Learn To Play Acoustic Guitar: Why You Cannot Press Chords Properly
Posted by Kay Stanford Jr Kastum at 2:34 PMThis guitar column is aimed to help you learn the basic posture when playing guitar. Posture is one of the most neglected problems with beginners and if properly addressed can make a huge difference in their playing.
Playing with a good posture can help the pupil avoid stress and play more easily but also helps prevent injuries such as "Tennis Elbow", "Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Carpel Tunnel Syndrome" or in worst cases "Tendinitis". I have met a few guitar players over the years that had to stop playing for these same reasons.
The movements required to play are unnatural, and when you are starting to learn acoustic guitar you will put your body under a great deal of stress. Pressing strings, picking or strumming at the same time with the beat require a certain amount of dexterity and commitment and it's not natural. If you hear otherwise it's probably from those "special" players that where born with calluses on their fingers and are generally so good already that don't need to practice.
Unfortunately I had to work hard to became a professional and I wasn't part of that "elite", that's why I can relate to these of us that are starting out and are finding it difficult to learn acoustic. Don't worry guys you are not the only one that had a tough time at the beginning and be assured that it can be done - learning guitar is an on going process.
There are a few ways to hold a guitar and the bottom line is that it must feel natural without any form of struggle whatsoever. It's like holding a lover, you don't want to be rough. It's a good idea would be to do some warming up and stretching exercises before you start your practice session as well.
Many modern acoustic guitar players rest the guitar on the right leg while the classical technique of resting the guitar on the inner part of your left leg is still used. You might wanna try them out and see which one works best for you. Remember to keep the wrist of the fretting hand as straight as possible to prevent the risk of a trapped nerve.
Often you will see footage of rock players with guitars strapped so low that in order for the fingers to make contact with the frets the wrist is at a right angle, no need to say this is extremely bad for the nerves in the forearm as well as the general circulation of blood.
If you wish to stand up with your guitar then its best that the guitar is in the exact same position on your body standing as it is when sitting down. Not only will this ensure that you play comfortably but it also allows you to play anything you can play sitting down (when you are practicing). Happens that you will learn a really complex lick then go to play it onstage only to find you can't, chances are this is because your guitar is in a different spot on your body and therefore your hands don't actually know how to play in this position.
Lastly make sure your strumming hand is relaxed when playing and that makes mechanical movements.
Playing with a good posture can help the pupil avoid stress and play more easily but also helps prevent injuries such as "Tennis Elbow", "Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Carpel Tunnel Syndrome" or in worst cases "Tendinitis". I have met a few guitar players over the years that had to stop playing for these same reasons.
The movements required to play are unnatural, and when you are starting to learn acoustic guitar you will put your body under a great deal of stress. Pressing strings, picking or strumming at the same time with the beat require a certain amount of dexterity and commitment and it's not natural. If you hear otherwise it's probably from those "special" players that where born with calluses on their fingers and are generally so good already that don't need to practice.
Unfortunately I had to work hard to became a professional and I wasn't part of that "elite", that's why I can relate to these of us that are starting out and are finding it difficult to learn acoustic. Don't worry guys you are not the only one that had a tough time at the beginning and be assured that it can be done - learning guitar is an on going process.
There are a few ways to hold a guitar and the bottom line is that it must feel natural without any form of struggle whatsoever. It's like holding a lover, you don't want to be rough. It's a good idea would be to do some warming up and stretching exercises before you start your practice session as well.
Many modern acoustic guitar players rest the guitar on the right leg while the classical technique of resting the guitar on the inner part of your left leg is still used. You might wanna try them out and see which one works best for you. Remember to keep the wrist of the fretting hand as straight as possible to prevent the risk of a trapped nerve.
Often you will see footage of rock players with guitars strapped so low that in order for the fingers to make contact with the frets the wrist is at a right angle, no need to say this is extremely bad for the nerves in the forearm as well as the general circulation of blood.
If you wish to stand up with your guitar then its best that the guitar is in the exact same position on your body standing as it is when sitting down. Not only will this ensure that you play comfortably but it also allows you to play anything you can play sitting down (when you are practicing). Happens that you will learn a really complex lick then go to play it onstage only to find you can't, chances are this is because your guitar is in a different spot on your body and therefore your hands don't actually know how to play in this position.
Lastly make sure your strumming hand is relaxed when playing and that makes mechanical movements.
About the Author:
Learn acoustic guitar is now possible even with out a physical tutor. The Author has a fantastic FREE "Learn Acoustic Guitar Chords" eBook. Go and get it.