Whether you are a complete beginner or already able to play a few chords, the correct way to hold a guitar is the foundation for relaxed, clean, and long-term healthy playing. If you learn this from the very beginning, you will not only avoid tension and pain but also make every other step in learning the guitar much easier.

In this article, we show you what to pay attention to when holding your guitar – whether sitting or standing, with a classical, acoustic, or electric guitar, and whether you are right-handed or left-handed. You will also find tips on how to check and improve your posture.

Why is the Correct Way to Hold a Guitar so Important?

You might think: “It doesn’t matter, as long as I can play somehow.” But poor posture can lead to the following problems in the long run:

• Pain in your Back, neck or wrist

• Unclear tones because you don’t press the strings correctly

• Restricted movement in the fretting or strumming hand

• Faster fatigue, especially during longer practice sessions

• Less control over dynamics and rhythm

With the correct way to hold a guitar, you create the best foundation to play with ease, enjoyment, and success – without frustration or strain.

Classical Guitar Posture: Playing Position While Sitting

Most guitarists start off playing in a seated position. This gives you more control and allows you to focus better on technique and posture. The right way to hold a guitar in this position really depends on the following details:

Positioning the Guitar

1. The body of the guitar should rest slightly angled on your thigh.

2. The back of the guitar should lean against your body – not too far forward.

3. The neck should point upwards at an angle of around 30–45°. Avoid having the neck too flat or even pointing downwards, as this puts unnecessary strain on your fretting hand.

Tip: Pay attention to your right shoulder (for right-handed players). It should hang naturally and relaxed, without lifting or pulling the arm forward. The pick or your fingers should move easily over the soundhole area without tension.

Western Posture: Guitar on the Right Thigh

Tip: Adjust where the guitar body rests on your thigh – moving it a few centimetres further in or out can significantly improve your viewing angle, strumming path, and overall comfort.

Playing Guitar While Standing: Using a Strap

Sooner or later, you will also want to play standing up – during rehearsals, on stage, or simply because it’s fun. In this case, the guitar strap is essential:

With classical guitars that don’t have a front strap button, consider having an extra button fitted or using a strap that attaches to the soundhole.

Right vs Left Hand: Position and Role

Both hands play different but equally important roles in the correct way to hold a guitar.

Right Hand (for right-handed players):

1. The strumming hand rests loosely over the soundhole (acoustic) or between the bridge and neck (electric).

2. The wrist should not be bent.

3. When playing with a pick, hold it between thumb and index finger without gripping too tightly.st zu drücken.

Left Hand (fretting hand):

1. The thumb rests on the back of the neck, pointing straight upwards.

2. The fingers press down vertically on the strings, as close to the fretwire as possible.

3. The palm should not be pressed against the guitar neck – this limits your freedom of movement.

Avoid wrapping your hand tightly around the neck. A relaxed hand stays more flexible and makes it easier to hit the notes accurately.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Themst

Here are some typical beginner mistakes you should consciously avoid:

Mistake	Solution
Holding the guitar too low or too flat	Keep the neck slightly angled upwards
Fretting hand gripping the neck too tightly	Maintain an open, relaxed hand postition
Strap too loose or too short	Adjust it so the guitar sits securely and comfortably
Poor sitting position	Use a suitable chair and keep your back straight
Shoulder raiser	Let your shoulder hang relaxed

It’s best to regularly take a photo or video of yourself playing – this way you’ll notice posture mistakes you might not otherwise see.

Tools for a Correct Posture

Here are some aids that can support you in maintaining the correct position:

• Guitar footrest: Especially useful for the classical position, e.g. the Millenium footrest.

• Guitar support: Alternative to a footrest, e.g. the Hopf Dynarette Low.

• Strap with padding: Suitable for longer playing sessions while standing, e.g. the Harley Benton Guitar strap.

• Practice mirror: For quick posture checks.

More useful tools can be found in our article on guitar accessories for beginners.

The Correct Way to Hold a Guitar Helps You Progress

Even if it seems like a small detail at first, your posture has a huge influence on how easily you can play, how clean you sound, and how much fun you have. Take a few minutes before each practice session to set up your posture. This way you’ll develop good habits right from the start – and save yourself corrections later on.