Lesson: Sitting Position for Classical Guitar (How to Hold a Guitar)

See the updated video lesson here: • Classical Guitar Posit...
A lesson in how to hold a classical guitar. Learn the correct posture and sitting position for classical guitar. Pictures and diagrams show you how to sit.
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How to hold a classical guitar - Here are my video lessons and reference photos on how to sit and position a classical guitar. Remember, this is a reference for guitar and not necessarily how you will hold the guitar. Everyone's body is different so you'll have to experiment to see what works for you (within the guidelines). However, as a basic reference these photos should guide you in the right direction.
Some Basic Tips: Sitting Position
Guitar at 45º angle (head of guitar at eye level)
Feet flat on the ground and footstool
Face of guitar straight up and down (not angled back)
Relax shoulders and neck
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[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

See my updated video lesson for this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moqmapStrLmSj7M

[@brianchambers5423]

I have been playing electric guitar, jazz, blues, Brazilian, Latin, etc., etc., for the best part of 75 years, but had never studied classical guitar. About a year ago I was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, and for a number of months was restricted to a wheelchair. All my guitars were either too big or too heavy for me, so I bought a Córdoba Mini II to keep in practice. One thing led to another and I started the Sagreras books (still on #1!). A close friend who is a very gifted classical guitarist decided I could use a full size guitar, so gave me an old Aria flamenco he had laying around. It needed some repair work which I was able to do myself, and now plays very nicely (I just put a set of Hannanbach super lights on it-very nice balance, although the third string is a little dull). I have been studying mainly with Sagreras and KZbin, and have found your site to be extremely helpful and interesting. Thank you so much for all the work you have put into it … I recently bought a Sagework Umbra guitar support and have been very pleased with it, having tried a couple of others which just didn't make it. Today I started on Stephen Berg's book of the Giuliani RH exercises, and realized that my LH position was out of whack, so naturally turned to your site for help. It's humbling, coming from my advanced skills on jazz guitar and basically having to start from scratch as far as technique is concerned 😧, and I consider myself very fortunate to have your site to turn to … Oh, and by the way, I’m making really good progress, the cancer is stable and I'm walking again, my oncologist is very happy! 😎

[@jbaby007]

This was a game changer! I've been practicing for almost a month now learning guitar. Week 3 I realized why my guitar body is so small and it's because it's classical. No more straining my back and arm trying to play this thing 😆

[@astronomy7911]

I use the classical position playing electric guitar, it really helps my playing. Thank you for mentioning angling the guitar so you won't mute the strings beneath your fretting finger. God bless you brother

[@carolineboisvert3285]

You helped me, even if I have been playing for many years, this question about positioning my guitar came to me recently as I was trying to play better and hold it better and observing what was troubling me. So important. I learned the old classical way as a beginner, than switched to the folk guitar and lost my way...

[@MrBuddhassmile]

awesome and helpful. thanks for sharing

[@chaosawaits]

This guy is soooo good!

[@MattWilliamsuberkraaft]

Thank you - a great help!

[@kenmosholder1935]

I use the classical position even though I play electric guitar. Works great for me. Thanks for the tips.

[@evarela12]

thank you very much!!!!

[@marcelodossantos26]

You solved my backpain problem. Thank you so much!

[@richardsavage3816]

Thanks - I applied these suggestions today and my sitting position is more relaxed and my tone is better.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad to hear! You can find more lessons in a list here: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/lessons/

[@pottythepirate]

Thanks for this, it's very helpful. I've been playing classical guitar for some months, and still use the traditional folk guitar position. Then I realised some phrases (especially barre chords high up the neck) are soooo much easier in the classical position. But it always hurt by back or side. Now I understand that sitting comfortably first, and introducing the guitar is the way to discover what works........simple, but it makes a big difference.

[@ww3032]

Same here. I also realise barre chords are much easier with the classical guitar position, especially if you're using an actual classical guitar with its wider fretboards than acoustic guitars.

[@Olesia_Kurilo]

Very helpful lesson, very great lesson!! Thanks a lot!!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad you liked it!

[@IllShivyou]

Nice vid helped me so much. Ty

[@rondapohner584]

This is awesome and a great resource to share with my middle school students. Thank you.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Did you see the new video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/moqmapStrLmSj7M

[@tirnajo6551]

I'm 5'1 and slight build. I have a really old classical guitar and I just could not manage it, as it kept sliding to an angle. The depth felt too big. Today I bought a 3/4 size and the difference is amazing. The 3/4 size equals a regular size on a larger person. It certainly doesn't feel small, and the head is at eye level at 45 degrees. Looking forward to finally enjoying learning to play.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad to hear it's more comfortable.

[@pamyjsa6335]

excellent advice!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad you think so!

[@chendooranjeromias4580]

Excellent 👍🏼

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Thanks for watching!

