How to hold a Guitar [for Beginners] 8 Techniques to better sounding Chords

Here's one of the first things every beginner guitarist should pay attention to- especially if you are having problems with buzzing notes, small hands (not able to reach properly), fat fingers touching strings, or anything that is causing chords to sound bad which also includes hand pains.
By holding the guitar properly, it will in most cases automatically eliminate most problems by naturally arching your fingers. I wish I could take credit for this body positioning but, it is the proven method taught to all classical guitarist and considered the proper way to play guitar.
After your fingers get used to arching, you can "ease off" of these rules but, many of you that get used to this position will realize that this is the best position to play guitar in.
0:00 Introduction
0:13 Upright Position
1:18 Rest guitar on left leg
1:45 Foot Stool
3:30 thumb in correct position
4:54 Fingers Arched
7:40 Play on Tips of Fingers
8:52 Press only as hard as needed
10:12 Press as close to fret as possible

[@samvdmable]

I absolutely LOVE this lesson, I wish I had seen this when I first picked up my guitar and embarked on my life long desire to play the guitar as beautifully as my dad, when I was little.... it just solved a massive amount of struggling !!!!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Sam, I'm so happy that the lesson helped you, and wishing you continued good guitar playing. Hopefully you will be able to play like your Dad and make him proud! All the best and happy pickin' !! bob

[@mikefreauf6192]

ditto....no one ever tells us this stuff when we begin.

[@nc824]

I love the no nonsense, clear, and concise content. No pizazz, no filler, no fancy edits and superfluous graphics. Just a nice guy who wants to help people improve. Thanks Bob.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey N C, thank you for taking the lesson here- really happy that it helped. As time goes on and your hands get used to arching and forming the chords, you will be able to ease up on these rules, but many people will just stay with this as it's the "correct" way to play guitar (according to classical training). Wishing you a great guitar week and thanks again!

[@nc824]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons Thanks Bob!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Thank you as well@@nc824 !

[@rikkiwilliams5957]

Fantastic lesson. You make it so much easier to understand how to hold a guitar. Much appreciated. Thankyou Bob.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Rikki, glad this lesson will help. Like I said in the video, after your hands get used to arching, you can ease up on some of these rules. Have a great week and thanks again!! bob

[@dianamartyn7595]

Thanks Bob that is a great set of tips, basic yes and much appreciated and needed from my end.cheers.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Diane, yea, I thought this would help, although I made this video a while back, seems we could all use a refresher. Many thanks and happy pickin'!!!

[@perfectwafflemedia]

Very practical useful information, explained well. Thanks so much.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi again Mariongarbo, I'm hoping this will help you for chord problems now and in the future!.

[@willielee2083]

Awesome Bob, great explanation and useful for beginners 👍👍👍

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Thanks for watching this video Willie and I am hoping it helps!!! All the best and happy pickin' !! bob

[@erikhappe9234]

Thank you so very much Bob. It was very kind of you to respond and solve my problem. Your tips and 8 rules did the trick! I am so stoked… you are awesome, love what you do. I am so excited to make progress. I am 65 and have always wanted to play. My brother in law was in a band when I was young and he rocked but I was intimidated also. You have given me so much hope. Bless you brother, thank you again Erik H.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Erik, I just e mailed you and sent you some fingerpicking courses that I hope you will take. The first one on the list is the one you are working on now, but it has visuals there too and much more help and more videos. I'm really glad you are playing and I am here to help. Blessings to you too and a great Christmas and New Year Season + happy pickin' !! Chat soon!! bob

[@cherpendarvis-studios]

Hi, Bob, Thank you for this great lesson. You've shared many helpful tips here, much appreciated, and book-marked!! :)

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Cher, I'm glad you enjoyed this lesson- I wish I could take credit for all the info but this is right out of classical guitar. After time goes on, your fingers will automatically arch and you can ease up on the rules:)

[@cherpendarvis-studios]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons Thank you, Bob!

[@jcampbel1000]

Thank you Bob for these tips for great guitar player technique !!!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey jcampbel1000 , really happy to hear that the tips helped! I wish I could take credit for all this but it's standard classical positioning and technique. After your hands get trained, you will be able to ease off with some of it (like resting on the left leg and footstool ). Of course if you prefer this way, that of course is great. Happy 2021 on your guitar and thanks for taking the lesson! bob

[@zzeyabanid]

Hi Bob! Thank you for ths lesson it’s very helpful 😍

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Zzey, I'm really happy this helps and thanks for taking this lesson! Wishing you a great guitar week!!! bob

[@MrFernandomedina7]

This video is Amazing. Love your simplicity and humble way to teach.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Fernando, great to hear from you and thank you for taking the lesson and the kind words! I hope something in this video helped and wishing you well on your guitar! bob

[@peterwarden7471]

