It’s important that you know how to be seated/standing when playing the guitar, and how to hold it properly. This will ensure a comfortable posture and avoid long-term negative effects on your health. Ensure you follow this from day one of practice.

To begin with, maintain an upright posture and avoid slouching as you get caught up in the music and your instrument. It is normal to get so engrossed in the music that you forget where you are and how you’re seated, etc. But it is important to observe these little things from a long-term perspective. Whether you’re seated or performing standing on stage in front of an audience, pay attention to your posture and keep your back straight.

Next is regarding your hands. Your right hand should fall naturally into position, relaxed and easy. Avoid stiffening up due to anticipation – there should be no tension in the right hand. Grip the neck with your left hand, like you would a cricket bat. Just encircle the neck with your fingers, instead of gripping tightly. Your thumb position may change slightly depending on which area of the neck you are currently engaging, but ensure the thumb remains at the back of the neck.

Coming to your wrists, avoid any sharp angles which may end up putting pressure on your tendons. A relaxed angle is what you should aim for, as far as possible. While an electric guitar would have a strap, an acoustic may not. To give yourself a comfortable and ergonomic playing position, you could elevate one leg slightly (using a foot stool) or cross your right leg over the left, to give the guitar that subtle lift.

Use these tips and make them regular practice to ensure you start playing the right way from the beginning. Habits are harder to break once they are formed. As a beginner, try to pick up best practices and follow them meticulously. You’ll find they add long-term value to your playing and growth as a guitarist. In the next blog post, we’ll look at the guitar pick, also known as a plectrum, which you will use to strum the strings of your guitar. Keep reading and progressing in this journey to learn how to play the guitar.