If you ask Olli, he'd tell you the first order of business is to start playing as fast as possible. While that's fun, I think it's more important to get comfortable first. Everything just gets easier once the guitar feels right in your hands.
Sitting, the comfortable way:
- 1Sit tall with both feet flat on the floor.
- 2Rest the guitar body on your strumming-side thigh.
- 3Angle the neck slightly upward and let your arm keep it steady.
🔑 KEY IDEA
Free up your fretting hand
🔥 PRO TIP
Get yourself a nice guitar strap
Relax your shoulders. Beginners naturally tense up, and that tension quickly travels into the hands. It can be tempting to hunch over the guitar to watch every chord, but try not to let that become a habit. Sit tall and let the guitar rest comfortably against your body. Your back will thank you.
Comfort isn't a luxury, it's the whole game. A few small adjustments to your posture can make practicing feel easier, and easier practice means you're more likely to keep coming back.
Your turn ⭐
Posture check
Question 1 of 3
Your fretting hand is helping hold the guitar up. What should you do?
The cheat sheet
- Sit tall and let the guitar balance on its own. Avoid hunching over.
- Rest the guitar's body on your strumming-side thigh, neck angled slightly up.
- Balance the guitar so your fretting hand is free to move.
- Relax your shoulders and keep your wrist fairly straight.
Common questions
Which leg should the guitar rest on?
For casual playing, your strumming-side leg (right leg for right-handers). Classical players use the opposite leg with a footstool for a steeper angle, but the standard rest is perfect for beginners.
My back hurts after playing — what am I doing wrong?
Almost always slouching down toward the guitar. Sit tall and bring the guitar up to you instead. Keep early sessions short and take breaks.
Should my fretting wrist be bent?
Keep it fairly straight. A slight forward bend is fine, but a sharp crank strains the wrist and makes chords harder. If it hurts, drop your thumb behind the neck and relax.