I try to play guitare for 35 years and know your tips as "classical". You are right with everything (I miss the right hand, how to stabilize the guitar) and it works great but everybody else tells you you do that only if you play classic. I love your video. Thank you.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Peter, thanks for your great comment here and glad you found my channel. "everybody else tells you you do that only if you play classic"... yes, isn't that something... I wonder what those instructors tell students to do when they can't reach a chord or their fingers are touching two strings? Wishing you a great guitar week Peter and keep me posted with your progress!! bob

[@bladerunner9646]

Thank you for your time and efforts. Very useful

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Blade Runner, very happy to hear that the lesson helped. After a while you will find that some of the rules can be eased up on. Wishing you well on your guitar!! bob

[@wakeupseattle1997]

Great tips! Thanks, Bob. Good reminders to establish good habits (or correct those old lazy habits).

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Rebecca, I'm glad the tips helped !!! thanks and have a great day!! bob

[@emmamuzzy9111]

God Bless You, Bob! You have saved me with this technique lesson. I've struggled so hard before this.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Emma, so happy that this helped!!! God bless you too and wishing you a great weekend!!

[@crystalpetch3435]

Thank you for this great teacher so easy the way you show it.Bless you

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Crystal, glad you are taking the lessons!!! Hope you are having some fun too!!! Have a great guitar day and blessings to you too!! bob

[@LaVida5]

Thanks for the great tips🌞

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi LaVida5, I"m so glad the tips helped!!! Wishing you a great guitar day!!! bob

[@dakotahstr]

I now rest my guitar on my left leg. It really makes a difference for me. Thanks Bob. Learning something new from you every video. Take care.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi dakotahstr, will definitely help with being able to spread out your fingers and play easier chords. I wish I could take credit for this but it's a classical method that's quite old and what's taught as standard practice. Happy pickin' and have a great guitar weekend!!

[@crystalpetch3435]

Hello Good Morning.I am just starting out with the guitar.You make it easy to learn.Than you Bless you.Glad I found this video.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Bless you Crysal Petch, Very happy you are playing guitar!!!! bob

[@kumbalife]

this is the best beginner class i ve seen. Well tought. i ve short fingers too and 1 to 2 mm gutters on my fingertips. Your videos gives me hope.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Kumbalife, thank you for taking the lesson here and glad it is helping!! I wish I could take credit for this but it is what they teach in classical guitar school. Wishing you a great 2022 on your guitar!!! bob

[@j.e.l.wilson3970]

Great refresher! Much appreciated Bob! Best ~ janice p.s. The G, C & D chords =)

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Thanks Janice, these are my personal guitar mainstays!! Have a great guitar weekend!!!

[@pekkapihka67]

Thank you. These are good tips. G, C and D chords.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Thank you pekka pihka!! These are my stock chords as well!!

[@monasixtyfive4962]

Great teacher🙏

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

thank you Mona, hope the chords are a little easier!! bob

[@faustorossi5524]

Well done. Thank you

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi fausto Rossi, I"m sorry for the delay as I was visiting my mom in California all week (no internet there) and just got home. I'm glad the lesson helped! Happy pickin' and have a great weekend! bob

[@yagob6808]

It's great to go over this again!!! I don't always use my thumb properly. Rule #7: I often press too hard.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey John, yea, this is always good to keep in mind if something is too difficult- in your case the death clamp. I once had a student that was pressing so hard that he bent a groove in one of his guitar strings. Reason I know is I changed his strings and after the tension was off, it was bent. Never seen that before... Happy pickin' and thanks again John- always great to hear from you! bob

[@shirnoorindianoldsongs4731]

I am 78. Played guitar when I was 12/13 for a couple of years, no lessons, just learned! (bad techniques mostly, lol) I enrolled in a beginners course this 2023 winter and having come across to one of your finger picking videos the other day, I have decided to stick to that method and have enjoyed learning from your 1st lesson and love the clear and simple instructions. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with so many of us. God Bless.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Shirnoor Indian Old Songs, great to hear from you and I'm glad you are back playing guitar! Really happy to hear that the lessons here are helping. Yes, simple is what I'm always hoping for!! God's blessings to you to and wishing you a great 2023 on your guitar!! bob

[@shirazkhalfan1060]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons Thank you Bob, and a very happy 2023 2 U 2! May all good things in life come your way and your family's way in the new year and beyond. :)

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

@@shirazkhalfan1060 many thanks Shiraz Khalfan.. I am wishing you the same!!

[@kevinwalsh9975]

Bob this is so interesting --- wish I knew this earlier --- because my tendency was always to hold my guitar on my right knee --- I always have trouble with my right arm. Thank you so much. I'm just beginning to learn how to "finger pick" at the young age of 81. LOL

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Kevin, I'm so glad this helped!!! I wish I could take credit for the info, but it's standard classical positioning which I'm sure a lot of the Elvis fans are not going to appreciate (ha ha), but it does make playing a lot easier. Wishing you many great years of fingerpicking.. It's great to have you here! bob

[@carmenrojas4469]

Love that you give an example of a bad sound if your fingers are not in the right position 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

I just got back from a 5 day tour with the band and will admit to a few "bad sounds" coming out of my guitar this week.. Got to just laugh it off...

