How to Use Correct Posture when Playing Classical Guitar

Correct posture is extremely important in classical guitar but almost never addressed in most other playing styles. The objective in maintaining correct posture is to allow for good playing without expending any unnecessary effort. The following steps will show how to use correct posture when playing classical guitar.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Use a chair that places your thigh at a right angle with your trunk. Your back should be kept straight to prevent fatigue resulting from prolonged playing. You may look down at the fret board but should not lean over it by hunching your back.

2. Place the foot opposite the playing hand on a foot rest with both feet flat at all times. The foot rest should generally be about 6 inches high but if your heel has a tendency to come up, it may need to be higher.

3. Keep the neck of the guitar at about the two o'clock position. This should allow your hand to fret all of the strings while maintaining your wrist at a comfortable angle.

4. Ensure that your shoulders stay relaxed at all times. This tends to become more difficult after you have been playing for a prolonged period or need to concentrate on a difficult passage.

5. Allow the upper part of your fretting arm to hang straight down at a relaxed angle. There should be enough space between it and your body to allow you to move up the neck if needed, but it should not be held out to the side because this could force your wrist into an awkward angle.