subject: The Proper Way To Hold A Guitar [print this page] If you play left handed, then you will have to do the exact opposite of what I am describing here. Place your right arm loosely over the sound hole. This is the hand you will be using for strumming, usually with a pick. When you are strumming properly, it won't require much wrist movement.
Now take your fretting hand, (left arm) and place it over the neck of the guitar. Curl your hands over the strings and rest your thumb directly behind the neck until it is needed.
Holding the pick
You should hold the pick between your index finger and your thumb. Some people prefer to hold the pick with three fingers or with the middle finger instead of the index finger. I have found that the standard way of holding the pick works best, but it is really up to you.
Be sure to not grasp the pick too tightly or too loose. Hold it however feels comfortable, with a little bit of firm pressure. When you first start to strum, you may find the pick is falling out of your hand or coming loose. Now it is up to you if you want to make a fist or keep your other fingers extended. This is a matter or personal preference, and entirely up to you.
By following these basics tips for holding your guitar, it will help you to be not only a better guitar player, but a more comfortable one as well!