[@bettymoore207]

thank you Bob...you make everything seem so easy

[@bettymoore207]

i'd like to learn chords a...b and

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Thank you Betty, I"m glad you followed this lesson!!! It's going to save you a lot of time in the long run!! bob

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

I"m planning on doing some more in depth chord videos!!

[@anitajohannadrost]

CFG 🤔 great lessons 🥰👍😁🇳🇱thank you!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Wow, didn't expect the F chord here.. good for you Anita!!! Those 3 chords btw are typically used in the key of C - good choice!!

[@paulakoma]

Thanks for the help Bob!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

You are welcome Paula, I'm glad this helps!!!

[@paulakoma]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons yes it does! I'll also be taking a look at the beginner course on your web page, looks good 😊

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

And I'm here to help if you need it!! happy weekend Paula!!

[@paulakoma]

Thanks! Happy weekend

[@Bobsuruncle1959]

Hi Bob. Thanks for this important lesson. This will help me a lot. I'm new, I'm a lefty & I'm missing my right index finger. Its been brutal finding material for 4 fingered guitar players lol. Thank you so much, really love your lessens Sincerely, Bob

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Bob, Sorry for the delay as I was away all week without internet visiting my mom who is not doing well. Yes, this is an important lesson and wish I could take credit for it all but, it's tried and true classical positions and the correct way to play the guitar. You are the second person this last couple weeks that informed me of missing the index finger. This is even more of a reason to do fingerstyle picking as we don't always need full chords on your right hand to play songs. Here's a course that features 1 fingered chords that I know you will be able to do. kzbin.info/aero/PLx1uwVXECJKjMG5duQ6yhbFGOgEXWIvMy There's a study guide as well- if you are having problems downloading it, e mail me at [e-mail] and ask me for the "60 minute study guide" Thanks Bob, wishing you a great weekend. bob

[@kumbalife]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons as i followed this conversation i like to mention that originaly i am so left with everything, but i started the guiter player with my right. i would like to give it my best. Do you ve tips to find out if left is better for me ? ?

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi@@kumbalife, I am left handed and play right handed. Turn your guitar around to left and simply see if it "feels more natural to you". Strum the guitar a little with your left hand and try reversing the positions I showed in this video (guitar on right leg etc.) Now try pressing some notes on your right hand (the strings will be backwards, but see if your right hand feels more comfortable doing that job). If it feels dramatically better, then you probably should be playing left handed. But if it doesn't feel any different, then I would definitely choose to play right. Reason being, most everything including lessons online are taught right handed, and your choice of guitars is limited with left handed guitars. So try this and let me know okay. Wishing you the best!! bob

[@gloriags7937]

Thanks Bob!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Gloria, !!! thank you too!!!

[@ronwise5015]

Bob - I was sitting practicing and asked myself what am I doing wrong. Saw the title of your video... can't thank you enough!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Ron, very very happy this will help!!! I wish I could take credit for the positions but this is all very old classical training and the "proper" way to play. Of course as time goes on we can ease up on some of the rules, as long as our fingers are arched.. Happy weekend!!

[@sheilalucas9154]

Hi Bob, a great beginners lesson. Do you do full courses to cover beginner & beyond. Cheers, Paul Lucas.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Paul, yes yes yes... if you could e mail me at [e-mail] I'll send them to you and add you to my vip guitar group as well. Thanks Paul- bob

[@Deedianamarie3880]

Thanks again 🙂🙃😉😊😇🥰

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

You are welcome, very happy that you are doing so well!! 😀🎸

[@akinfolayangafar1231]

I don't have any knowledge of music but i have a guitar and this is helping a lot but I need to know more about the notes and some other necessary music related stuffs... can you introduce a course for that. Thanks.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi AKINFOLAYAN GAFAR, thank you for taking the lesson here and I believe I have just what you need. If you can email me at [e-mail] , I will send you all my beginner fingerpicking courses (free).. Fingerpicking is very good to start out with because we will not only learn "how" to play guitar and the songs, but also learn about the notes and how to read guitar tab.. then use it. This is what you really need to know in order to play other songs if you can't pick it up by ear. We slowly start to introduce more info as the lessons get more challenging. I'll look for your e mail and am happy to help you. Have a great day and thank you again! bob

[@billallen1594]

Cheers for this Bob. In answer to your question about chords, I’d say GCand D. Maybe the G and C where the pinkie is on the high e, and the third finger anchored for the D? Have a safe trip

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Bill, yes, that is a great way of changing between those 3 chords and you also can strum those full chords! Thank you and I will tell the pilot to drive safe- ha ha!!

