Holding The Guitar

Resting Guitar (Right Leg)

The curve in the bottom of the guitar is resting on the right leg. This is the most common way to hold the guitar. Keep the neck of the guitar horizontal.

Resting Guitar (Left Leg)

The curve in the bottom of the guitar is resting on your left leg, this is the way classical guitarists hold their guitars. Some people find this way quite comfortable when playing an electric or acoustic guitar. You can see the head of the guitar is slightly higher and the neck is not so horizontal. This makes it easier when your fingers need to stretch over a long distance on the fretboard.

Correct Thumb Placement

When holding the neck of the guitar, place your thumb on the back of the neck to the top and in line with your second finger. Don’t bring your thumb over the top of the neck. With some songs you may need to bring your thumb over, but when you're just starting, keep your thumb behind.

Rest Fingers For Support

When you are picking a string, try to keep your third and fourth fingers resting on the body of the guitar. This will help you pick the strings without looking at your picking hand all the time. You don’t need to keep your fingers glued there, it’s more for a guide to help you pick the right strings.