Preferred Guitar Position

Newmusician93 · Post by **Newmusician93** » Thu Mar 26, 2026 8:06 am

I started learning guitar a few days ago (mainly just A and D chords 15 mins a day until I start to get comfortable) and I'm noticing that I just cannot mesh with how acoustics are generally held; on the right thigh. I play right handed and I have my guitar on my left thigh and I generally lift my knee up to the tiptoes. I think this is how classical guitar is held. Is this okay or is it gonna mess stuff up for my learning in the future?

Post by **Olly** » Thu Mar 26, 2026 9:02 am

It does sound like how classical guitarists play and hold their guitars. I don't think there is anything wrong with it as such but it isn't the normal position for general acoustic playing.

You are very new to this and I would not worry right now. Going forward you will likely natually ease into other ways of holding the instrument which will likely conform to more the "norm". So for now, keep up the good work and keep playing!

MetalPlayer · Post by **MetalPlayer** » Fri Mar 27, 2026 8:54 am

It's better for your hand and wrist health. It's fine. You may want to put your foot up on something so you don't have to tip toe it tho. A book or two is common. There's also little guitar playing footstools you can buy if you decide you want the gear. Happy guitar playing and good luck :)

GearNerd · Post by **GearNerd** » Fri Mar 27, 2026 9:55 am

My first big guitar purchase for myself was a Jackson RR5 - offset Flying V, very heavy metal. Turns out it’s perfect for playing in classical position when sitting down so I jut got used to doing that, have had a few funny looks over the years but honestly it’s way more comfy to me.

UKPete24 · Post by **UKPete24** » Fri Mar 27, 2026 1:13 pm

Absolutely! You do you!

BluesGuy · Post by **BluesGuy** » Mon Mar 30, 2026 7:58 am

It won't mess you up for learning, and is the technically superior position. It will however get you weird looks or laughs at parties are no action from the opposite sex.

MetalPlayer · Post by **MetalPlayer** » Tue Mar 31, 2026 9:18 am

I found the classical position easiest and still default to it, especially for learning new material. Love seeing the fret board up close for finger positioning. But I have found that as I get better and have more muscle memory, I can play from the hip. Get a small step, guitar foot rest or stack of books too, that tiptoes is tiresome.