[@MarkandSandieInMotion]

Man, I've been holding the guitar towards me and no foot stool, thanks so much. It's the Bar Chords that give me nightmares. I'm sure you can help out with the correct techniques. Can't see to avoid hitting the next string down even though I concentrate on arching.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Mark, great to hear from you and thank you for taking the lesson here. The Barre Chords are difficult and I clearly remember (this was a long time ago) my guitar friend being able to play one before me. A few keys to this type of chord are: 1. All the above in the video but most importantly, the correct thumb position is a must. 2. If you are looking at your index finger spanning over many or all the strings, you don't want to lay that finger flat on the fretboard as you will never get good leverage to make a clear sounding chord. You have to instead fret the strings on the left side of your index finger (as you are looking at your hand on the guitar). This is also a must for the Barre Chords but at first it may feel awkward or overexaggerated. There's a sneaky little spot and position that is correct but if you deviate too much either way, you won't get a clean sound. This spot is the place that requires the least amount of leverage. If you can get that position with the index finger, the next step would be to add another finger to the chord. Easiest Barre chord position would be the Em with the ring finger on string 5 and the pinky on string 4 (along with the Barring across with the index finger). I can help you more but the easiest way to get this solved is to see what you are doing which is possible on my website. No matter what, I'm wishing you all the best and keep me posted! bob

[@skintslots]

I have been doing the hybrid guitar position and foot rest thing since I started playing a couple of years ago.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi BoracicLint, wow, this is great and very smart of you. Doing it this way has to have helped get you going a lot faster. Wishing you a happy guitar week and thanks for letting me know..!! bob

[@skintslots]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons I was not trying to be smart here it just sort of came naturally.But I was worried about it being incorrect as so many other players use their right knee instead.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

@@skintslots I started on my right knee and I can't even begin to tell you all the problems I've had because of it (which includes a bad left hand injury). So at least my mistake is not going to get repeated!

[@kikicakir4942]

I came her from your other video on finger picking. No trouble with that but I can’t seem to get my left hand right. My fingers are red and sore from practicing. The pressure exercise really helpen me to figure out the right amount of pressure and where to place my finger. But no matter what I do the soft side of my finger touches the string below and mutes the sound. I cut my nails as short as possible and followed all your tips here. Is it just practice from now on or do you have other tips?

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Kiki, thanks for taking this lesson here and glad it helped (a little). Sounds to me like you might need me to take a look at what you are doing, as there can be multiple issues causing the muting. Technically, your fingers need to come in around the fretboard (and press with your fingertips) at a 90 degree angle. If possible, could you make a video of you playing with your phone? This is the most helpful- and I will be able to spot the problem almost immediately. We can do this all by e mail... mine is [e-mail] . Just write me there and let me know. If not, I will keep trying to help but will need more info- fastest way to solve would be a quick vid of you playing.. Thanks Kiki, will look out for your response! bob

[@vinnyoorsprong62]

the chords I like are 6, 2 or 3 and the 4 chord. it's like sud American music , so happy music 😃🥳 it's cheers you up in different times or give you the uppertunity to give dayly music a happy twist😃

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Vinny, as always, a pleasure to hear from one of my more "advanced" students! Wishing you happiness with those chord changes, and hope that the guitar positioning helps a little!!

[@waynemckenzie6757]

Where do I go to get started? I have completed the first 12 videos and I am ready to to some more. Thanks

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Wayne, congrats on making it though the 12 lessons!!! Glad you are ready for more! Please e mail me at [e-mail] and I can send you the next steps! Have a great day! bob

[@bobpratt4816]

hi, Bob - three chords for me would be Cmaj - Em - Dmaj. I can pretty much switch between them without looking now.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Bob, these are not easy chords!! (way to go!!). When you don't have to look, that's fantastic! Wishing you continued good guitar and thanks for taking this lesson here! bob

[@shirazkhalfan1060]

Hey Bob. I have begun using a foot stool, (best tip, can see so much improvements in my sounds and ease since I started using the stool ) which is almost 8 1/2 inches high. Is that too high? Also, I have long hands and fingers, and am able to get my finger tips on a/any string to make the correct and crisp sound and my thumb sometimes even comes up from the side that I could almost press the thickest (6th string) Would that not be handy?)

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi my friend Shiraz, the stool size is whatever is comfortable for you.. The ones that you can by at the store are adjustable, but I'll just use a microphone case (which is what I have in the video). The thumb wrapped around the neck to play the 6th string is very common. Great way to get another bass note on a D chord (thumb 2 frets up- 6th string). Sounds like you are in good shape with the position on your guitar to reach everything. I'm in a recording session and see some e mails from you but will answer you later... Thanks as always!!

