Guitar & Musician Forums

Why is it that the classical guitar generally held on the left leg supported by a foot stool? Is it done to position the body of the player?

Good question! I hadn't noticed it till you mentioned it but yeah, many players do position it that way. I rest it on the right leg. I suppose it just comes down to what you've been taught and what you're comfortable with.

I kind of thought that is has been past down from teacher to student and kept that way through out the history of classical guitar playing. Even in China and other Asian countries the guitar is mostly played that way. I know for myself when I play one, it just comes in naturally to play it like that, don't know why though

Just guessing here, but I would think that putting it more leftward allows you to unbend the right arm for more comfortable use of the hand for all the fingerwork of classical, whereas pulling to the right leg might be more natural for strumming.

That's right. It's about the natural form - which seems odd because it feels akward at first! The guitar sits this way and does not need to be (or shouldnt need to be) held up in any way, leaving your arms and hands free just to play.

I've given it a try and it just feels wrong! Any tips?

mikeyBoab wrote:I've given it a try and it just feels wrong! Any tips?

Did you use a foot stool?