[@lovey9605]

Thank you! I did exactly as you said and my wrist on my right hand is finally relaxed (i'm left-handed and my guitar is too) BUT my shoulder hurts. What should I do?

[@Micolash_is_behind_you]

fantastic

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Thanks!

[@meysamhosseini799]

Thank you

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You're welcome!

[@robertcameronjones]

Really nice video. Sometimes the best way isn't the natural way. The hardest habit to break is holding the fretboard straight up and down.

[@diego2246]

Great video! What do you think of radiused fretboards on a classical guitar? Something like 20”?

[@2134yanto]

Thank you so much for your lessons. I’m just starting out with classical playing after 25 years playing steel string acoustic. My question relates to your right leg position, which appears to be splayed outwards, whereas the left seems to be straight? I have an issue with my right hip which means turning the right leg outwards is not comfortable. Would I be better off using a guitar support, and thereby keeping both legs straight and feet on the ground? Many thanks. Ian

[@MK-sc8md]

So much my teacher never taught me . . . 40 years ago! Could it be I forgot? So, so helpful and yet basic. Thank you.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nguvishewotsa1270]

Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@nguvishewotsa1270]

Your lessons are going to help me a lot. May God Bless you in all that you do.

[@Jamescornelison]

This was so helpful, thankyou! (Could you post the link to those slippers too)

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Haha, the slippers are the secret.

[@dirtyharris8667]

Could you tell us the actual size of the chair you are sitting in this video please ? It will really help

[@adon9990]

Im not used to this position even tho iam a 6 years classical guitarist ilike it on my right leg and when it gets hard i bend my guitar with my elbowto make it more easy

[@leahazure7529]

if i don't have a footstool can I use a textbook?

[@omarmd702]

Hello can you translate to arbaic by caption please?

[@LaughMuBai]

Really appreciate the lesson thank you and this seems so logical for a classical guitar with a wider nut and the style. I can understand why this position would not be used for an acoustic steel string guitar and perhaps Flamenco because of strumming and standing. However, I noticed Brazilian (Bossa Nova) guitarist that are predominantly seated, favour the guitar body arch on the right leg (right handed) and neck horizontal like a steel string acoustic if seated, though some do also angle the neck, but not 45 degree. IMHO Bossa Nova chords are as complex requiring incredible dexterity if not more so than classical and I'm surprised they don't adopt a 'classical' position because the wrist gets incredibly twisted in the horizontal. I'd be interested in your opinion on this if you don't mind?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, there are lots of ways to sit and hold the guitar. Because high level classical guitarists require ergonomic health and optimal positions for technique we sit a certain way. For other styles these considerations might not be as important.

[@LaughMuBai]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Thanks for responding and that actually makes good sense regards eliminating variables for accuracy of which I'm sure Elvis didn't have to worry about too much. ;-)

[@rinieverwijs1197]

Thanks a lot. I immediately corrected my posture and felt the benefit of it. Question: is my left knee supposed to be a bit higher than my left hip? Or are they on a horizontale line?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

That really depends on your chair height and body type. I would say most people are elevated. Keep an eye on all the pro videos I post on the site and see what different people do.

[@catrocca6074]

These videos have saved me from early arthritis I swear

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Good to hear!

[@rabirabi924]

hi , could i ask you what's Nut Width and scale length of your classical guitar ? thank you.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I am playing a standard 650mm guitar with a standard 52mm nut. HOWEVER, this winter I'm receiving a 630mm with 51mm nut so I'm converting over!

[@papa1519]

I cannot thank you enough for putting the course together. It is hard graft but worth it in the end. I looked at other courses but they were mostly chords or song playing, using tables. In my retirement my son wanted me to learn guitar and purchased for me a Taylor gsmini. I am trying to use it for your lessons. All is well but I cannot get the sitting position right. I am 164cm, little on the overweight side (mostily on my tummy). The guitar keeps on sliding away from me on the right leg. What am I doing wrong? Wrong guitar or do I need a different position? Many thanks in advance.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Since you are not playing a classical guitar you might want to consider sitting in the steel-string acoustic guitar position and even taking a course from someone it that. The classical guitar has slightly different dimensions making the sitting position a bit different.

[@papa1519]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar many thanks for your response. Will have to get a classical guitar.

