In this lesson we explore ways of holding and sitting with the guitar.
Classical Position | The left leg is elevated to bring the guitar into playing position and prevent slouching.
Sitting With The Guitar
How you sit and hold the guitar influences fingerboard access, comfort and quality of playing. Do it right early on and you'll reduce technical problems and injuries down the road.
And There Were Three
There are three basic positions for playing guitar: classical, casual and strap. These positions all have two things in common: good posture and access to the entire fingerboard.
How to hold and sit with the guitar | Professor Peter Frary
Classical Position
Classical position is the most traditional of the three sitting styles. It requires use of an armless chair and a small footstool. Don't have a footstool? Substitute a yoga block, stack of books, bricks, etc.
Footstool | Guitar footstools may be folded flat for storage and are adjustable for height. | Image courtesy Cahaya
Here's how to sit classical style:
Sit up straight (no slouching!) on the front half of the seat.
Elevate the left leg 3 to 8 inches with a footstool.
Place the guitar's waist on the left thigh.
Tilt the fingerboard 20 to 30 degrees above the horizontal.
Place your right forearm on the lower bout and the right-hand fingers on the strings near the soundhole.
Classical Position | Traditional sitting position with footstool.
For solid support of the instrument, there should be four points of contact:
Top of the left thigh
Right inner thigh
Chest
Right forearm
The left arm should be free to move without hitting your leg or torso.
Playing with a Cushion | The cushion is the black object below the guitar.
Guitar Cushion
A cushion or lifter to elevate the left side of the guitar may be used instead of a footstool. Posture and arm positions are identical to using a footstool but the cushion allows both feet to remain flat on the floor.
Jade | Playing in classical position with a cushion.
Use of a cushion or lifter helps distribute body weight evenly across both legs and may be more comfortable for some players.
Casual Position
The casual position, also called the flamenco position, appears easygoing but, when done correctly, allows access to the entire fingerboard.
Start by placing the guitar on the right leg. Shift the neck 6 to 8 inches away from your torso. This shift prevents your left arm from hitting your body when playing in upper positions (above the 4th fret). There should be three support points:
Chest (slightly right of center)
Right forearm
Right leg
To elevate the guitar and prevent
slouching, some players cross their legs or prop up their right leg.
Casual Position | Shifting the guitar's neck away from your torso allows access to the entire fingerboard.
Casual Players | The player on the right holds the guitar's neck away from his body to enhance fingerboard access.
Flamenco artist Antonio Rey sits up straight, crosses his legs to lift the guitar, and positions the guitar's neck away from his torso for full fingerboard access.
Bulerías | Antonio Rey playing in the casual or flamenco position. (2:17)
Guitar Strap
Use of a guitar strap is the preferred playing posture for many players from praise bands to metal. Smaller guitars—electric, travel, parlor, etc.—are almost impossible to hold in a comfortable position without a strap.
Strapped Guitar | Cordoba Mini R guitar supported with a guitar strap.
The strap is slung over your left shoulder and boasts the flexibility of allowing playing while sitting, standing, walking or dancing!
For solid support of the instrument, there should be four points of contact:
Chest
Right forearm
Right leg, hip or stomach (varies with guitar size)
Strap slung over left shoulder
Strap Adjustments
Like a belt, strap length is adjustable for different sizes of players. Adjust the strap so the guitar's upper bout is against your stomach and chest. The neck should be tilted 20 to 30 degrees upwards.
Guitar with Strap | Romero Creations Baritone 6 guitar with a strap.
Bianco Fiore | Peter Frary demonstrating a strapped Cordoba Mini.
Classical, Casual or Strap?
Try each of the three positions and see which one fits you best. You'll probably change your mind a few times as you gain experience. I use all three. My choice depends on the musical situation and the particular guitar I'm playing.
Classical
Casual
Strap
Now that you know how to hold the guitar, it's time to start playing. We begin with right-hand technique on the next page.
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Do you need help? Don't be shy about asking questions. For guitar issues, make an office or Zoom appointment and we'll help you figure it out.
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Sitting With The Guitar
Classical Position
Casual Position
Guitar Strap 
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