Your Classical Guitar Input Here

guitar position

Why is the guitar held in a different position for classical vs. non-classical, and how important is it to learn classical having the guitar on my back leg with the neck laying straight vs. having the guitar sit on my front leg with the neck pointed at an upward angle.

Thanks

There are several positions you can put the classical guitar although on your left leg (for right handed guitarists) is the most common.

Actually, when the guitar sits on the left leg the right leg is also in contact with the end of the guitar, your right fore-arm is resting on the upper bout and your left hand is holding the neck via the fingers and thumb.

All this contact means the guitar is in a very secure position and if your music stand is situated properly you should be able to view your music and keep a close watch on your left hand as it fingers the notes and chords of a piece.

From this position, especially when the neck is at an upward angle, you should be able to move and reach over the whole length of the neck of the guitar without any undue stress or tension. You are in effect playing from a very relaxed and comfortable position which normally is reflected in how you play.

Of course, many people feel comfortable resting the guitar on the right leg but to me it is not as secure as the traditional position.

I hope this was of help.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.