Proper Posture and Hand Positioning While Playing Guitar

One who has introduced you to a guitar may not have yet told you everything about proper posture and hand positioning for the instrument. If you have just started learning this instrument, you are likely unaware of the complications of improper posture and other bad habits related to guitar. If you live in Brooklyn, you can join a guitar school there. Your good teacher will help you achieve the correct posture;  depending whether you play with your left hand, you will learn how to handle the instrument.

Keep one thing in mind; don't ignore it. Many professional long-term guitar players end up having nasty side effects such as shoulder pain, back pain, elbow pain, neck pain, arm pain, wrist pain, tendonitis, repetitive strain injuries, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and more. Not all professional guitarists end up booking a series of doctor appointments. You can also prevent those injuries and health issues like those guitarists. This will also make guitar playing a lot easier and more pleasing. Let's see different positions:

Sitting position

Once you are in your chair, keep your back straight and put both feet on the floor. If you are right-handed, keep the waist of the instrument on the right leg. Keep the back of the instrument against your chest and stomach. The neck of the guitar should be horizontal to the floor.

Don't use your left hand while supporting the neck of the guitar from leaning down. With your upper right arm resting on the upper part of the instrument, you can avoid this. It should be comfortable.

Finger placement and left-hand positioning

With your fretting hand's thumb resting behind the neck of the instrument, place it between the first two fingers. All your knuckles (first, second, and third) should be bent. Press down the strings using the tip of your fingers. Keep your fingers close to the fret, but ensure that your fingers are not placed on the fret. Avoid touching the fretboard, and make sure that your fingernails are short.

Right-hand position (Strumming hand)

Your upper right arm should be resting on the upper part of the instrument's body. Your right hand should be comfortably floating above the sound hole. Keep your wrist, arm, and hand relaxed.

Strumming Technique

Professional guitarists use several strumming techniques to play the guitar. Let's talk about the most common strumming technique.

Placing and holding your thumb against the index finger gives you decent support. Your pinky, ring, and middle should be slightly bent towards the palm of your hand. It should feel natural.

Downstrum against all the strings using the nail of your index finger. Now up, strum using the nail of your thumb. Playing with the thumb and index fingers separately will produce a more tender sound. If you want the sound to be clearer, you need to grow your fingernail.

Using a pick

Hold the pick firmly between your index finger and thumb.

Fingerpicking position

Keep your arm and hand aligned with your knuckles slightly bent while holding your hand above the sound hole. The most common approach is playing the 4th, 5th, and 6th string with the thumb, the 1st string with the ring finger, the 2nd string with the middle finger, and the 3rd string with the index finger.

Preventing injuries and other issues

Align your spine. Keep your back lengthen and straight. Avoid raising your shoulders. Keep your shoulders and neck relaxed. There should be no tension in your fingers, hands, wrists, and arms. Take rest if you are feeling pain or strain. Exercise regularly, eat healthy food, and sleep well. When you are learning in guitar school in Brooklyn, don't just listen to the music and your guitar teacher; listen to your body as well.