This column is for those of you who are starting to learn to play acoustic guitar and are struggling with their posture. This is one of those problems that not many are aware of and can make the all learning experience much easier.
Practicing with a good posture can help the new student 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 students over the years that have had to stop playing for these exact same reasons.
The first thing to note is that playing guitar, or more importantly, when you learn acoustic guitar you put your body under a great deal of stress as the movements required to play properly do not come naturally to us, we were not designed to move our fingers and arms in this way. Sometimes you meet people who say they are natural guitarist and they find everything easy but it’s simply not true, unless of course they were born with calluses on their fingers.
Unfortunately I had to work hard to became a professional and I wasn’t part of that “elite”, and I can relate to these of us that are starting out and are finding it difficult to learn acoustic guitar. 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 the instrument is a process.
Always remember that when you play you should be relaxed and that you should not struggle. Think of your guitar as it’s your lover that you have in your arms. Some think that it’s a good thing to do some warm up exercises before you start your daily practice routine.
Most acoustic guitarist place the instrument on their right leg, but playing with it on your left leg in a more ‘classical’ style is still very acceptable. Try to keep the wrist of the fretting hand as straight as possible, this will reduce the risk of a trapped nerve.
A typical bad habit is to play like some rock band do with the guitar so low – when standing – that they can hardly press the strings. Although many believe that it sells records but I strongly believe it’s an uncomfortable position and I can’t imagine they can play properly.
When playing standing up I always suggest to have the strap long enough to ensure the guitar is in the same position as when you are sitting down. Many of us practice most of the time sitting down and perform standing up, therefore having the guitar always in the same position will ensure you’ll have always the same fell with the instrument.
Last tip of the day is to always keep the right hand as relaxed as possible. When strumming move the elbow and not the wrist, you should strum moving your forearm and not you hand.
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.