[@victorblast]

Hi Bob, When I play a barre f chord I really have to press hard to let alle the strings sound well. How can I improve? Greetings Hans

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Hans, thanks for taking the lesson here and I have doing a lesson on Barre Chords on my list of to do's.. But in the meantime, taking into account that you are using the positional techniques in this video- the index finger for the Barre Chord shouldn't lay flat on the string (that is, the underside of your finger. Instead, the finger (if you are looking at your open hand,) should be applying pressure to the strings on the left side of the finger where the bone is. You will also notice that your index finger will be not be exactly straight due to having to play other notes with your other fingers. But this is what you want. And really, the strings that need to have the pressure are the 6th string (for the F bass note and the top 2 strings (strings 1 and 2). There's a sweet spot that you kind of got to find on your own but the key is not laying that index finger down flat across the strings. There is some more pressure that needs to be applied to Barre Chords but you want to find where that point is, and not go over it. Let me know if this helps, bob

[@healerondemand3464]

You have a lot of patience. What are the 3 most important chords for playing the blues or campfire music?

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi HealerOnDemand, Most commonly the A D and E chord progression for the blues. Coming in 2nd for blues would be the E A and B. For campfire music know your G C and D. All these progressions are also called 1-4-5 with the first chord of each as the 1, the second chord the 4 and the third the 5. Won't get into the details why (unless you really must know 😎). Wishing you all the best and hope this lesson helped with playing chords.. bob

[@ParisLondonRoma]

I struggled to feel comfortable with a Les Paul. Then I saw a photo of Les Paul from the 60s where he had the guitar on his left leg. I made the switch and everything made sense

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey ParisLondonRoma , you know, I've done a lot of work with Les and never noticed. I guess I was too busy asking him recording questions. Back in 2000 we did a tribute album to les and mary ford called "Sentimental Reasons" Harris and Clark" .. Check it out if you liked their music. I am not surprised that Les would play properly, as back then they were more strict about those sort of things. I'm glad this helped and thanks for letting me know!! Happy pickin' !! bob

[@ParisLondonRoma]

​@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons Yes as I came to understand it, Les Paul was trained as classical player, and the LP guitar was designed in accord with that training. I have a long torso and the LP always felt "tiny" on my right leg. I told one long term LP player about Paul using the left leg, and next time I heard from him he was like "Holy cow!" lol

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

@@ParisLondonRoma Very happy that this helped. I personally got used to the right leg since 5 years old but found a way to arch my fingers. But if I had it to do all over again I would choose this way, as the right leg does make it difficult to stretch for chords and soloing. Happy "left leg" pickin' and thanks again!! bob

[@kibesamuel697]

Thanks, Bob am here.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

this is a good lesson if you are having trouble with chords .. Thank you for taking all the lessons!!

[@kibesamuel697]

Thank you, thank you

[@jeffsmith2145]

About the "only 3 chords", I would say C, D & G.

[@raysilvern]

I don't know much about music yet, so I'd probably learn the chords I like from you.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

that's a brilliant answer!! Glad you are here Lumen Silvern! Wishing you all the best and thanks again!! bob

[@raysilvern]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons thank you, Bob, for sharing your invaluable knowledge with us.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

@@raysilvern very happy to help!!!!

[@jewel1732]

Hello Bob Im not sure with chords but I here people say G, D, E are common chords to learn, cheers Jewel

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Jewel, great chords ... must know these!!

[@larrygoodson7182]

Em Am D They will cover many songs. Adding C and G make the possibilities endless

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Larry, yes indeed, so many many songs with those chords. I'm glad you are adding the C and G!!!!! Have a great guitar week! bob

[@carmenrojas4469]

Glad I found your other videos Now I’ll pull out my chair 🪑🎸🥰👏🙏🏼

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

So many people have problems with their left hand (the chording hand) and I'm so glad you took this lesson (and got the chair!!) ha ha...

[@carmenrojas4469]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons thank s Bob your the best and I’m determined When I was younger that was my hardest thing finding a teacher that was patient enough so I would get scared but you don’t scare me you seem patient and kind and you explain things very well hope you had great shows 🎸🎸🎸

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

@@carmenrojas4469 ha ha.. well I don't know about me being the best but the determination you have is the best part. There are a couple videos in the past where I looked scary however 😆. !! Thank you , the shows went great! Happy pickin' 😀🥍and I'm thrilled it's going well on your guitar!!!

[@terrymurray9818]

Hey Bob this is not your fault I was trying to look over your site but it like getting through a mine field with all the adds 1 after another it's a disgrace anyway keep up your great work thank you

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Terry, yea the commercials... The upside to it though is KZbin is very kind to split the ad revenue with creators like myself, but I do know a lot of people that get the KZbin Premium (no ads). Guess it all depends on choosing which commodity (time or money) is more valuable. Glad at least the lessons are helping! I will be away for the week to visit my mom who is very sick right now but back in 2 weeks for more lessons. I would love to do a video at her place but won't have a guitar or internet (I will go crazy without my guitar!!). Thanks again Terry and have a great week! bob

[@lorettaboykin5754]

GED

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Thanks Loretta, all really important chords!! bob

[@user-yx7dp2pl8t]

yo the chair is thee most important necessity and premise to get that started *creasing*

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

The Chair!! I just wrote you on the other video. E mail me at [e-mail]!!

