Playing guitar the right way

by: DomVarga
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Without the proper posture, playing guitar for long periods of time can cause back strain. Here are a couple of tips about holding your guitar in the correct fashion. Pick up the guitar so that the back of the guitar rests against your stomach. If you play right handed the neck of the guitar should be aiming towards the left. Gently rest the body of the guitar against your upper right thigh. You should hold the guitar neck with your left hand and drape your right arm over the body of the guitar so that your hands can easily reach the strings. Your position should feel both comfortable and natural while you are playing guitar.

For right handed players, you will use your left hand to form the notes and chords. Bend the fingers on your left hand so they are pressing the strings down on the fret board.

The guitar neck's back is curved, so that your hand will naturally conform with the shape of its neck. Your thumb should arch over the top of the neck when you hold it properly. From there, your thumb is in position for constructing chords.When you are constructing chords it is ok to press your thumb into the back of the guitar neck, albeit this is more in common with playing guitar scales. You should try both thumb positions and then you will be able to use the one that is most comfortable for you.

Strum the strings with your right hand to make sounds. Position your right arm over the body of the guitar. Your right bicep should rest on the top of the guitar. Position your right hand in front of the guitar's sound hole. When playing guitar, the sound comes out of the sound hole.

Picks are commonly used when playing guitar. Hold the pick between the thumb and forefinger of your right hand. Then, pull the pick across the guitar strings. This is similar to plucking the strings with your fingers, but you will want to use a bit more pressure.

If you're left handed, you'll be happy to know that guitars are available for left-handed players. If you can't find a suitable one for playing guitar left-handed, simply buy a regular guitar and have re-stringing done to reverse the order of the strings.

Not only does proper positioning while playing guitar allow you to play for extended periods of time, but it also helps you produce the correct sounds. So take time to learn how to hold the guitar and position your body correctly.

About the Author

The author Dom Artosal is a keen musician who has been playing guitar for a long time. Make sure you click on the following link to find how you too can start playing guitar on his web site: acoustic guitars shops, a one stop shop for all acoustic guitar players.  

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