Posture
Developing the correct posture is very important when learning to play the guitar in a natural, healthy way. By keeping your upper body relaxed and learning how to have proper posture while standing and sitting, you will be able to play to your best ability while also avoiding injury. Holding and playing the guitar will even begin to feel subconsciously natural after you have gotten comfortable with the instrument.
To open the Voice Commands, just say, "Connie, Open the Command Hub."
Maintaining Good Upper Body Posture
Good Posture
Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. While practicing, keep your back as straight as you can without putting any strain on your lower back, focusing on upper body alignment. This will provide you with more flexibility, while helping to reduce any aches.
Shoulders.
Focus on keeping your shoulders relaxed, while keeping some slight pressure in your shoulder blades. Although your shoulders may shift while playing some parts, try to keep some levelness. If it is hard to keep your shoulders level, you may need to reposition your guitar.
Take Breaks.
You should only practice between 30 minutes to an hour - then take a short break. During your break, put the guitar down and do some upper body stretches on your back and shoulders. Regular rests, ensures that you don't become tense while playing.
Good Sitting Posture
Correct Seating.
Purchase a folding chair to sit on while playing. Find a folding chair, or any chair that is low to the ground. Make sure that the chair allows you to comfortably sit up straight. Sitting on a couch or bed will make it difficult to practice good posture while playing guitar.
Sit Properly.
Sit at the front of the chair to avoid slouching. Using the back of the chair as support for your back and shoulders will make it hard to have proper posture. Do not rely on the chair for support and focus on staying at the front of the chair the entire time you play.
Foot Placement.
Place both feet on the ground and spread them apart comfortably. Doing this will allow you to keep your back posture and allow you to rest the guitar on your thigh. If you need to raise your leg to support the guitar, then your chair is too high or your guitar needs to be repositioned.
Classical.
When playing, keep the guitar close to the center of your body. The guitar sits between your legs, resting on the inner thigh, so that the guitar stands at a 45 degree angle. Optionally, Placing your leading foot on a footstool, will keep the guitar raised and in the proper position.
Regular.
To play in this position, place the guitars body on your leading thigh. In this position, the guitar is more horizontal and your forearm gently rests on the guitars body. Allow the guitar to sit balanced, you should not need to use your hands to balance it.
Regular Positioning.
Rest your forearm on the lower part of the guitar's body. With your forearm here, you should not be supporting the neck of the guitar with your other hand. Check the balance of the guitar is correct by taking your other hand completely off of the guitar.
Good Standing Posture
The Strap.
Guitar straps are an important part of playing the guitar while standing, they are affordable and can be purchased online too. Once you receive the strap, attach it to the strap pins on both ends of your guitar. Always ensure that the strap is secured before playing.
Strap Adjustment.
With the guitar strap properly attached, put the strap over your head and let it fall naturally at your waist. If you prefer playing with the guitar in a low position, adjust the strap to let the guitar fall lower. If it is too low, adjust the strap to raise the guitar.
Standing.
Keep your feet in line with your shoulders. Even though you could be moving around while playing, keeping your feet spread in a natural way, helps posture. Keeping your feet below your shoulders will keep your entire body in line and will help you stop any aches.
Even a soft strum can get a pretty loud sound. A lot of beginner's tend to hit their guitar with everything they’ve got, and can sound harsh to other people. Take your time and try to think about other people too.