[@kyleem8187]

Hi Bob! Re-visiting all important information here. Wishing the best to you in Caili with your birth mom. :)

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Kylee!! Nice to see you here- thank you!! . I would do a video at my mom's place but she doesn't have internet and I won't have a guitar (bad combo!). Hope all is well with you and will have to catch up when I get back!

[@angelacreaturo8725]

Rule number 4 is so difficult for me to correct . My boyfriend says I have a long monkey thumb, but I like to think I have long piano fingers…. I need to work on this rule though! Thanks for helping me correct my poor technique

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Angela, great to hear from you and thank you for taking the lesson here! I personally didn't learn proper positioning and it has definitely hurt my guitar playing over the years. That thumb really comes into play when you have to stretch and span three frets or more for chords and or individual notes. So it's actually great to have long piano fingers! Wishing you a happy weekend and thanks again!! bob

[@angelacreaturo8725]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons it sure is hard and frustrating trying to break bad habits. At least I’m not alone I guess

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi@@angelacreaturo8725 , yes it sure is. The main reason for all this is the results. Chords that would especially suffer with the thumb being in the wrong place would be F, C and Barre Chords to name a few. Many times just tilting the neck will automatically put your hand and thumb in the right position. Let me know how it goes? Thanks Angela!! bob

[@texashoppy]

Key of A (A, D, E7)

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Thanks Larry, Great choices and covers a whole world of songs!

[@francisgregory8116]

Cords I need to feel confortable with are D, D7, G

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Francis, great choices... I have a free course called 3 chords 1 fingerpicking pattern but the chords are G, C and D. I can send this to you if you'd like - my e mail is [e-mail]. Thank, and have a great evening. bob

[@butchhardy2762]

My 3 chord choice d c add 9 g !

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Butch, those cover so much ground on the guitar! Thanks for letting me know and wishing you a great week! bob

[@reborika]

Ugh.....I did all your instructions....for sure made it better but I'm still having an issue with my fat little finger catching the next cord. Totally makes sense that the neck should be upright

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Reborika, one of the keys to making this all work is to keep your thumb in the right position on the neck. The goal is to arch your fingers and when pressing, your fingers should be close to a 90 degree angle when pressing on the strings. What I also tell students is to pluck each string to see what notes are not clear. Then, isolate that note and look at what is causing the problem.. in other words, figure out why it's happening. Your fingers can't be as fat as mine so it's got to be an arching issue. Think fingertips only pressing.... Also, try removing notes from a chord (start with one finger and if that's not buzzing and all the surrounding notes are clean, then try adding another finger to that chord... The chord hand is ALWAYS the hard part when you are starting out so you are no where near alone with this. Also too, this happens to people with long skinny fingers, Fat fingers, small hands, big hands.. Also and I almost don't want to bring this up, but many times your guitar (especially cheap beginner guitars) are notorious for being difficult to play. What kind of guitar do you have? Let's start ruling out what can be causing the problem... Lastly, you can always send me a video of what's happening right from a cell phone. Students here do this all the time and I will know immediately what's wrong if you can zoom in on your hand with the issue. No worries- we will get this! bob

[@reborika]

@@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons thanks Bob! Its the second string thst is bonking badly. I've tried to get it off that string by using my finger tip by the nail.....I just have to keep at it :) I can try and take a vid....how do I send that? Thanks so much! Your amazing!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi @@reborika , so I'm not certain what you mean by bonking but that's the good thing about me seeing you hand to know what's going on. Please email me at [e-mail] and I will send you a folder to upload your video to. Now as far as making the video, if there's a way to place the camera maybe a foot or two away from the sound hole in front of you and your guitar- and then aim the camera to focus on your left hand (the one that is having the problem). So as your looking at the camera, it's right in front of you a couple feet away but pointed towards your left hand. This way I can see what's happening to your fingers clearly.. There's also no need to make a Hollywood video, as I don't care about quality or the sound being perfect. It's just to demonstrate what's going on. I should know immediately what's wrong and be able to better help! Have a great evening!!

[@glorybound7599]

C,D,G work for me.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Those are the most used chords for sure!

