Sitting with the Guitar

Sitting with the Guitar

"There are 2 main ways to hold your guitar, the classical way and the casual way. We'll take a look at both in depth and compare them. In my opinion in comes down to comfort and accessibility."

Casual Style

Benefits

There are no benefits of one style over the other. It's a matter of choice. But both styles can either enhance or detract from your guitar technique. One convenience that the casual style has is that it can be played anywhere with no special equipment needed like a footstool. It is easier to learn than the classical position. But as you will see, it's almost the same position. It's just a little less awkward at first than the classical position.

Things to look out for

• slumping over your guitar
• lowering the neck too low so that it's almost parallel to the floor
• leaning one way or the other causing your back to curve
• lowering your fretting hand's shoulder causing your spine to get out of alignment
• cocking your head in one direction one way or another causing your spine to get out of alignment

Things to try to do

• stay relaxed
• keep your spine aligned
• keep the headstock of the guitar head up eye level or thereabouts
• keep your shoulders straight and level
• keep good right and left hand form

Front view: foot stool Shoulders: level and straight forward Back: aligned along with arms and shoulders, envelops the guitar Head: aligned with spine Legs: guitar on right leg, raised for easier access with hands, thighs about parallel to floor. Feet: on the floor, foot supporting the guitar perpendicular to the torso to avoid twisting to reach the guitar. Guitar: guitar headstock is raised, guitar is angled so that the neck is slightly pointing forward. Allows for easier access to fretboard (strap facilitates this, prevents guitar from sliding off or around on leg)

Front view: crossed leg The position of all of the body parts remains the same. This is simply to show that a footstool is not necessary. The footstool is usually used in the classical style.