is touching the low E string.
You can also hold the guitar in the left hand by placing the strap over your shoulder and holding the guitar with your hand.
Your hand should be in the fretting position and you should support the neck of the guitar with your thumb.
How to Hold a Guitar in the Right Hand:
The most common way to hold a guitar in the right hand is by sitting down with the guitar on your lap. You can also stand up and hold the guitar against your body.
When sitting down, you should place the guitar so that the strings are facing you. This way, it will be easier to reach the strings with your left hand.
You should also hold the guitar close to your body.
If you are standing up, you can hold the guitar in different positions. The most common position is to hold the guitar against your stomach with the neck pointing up. You can also hold the guitar to the side or in front of you.
It is important to adjust the strap so that the guitar is in a comfortable position. The strap should be tight enough so that the guitar does not move, but not too tight that it is uncomfortable.
When holding the guitar in the right hand, you should support the neck of the guitar with your hand. You can do this by placing your thumb on the back of the neck and wrapping your fingers around the front.
Your hand should be in a position so that your index finger is touching the low E string.
You can also hold the guitar in the right hand by placing the strap over your shoulder and holding the guitar with your hand.
Your hand should be in the fretting position and you should support the neck of the guitar with your thumb.
Casual Method:
The casual method is when you hold the guitar in your lap with the neck pointing up. You can also hold the guitar to the side or in front of you.
It is important to adjust the strap so that the guitar is in a comfortable position. The strap should be tight enough so that the guitar does not move, but not too tight that it is uncomfortable.
When holding the guitar in the casual method, you should support the neck of the guitar with your hand. You can do this by placing your thumb on the back of the neck and wrapping your fingers around the front.
Your hand should be in a position so that your index finger is touching the low E string.
Does How You Hold Your Guitar Affect the Sound?
Yes, in certain holding positions, there is more damping of the soundboard which results in lower amplitude of the sound. This means, in general, that sitting down and holding the guitar close to your body will result in a quieter sound than standing up and holding the guitar away from your body.
There are different ways to hold a guitar depending on what style of music you are playing. For example, classical guitarists often hold the guitar higher on their lap so that they can reach the fretboard more easily.
Safety Tips:
When holding the guitar, be sure to support the neck so that it does not fall and break. Also, be careful not to place your hand in between the strings as this can cause the strings to snap. If you are using a strap, be sure to attach it securely to the guitar so that it does not fall.
FAQs:
How do I know if I am holding the guitar correctly?
If you are sitting down, the guitar should be in your lap with the strings facing you. Your hand should be supporting the neck of the guitar and you should be able to reach the strings easily.
If you are standing up, the guitar should be close to your body and the strap should be tight enough so that the guitar does not move. Your hand should be in the fretting position and you should be able to support the neck of the guitar with your thumb.
Is it better to hold the guitar in the right hand or the left hand?
It depends on what style of music you are playing. For example, classical guitarists often hold the guitar in the left hand so that they can reach the strings more easily. However, most people hold the guitar in the right hand.
Can I play guitar without a strap?
You can play guitar without a strap, but it is not recommended. It is difficult to play in this position and it can be dangerous if you are not holding the guitar correctly.
Sources:
- Evolution of the vibrational behaviour of a guitar subjected to localized vibratory excitation
- Guitar Ethnographies: Performance, Technology and Material Culture
- Does How You Hold Your Guitar Affect the Sound?
Hi there! I am Jack Musau, the founder of this Best Guitar Amp Review site. I am an avid musician with several years using both traditional and electric guitars and created this site to assist others looking to find the best guitar amplifiers in the market today. I also offer private coaching and training on how to use guitars and guitars amps of all kinds. You can reach out to me using my email, jack@soundspros.com.