[@mikefreauf6192]

G C D :)

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Mike, glad to see you here! Those are my big foundation chords- endless music with those.. Thanks again and I'm glad you are here!! bob

[@KellySmith-gt5pi]

E minor, a major and open e major

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Kelly, thanks for taking the lesson here and great chords you picked- favorites of mine too! Have a great guitar weekend and thanks again!! bob

[@qsbarrtube]

E A D

[@user-xc1gf5ik2u]

Only 3 Chords, which would you pick? 1-4-5 in Key of A. Other words: A-D-E. Barring allows 3 or 4 ways to play every Chord and the whole neck... Simple guitar fun!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey David, thanks for commenting here and yes- Barre chords definitely a real help musically. You are among the few that can do such a thing, as most that visit here are still trying to play a standard G or C chord. For anyone reading this and wanting to play Barre chords, the thumb as shown in the video has to be in the correct place on the neck for certain. Wishing you good guitar 2024! bob

[@kevinwalsh9975]

Bob my favourite three chords are: G -- C --- D

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Kevin, great choices- those chords cover so much ground, more than any others on the guitar.

[@johnd3376]

I would learn Am, Em and G

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey John, thanks for commenting here. I might have played those chords before! They're good ones!! Hope you have a great weekend- bob

[@gwjr111]

GCD

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Can't argue with those!!

[@cobbyblue45]

I tried your suggestions and sorry, they did not work. Putting the Guitar on the knees as you suggest firstly, it would not go between my legs and secondly, it kept slipping away from me. As for the position of the thumb this was really hard to do and play. I am not a novice but these tips made things worse.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey David, thanks for your comment here. I'd like to expound on what you are saying here, as you bring up some good points. So this lesson is a starting place for a beginner on how to hold a guitar. Now I wish I created this system, but it's the classical approach which is best taught to totally new guitar students. But someone that has been playing a while, is going to have difficulty getting used to this- simply because it's near impossible to break an old habit, especially if you logged in a bunch of hours doing it the way that felt comfortable to you. But there had to be a reason for coming here and trying this, and I'm guessing you are having trouble getting clean sounding chords? This is very common if your neck is not titled upwards, or you are not playing on the tips of your fingers. The position of the thumb will also determine (in most cases for beginners) if they are able to play a clean sounding C chord for example. But you know, everyone is different- and what may work for you wouldn't work for someone else. There's been a few students of mine that didn't do well with this particular positioning- one being a guy that was overweight and had a large stomach. The guitar tilted in the opposite direction when trying this, causing his hands to lay flat on the fretboard. Obviously I had to come up with another solution which was to use a guitar strap (very tight) so it would rest above his stomach. Lastly just so you know, I don't use this positioning personally, as I started as a 5 year old kid playing guitar self taught, no interweb and just a bunch of scratchy old 45's that my mother gave me to play along with. In the end, it all doesn't matter as long as you can play. Let me know specifically what the problem(s) are that made you watch this video... I'd be happy to help. bob

[@cobbyblue45]

Hi. Thank you for your comprehensive reply. My main problem is using my pinky finger especially when stretching a chord. It tends to lay flat and hard to stretch. I have tried exercises without success.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

@@cobbyblue45 if you can in some way get your neck tilted up... Use a guitar strap? Not having the neck tilted is not good for the pinky... and speaking of that finger, it's the most uncoordinated finger for everyone. Also see what you can do about that thumb getting down more and not sticking out over to the fretboard. That thumb being in the right place with the help of the angled upwards neck tilt of the guitar will get that pinky to come around the fretboard at a good angle to not lay flat on the note and also provide more of a stretch. I'd try some experimenting with it all to find a happy medium between comfort and playability. The exercise to do is to just play guitar. In the end it has more to do with the right technique than anything else. Man, I hope something here helps...!! bob

[@cobbyblue45]

Thanks again for your help and time.

[@dartagnantaft5918]

G,C,D.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Yes, without those chords, guitar would be a sad experience for me!!!

[@yagob6808]

G-C-D; close 2nd: A-D-E

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey John, that covers a ton!!!! Thanks for letting me know- happy pickin' !! bob

[@user-tm7vp7er5y]

The E,c,and d chords

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Byron, it's amazing how many songs have those chords in them! Hope the lesson here helps!! bob

[@user-tm7vp7er5y]

Thank you for the reply. I am 84yrs old and i am trying to learn to play the guitar so it is taking me some time to get my fingers to do what i need them to do. Thanks,Byron

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

​@@user-tm7vp7er5y Hi Byron, glad you are here and I hope this lesson helps! It's funny but trying to get my fingers to do what I need them to do is what I'm going through as well. Wishing you all the best on your guitar, and if you need any help, please let me know! bob

[@johndieter3989]

G,B,D

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Thank you John, these are good ones!!!

[@johndieter3989]

Your very welcome bob your a very great instructor 👍

[@janicebonhomme194]

G,C,D

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Janice, I was away without internet all week and just got back home, so very sorry for the delay. Those are my go to chords as well! Thanks for letting me know!! bob

[@lohndavis3794]

That’s a question I do not want to answer cause I don’t want to play just 3 chosen cords for the rest of my life I want to play a wide range of cords as many as I can !!!