[@francescablack4167]

I feel like I'm sitting well - not bending my neck to look at fingers etc, but I've started getting right neck/shoulder tightness. Is this common? Any troubleshooting advice appreciated (I've watched the right arm technique video). Many thanks.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Have you seen my post on tension and relaxation: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/lesson-avoiding-tension-while-playing/

[@christopherharv]

8:23 SHOE REVEAL, cozy slippers

[@medo6067]

Hello there, Thank you for the video. It seems no matter what I do I can't, for the life of me, find the right position. I did everything you said but my right shoulder stays always higher than my left shoulder. And I looked on everyone's videos of other guitarist and they all seem to have their right shoulder lower than the left. Any suggestions, videos about the right arm, not just the hand, positioning? Are you somehow leaning tiny bit to the left?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Have you seen my updated lesson and Q&A on positioning? It may help answer more of your questions: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/basic-posture-and-sitting-position-guitar/

[@Philrc]

Are you using the pressure of your right arm to hold the guitar in place? I find I have to but that isn't good as it restricts the movement of the arm. Also I cannot find a position where the guitar feels stable. It wants to slide off the right leg or fall forward. I just can't see how guitarists can use this position.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I would not say 'pressure', it's more just gravity and the weight of the arm. That said, if I lift my arm the guitar stays since it is upright enough (around a 45 degree angle). In regards to slipping on the leg, many guitarists use a piece of shelving cloth (foam/rubbery cloth, cheap at any home hardware type store) or something equivalent to stop the guitar from slipping. That really helps, trust me!

[@Philrc]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar I finally bought a Gitano rest . I also use my right thigh not the left. The left has always felt unnatural to me.

[@musicnotes4755]

I just bought a classical guitar and wondering if the neck is just too wide for my hand. I can't see where the strings are as I am trying to find the notes, even when I sit in the proper position. Are you not supposed to be seeing the strings at all? Not sure if I should bring the guitar back. Thanks.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You don't have to specifically see the strings, you can see the top of the metal frets which will let you know what fret you are at. You'll also be able to see your fingernail facing you in the left hand if you are properly on your fingertips. Then you'll learn to trust what string you are on.

[@saidivya2622]

I'm experiencing back pain because of classical guitar position. What am i doing wrong?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, there could just be a posture or back problem unrelated to guitar and the guitar playing is a trigger. That said, follow the tips in the video and maybe consider using a guitar support instead of the the footstool. Gear can be found here: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/classical-guitar-store-reviews/

[@Ratatosk80]

Biggest problem for me with classical guitar posture is that I get back pain because I twist my upper body towards the guitar neck. Feels very unnatural to sit in a position were you are completely straight, facing your whole body forwards. I can only really do it when I play pieces I know extremely well so I don't have to look at the guitar neck. Not sure what the solution is.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You want to learn to just see the position of your left fingers over the frets instead of specific strings so you don't strain your neck or posture. Also, make sure you have a good adjustable music stand so your music is at a good height. Furthermore, a guitar support might be good to ditch the footstool.

[@b_v1]

what make and model is that guitar?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

In this video I'm using a Dominelli guitar (which I recently sold). However, you can see my current gear here: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/classical-guitar-store-reviews/

[@MrUrech]

Yeah get an ergoplay

[@guitarreilly]

This classical position really hurts my back. Any suggestions?

[@pottythepirate]

I found this too, but that's why this lesson advises you to sit comfortably first, and introduce the ghuitar, making small adjustments to ensure you're still sitting upright.

[@MrUrech]

Ergoplay guitar support

[@doordie8676]

Day1

[@vineetasharma3722]

How to sit without footstool or any equipment

[@bobd2028]

Not possible for classical guitar

[@xXIceShowerXx]

Which position would you prefer for acoustic guitar ?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

For steel-string acoustic I sit with the guitar on the right leg as is the popular way.

[@xXIceShowerXx]

That is what I actually not understand. Fingerpicking on a steel-string acoustic guitar is not that different to the technique of a classical guitarist.

[@Joe99]

I have the same question. Why wouldn't you use the same position for steel string playing?

[@vineetasharma3722]

@@Joe99 mainly because in pluctrum guitar the wrist sould touch the bridge But yes fingerstyle is always easier the way he demonstrated You should see amin toofani play gratitude

[@MrTcheMan]

How tall are you?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

5'7 about...

[@MrTcheMan]

​@@Thisisclassicalguitar 5'6 here. I thought I was too short to play. I'm having problems with the neck angle and the need to bend my wrist to reach the frets on the 6 string.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

@@MrTcheMan With small adjustments to posture, guitar position, guitar angle, chair height, footstool/support height, you can work it out no problem! Lots of short pros out there and amazing kids these days too.

[@BonusVillixion]

What if you don't have a foot stool

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, you can buy one or find something to prop your foot up on. It's best if it's adjustable. A pile of books works!

[@aribluer]

Should i use something other than a soccer ball?

[@reikdar]

You are so freaking small I can't manage to copy that position damn

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Just find professional level players with your body type and compare. But really, it's pretty much the same as long as you have the right height chair and foot stool / guitar support.

[@jonathanwatson9285]

nice slippers

[@philipbrown2225]

your guitar has two holes

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Indeed it does!

[@vineetasharma3722]

Whut?