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Lohn, that's actually a great answer. Hope this video helps to reach all the chords (it should!) Wishing you a good guitar week!! bob

[@davidstokes1574]

I wanna learn F sharp

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey David, the easiest version is taking your index finger and pressing across two strings at once, (2 frets up on the 1st string and 2nd string), middle finger 3 frets up 3rd string, ring finger 4 frets up 4th string. The other strings you do not play. In order to make this chord clear sounding, it's imperative that you have your thumb in the proper position along with all the other rules. This chord is not so easy because of the index finger having to Barre across two strings. Let me know if this helps! bob

[@rubentoro3305]

C chord the hardest for me

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Ruben, thanks for taking the lesson here. Yes, the C chord is a killer! I do have a detailed in depth series on that chord which is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLx1uwVXECJKgRU8mBM9dz5b5PMfixU-Um Hopefully between this lesson and the C Chord series you'll be having less issues! Wishing you a great guitar weekend!! bob

[@arlosdad]

C, F AND G.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Yes, - and millions of songs with those three.

[@hendrickkone679]

ADE

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Another good combo!! Happy 2021- wishing you a great year on the guitar! bob

[@angelacreaturo8725]

A minor c major e minor….. that’s a hard one

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Angela, the C is the hard one and definitely need the monkey thumb in the correct position to play that chord (ha ha). Thanks again and happy weekend!! bob😀🎸

[@TheSuesamuels]

G C D

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Sue, for some reason I'm seeing that I didn't respond to your comment (But I thought I did). Those are my go to chords and so many songs with those- almost endless.. Hope you are having fun on the guitar!! Happy weekend!! bob

[@annatucker4169]

Great information, but I need to know how to hold a guitar being a lady dressed in a skirt? Also I can't use my pinkie finger because of an injury, and I believe I do my G chord different than you. My favorite chords are G, D, C.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hi Anna, the key is to tilt your guitar neck upwards, arch your fingers so they are not touching other strings and play on the fingertips. I see a lot of ladies with a dress standing up and playing (maybe because I'm watching music videos) so a guitar strap will help tilt up the guitar neck etc., and show off that pretty skirt of yours quite nicely (looking good and sounding good all at the same time). I injured my hand too and didn't have use of my pinky for about a year. I did work at getting it back and now it's about 50%. But if you just can't do it, you will have no choice but to do work arounds (which is what I did). In the G C and D chords however, you don't need your pinky, as the G chord in fingerpicking most oftentimes is just pressing on the 6th string 3 frets up. Happy guitar weekend Anna!! bob

[@young1939]

Most favored chords = GCD.

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Those cover most any song!!!! Thanks Conny!! bob

[@Abzilla11]

Only need one. A minor

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Oliver, well that's a good one! Hope the lesson helped and wishing you a great weekend! bob

[@randallhawks4719]

G C and D

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Hey Randall, my go to chords as well. Happy pickin' 2023!! bob

[@randallhawks4719]

I'm still struggling just can't wrap my head around this stuff maby my age has to do with it I one on one so they can slap me when I faze out lol

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

@@randallhawks4719 Hey Randall, I hate hearing this and it might be just one little thing that is holding you back. One of the big problems most if not all beginners face is the speed and pacing of how much information they can absorb. Speaking from experience, it takes me many many repetitions to play something that I previously couldn't. Sometimes maybe 50.. other times maybe years 1000's of times (no kidding). Guitar certainly is not like taking a drivers test (thank God, could you imagine how dangerous the highways would be!). In this particular lesson, it could take a while just to even feel comfortable with the first couple rules. Perhaps some personal help with someone in front of you (that won't slap you down- ha ha)) could be a good idea. With these videos, they are condensed and... honestly makes you think you have to learn it all at that speed. Once you start going by getting the fundamentals down, it does start to get easier and easier. But the guitar is once again not a "take the test and drive" activity as there will always be some sort of challenge. You simply get better and faster at overcoming the hurdles. The best part of guitar is the thrill of not being able to play something one week and then can play it the next. For me I just keep trying over and over again each day (with lots of breaks in between). So now the part that I try to help you... Where specifically are you getting stuck? I recommend to grab your guitar and start from the beginning of this video and stop it when you get to the part that you can't wrap your head around... Then write to me and tell me where that is and describe what's happening (in detail if possible). Since I am self taught with absolutely no lessons ever, I did a lot of things wrong and tend to blame myself if a student is having trouble with a lesson. So I hope to hear back from you. I hope something here helps! bob

[@hendrickkone679]

GCD

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

Good chords!!

[@airstreamvagabond]

CGD? That came to mind before I read some of the comments. I’ve been on and off practicing for many years and finally really getting serious the past 6 months. I’m clocking 2-3 hours a day on my own time watching your videos during some of that time. Thank you! You are a great teacher!

[@braddavis9154]

G C D

[@AcousticGuitarVideosLessons]

My choices as well Brad! Thanks for watching and have a great week on your guitar! bob